Signwriters design, paint, manufacture and
install signs for displays, buildings, shopping complexes, signboards,
boats, vehicles and structures.
Signwriters design, make, paint and install signs for a variety of
commercial, industrial and practical purposes. They consult with their
client about the type of sign they need, select the materials required,
then plan and design the required piece. They may draw or paint signs,
make three-dimensional lettering for signs, make screen
printed signs, and bend glass to make illuminated signs. They cut board
and metal to size, prepare the surfaces so that lettering and other
designs can be applied, and clean the sign once it has been
manufactured. They may also seal the finished sign with a spray or clear
vinyl material.
ANZSCO Description
& ID: 399611 - Signwriter
: Designs, fabricates and paints signs for displays, buildings, hoardings,
boats and structures. Registration or licensing may be required.
Alternative names: Sign and Graphics Industry Worker;
Signmaker
Specialisations: Sign Manufacturer
Knowledge, skills and attributes
interest and ability in drawing and design
organisational and analytical skills
willing to work at heights
good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal
colour vision
talk to clients to find out their requirements
and provide digital images or miniature colour sketches if required
conferring with clients and responding to
proposals, sketches and written instructions to determine composition of
signs
designing and creating signs and graphics using
computer software and signmaking machines
designing and creating signs by measuring and
calculating letter size, preparing the surface, applying background
paint using brushes, sprays and rollers, and creating the letters using
brushes, stencils, enamel paint and decals
select suitable materials for signs such as
adhesive vinyls, LEDs and LCDs, timber, plastic, metal or glass
prepare surfaces (by filling any holes, sanding
and cleaning)
mix oil paint, enamel, plastic paint, poster
colour or varnish
digitally design, sketch or draw letters and
images with a template (pattern), paint the background (if required) and
paint or print the sign
painting signs on brick, metal, timber, glass,
plastic and other surfaces
create two-dimensional or three-dimensional
lettering using router, laser or rotary engraving, as well as graphics
using computer- operated machinery
design custom vehicle art, wall murals, screen
prints and gold-leaf work
Signmakers work both indoors and outdoors, and spend some time on ladders
or scaffolding.They may be required to work in
confined spaces or use toxic substances.
Signwriters may work in workshops or studios
developing designs, then visit clients in shops and other businesses to
install the finished product. They work in a variety of weather conditions,
and may be exposed to paint or chemical fumes. They usually work regular
business hours, but may work longer hours at times, such as to install signs
for businesses. Signwriters may work individually or as part of a design and
installation team.
Tools and technologies
Signwriters may use traditional enamel paints and paintbrushes to paint
signs by hand, or they may use computer-aided design (CAD) software to
produce two or three-dimensional signs or illumnated signs. They also use
drawing and measuring equipment to plan their work. They work with materials
such as aluminium, glass, perspex and plastic, stainless steel, wood and
vinyl. They use ladders, scaffolding and hand and power tools to install the
signs, and may also use some electrical equipment to install illuminated
signs. They also use scanning, printing and laminating technology to
transfer images onto their signs.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a signmaker you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in
Signage.Entry requirements may vary, but
employers generally require Year 10.
The signwriter (sign manufacturer) apprenticeship
usually takes 48 months to complete and is available as a school-based
apprenticeship.
Employment Opportunities for a Signmaker
Most signmakers are self-employed. Others work for signwriting firms or
industrial and commercial firms. Most jobs are in metropolitan areas.
Competition for apprenticeship positions is strong. Technological changes
and computer-aided production have significantly reduced the workforce.