"When I grow up, I'm going to be a sign designer!" said no one ever.
This guest blog is written by Mars Bravo from Signs From Mars.
Everyone’s story of how they became a sign maker, sign designer, or ended up in the sign industry is unique, yet we all share something in common; we landed into the craft and are mastering it.
Some followed in their family's footsteps into the sign business, while others were introduced to the industry through friends or relatives. Some were fortunate enough to catch the rise of sign trade schools, learning the craft of neon bending or sign painting. And then there are those who just happened to walk into a sign shop while looking for work—an encounter that changed the direction of our lives forever.
There are a lot of roles to take a sign from concept to installation, including maintenance and repairs. Most of my education comes from trial by fire or learning from those who have propelled the industry before me.
I became a sign designer, and I own my own business. I don’t design signs to look good on a screen, I design signs that work in the real world, considering every detail from start to finish. How can you become a successful sign designer? I share my tips and experience below.
Sign Design is a Journey
I have a vivid childhood memory. During a class assignment, my 1st-grade teacher gave us five career options to pick from, a doctor, police officer, veterinarian, lawyer, or firefighter. We were asked to choose what we wanted to be when we grew up, draw it, and write about it.
I remember feeling stressed out, thinking these were my only options for the rest of my life! I've never been happier to have been so wrong.
Although the role of a sign designer has existed for many decades, being a sign designer has been recently recognized as a specialized position in the industry. You don’t need to be a sign genius to start, but the journey can turn you into one.
What is a sign designer? A sign designer is an artist who develops concepts to create visually appealing and functional signs. Their work combines elements of graphic design, typography, architecture, engineering, and material science to design signs that effectively communicate messages, advertise businesses, provide direction, and enhance spaces.
I moved through various positions in a sign shop from site surveying, production, and installation to project management where I gained a holistic understanding of each step of bringing a sign to life. These weren’t just jobs; they were lessons that deepened my respect for sign design while sharpening my existing skills.
Currently, there isn’t a formal academic program or designated sign design school that will train you to become a sign designer, but there are several ways to build on your knowledge.
How to Grow in Sign Design
Learn Design Basics
An existing design background is needed to get started. Whether the experience lies in graphic design, illustration, or another related field, understanding the basic principles of design such as color theory, contrast, patterns, proportion, and alignment gets you halfway there. Proficiency in software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW is a significant advantage, if not non-negotiable, as these tools create sharable digital, production-ready artwork files for design, print, or sign fabrication. Many community colleges offer classes and online courses that introduce these design software programs.
Associations, blogs, and online forums are great ways to meet others in the industry and find valuable training. While there are only a few books on the subject, they can be incredibly helpful as well. My favorites are Thinking with Type, The Pocket Universal Principles of Design, and Signage and Wayfinding Design.
Engage with the Industry
You can attend sign workshops, conventions, and expos often hosted by material vendors, or by participating in sign conventions like the International Signage Association Expo, ISA. There are also several sign associations that share industry news and tips and tricks through webinars or in-person presentations. Engaging and connecting with other sign makers and being an association member allow you to learn from others' experiences and avoid common pitfalls like overcomplicating designs or underestimating time and costs.
Collaborate with Others
Learn from others in the industry in a different role from you by either shadowing them or asking questions about their sign projects. My success stems from my experience and knowledge of a sign lifecycle. Partnerships can accelerate your personal and professional growth. They provide a platform to tackle complex projects, lean on industry leaders, and expand your creative horizons. It is a powerful way to elevate your skills. Seek challenging and inspiring partnerships that push you to new limits and innovation.
My recent "In My Element" plaque project with Gemini was a game-changer. The collaboration wasn't just another project; it was an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and apply my design expertise in new and exciting ways. The partnership brought a fresh set of challenges that required me to think creatively and strategically and sharpen my time management skills. The project demanded precision, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of materials and techniques. It wasn’t just about creating stunning plaques; it was about crafting something that resonated with our vision and pushed boundaries.
The Impact of Sign Design
Sign designers play a vital role in the success of any sign shop. Adding a designer to the team is a strategic decision that boosts creativity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction while driving revenue growth. Their expertise in visual appeal not only enhances the quality of the signs but also strengthens client relationships, helping sign shops thrive in a competitive market.
The power of a sign designer extends far beyond the aesthetics of a sign. Their problem-solving skills can produce faster results, and they possess a unique communication style that ensures sign projects are clearly understood by all other team members. They are a critical tool in communication, branding, shaping environments, and influencing ways people interact with spaces, products, and even each other.
I encourage sign shop owners and team members to be patient with the development of their in-house sign designers’ skills. Recognize that investing in their growth is an investment in the business itself.
My sign knowledge and experience have allowed me to thrive as a sign designer, where every project benefits from my well-rounded understanding of the entire sign process. In my opinion, being a sign designer is one of the most enjoyable roles in the sign industry.
Sign design can be more than just a profession. It’s a craft that blends creativity, technical knowledge, and hands-on experience. For those of us who have fallen into this field, the path to becoming a skilled sign designer is filled with challenges, adaptability, and immense satisfaction. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, remember that success in sign design isn’t about where you begin, but how you approach the opportunities that come your way.
The signs we create aren’t just visual statements. They’re lasting imprints in every community and sometimes, history. Each design represents not only our artistic vision but our understanding of the environment, message, and people we work with. So, embrace the journey, seek out partnerships, and keep pushing your creative boundaries. The future of sign design is bright for those who are willing to carve their path in this evolving and rewarding industry.
About Mars
Mars Bravo, owner of Signs from Mars in Culver City, CA, is a visionary sign designer driven by her passion for innovative signage solutions. Combining creativity and purpose, she advocates for education and beautification in the sign industry. Mars's journey in design and entrepreneurship led her to establish herself as a significant presence in the field. As the driving force behind her business, she transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones through artistic signage, pushing the boundaries of conventional design. Mars actively engages in initiatives that inspire and uplift people, aiming to create not just signs but narratives that resonate with people on a deeper level.
