Making of the Earsham Street Deli mural
How i designed, handpainted and gilded a mural for Earsham Street Delicatessen in Snape Maltings, Suffolk
CLIENTS BRIEF:
I was contacted by Michelle in the summer of 2022 to make some signage for the new branch of Earsham Street Delicatessen in Snape Maltings. There were a few signs that needed her current branding on that needed to advertise her store from the outside but she also pointed out a wall on the inside that she wanted a mural on. It was a large white painted brick wall in the hallway entrance to the new shop. I asked her if she had anything she wanted me to include in the sign and she showed me the sage green colour that she included in her branding. She also sent me her current logo by email.
I could already see in my mind that a large circular mural would look good in this space. Her branding is a modern rectangular shape and with considering the historical provenance of the Snape Maltings I asked her if she minded me playing around with her design. It was important for me to check that with her because I didn’t want to go off brand without her permission but I thought the mix of the Victorian Snape Maltings and her delicatessen, a job which also has historical meaning, could create a interesting connection.
The meeting concluded with me sharing my gilding obsession with Michelle. Her eyes lit up when I showed her the book of gold leaf I had with me. I think then she noticed my eyes light up too and she said, yes to everything you are thinking. Show me what you would do, I trust your opinion. I felt really excited then and knew I was going to put everything I had into making something really special for her.
DESIGNING:
I kept getting flashes of old branding in my head so I played around with some different aspects from them. I really liked the Cadburys font and with the link to food in the delicatessen I thought that would fit the theme well. On Illustrator I wrote out the words “ Earsham Street Delicatessen” in Cadburys-style lettering and played around with making the Street into St and having it on one line versus two and capitalisation until I found a layout that felt right.
Next I knew I wanted the design to fit into a circle so I put some around the text. I thought the circles were a bit plain so I thought to continue the food theme I would try some vine leaves. These didn’t quite feel right as they were over complicating the design and stealing the show away from the most important thing, the name and so I simplified the plant around the edge. I wanted to also bring the words “ Snape Maltings” into the design as I wanted to point out this new branch location and add an established date “Est.2007” as older companies would do. This took a bit of balancing but eventually I had a layout I really liked. Last of all I brought some chevrons in to fill the spaces in-between and make it a cohesive design. On to the colouring!
I knew I was going to use the sage green of Michelle’s current branding and the gold as a highlights for the design but it was missing another colour. I really liked the idea of a powdery midnight blue to set the design off so I put some different colour-ways together to show Michelle. We through a few options but eventually settled on the blue, green and gold mix and so it was time to paint!
PAINTING & GILDING:
As the job was going to be inside and I wanted a matt look for the colour, I got the green and blue paints colour-matched in water-based interior emulsions. I was also a little concerned about my gold size absorbing into the brickwork and not creating a nice smooth gold so I decided to take my favourite Zinsser BIN 123 primer to create a barrier between my size and the wall. I put the layout up in chalk, painted the colours in and the primer and finished off by gilding the gold highlights. You can see the process in my video here.
FILMING:
I never really think too in depth about how to film my work but I really love making them and treating them as part of the process. I think a lot of people these days worry about how to get “content” but I think if you treat it the same way as you treat any art project and make it fun then it wont feel laborious.
For this one I threw a few options in my bag: my phone, a charger, a flexible phone holder that can clip onto surfaces and a mini tripod. This is probably the most I have ever taken with me! I don’t plan shots before hand. For this one I just set it up on the phone holder and clipped it to a pipe on the wall and then occasionally I took it down to shoot some close ups by hand or by resting it on the mini tripod. It was a busy day with people walking into the shop so I actually thought my footage might not come out too well but because the video is so sped up you end up not even seeing them. The only thing I try to do while filming is get a few angles so its not too boring for the viewer and make sure I take a lot of final reveal shots from different angles and styles so that people can clearly see what I created. I like editing my own videos and I also enjoy getting some put together for me when I am busy. I was having a busy summer and I wanted it to look professional so I sent it out to my editor - www.londonfilmeditor.com
Essential signwriters kit
A Cheat sheet of Essential art materials for sign painters
Starting your journey into the world of signwriting is both exciting and rewarding. To ensure you’re well-equipped to create stunning signs, here is a comprehensive list of materials to consider packing with you for a job as a beginner sign writer. Many of these tools are versatile and can be used both on-site and in your home or studio, while others are optional and depend on your personal style and techniques. Please not the below does not include materials for gilding.
Signwriting Brushes
These can come in all sorts of options. My advice would be to start with a few and work up as needed. As a beginner I would recommend:
Sable Chisel Writer Brushes from Handover (2112 Series) in sizes 7, 4 and 2. I think this would be a good set for starting off.
Mack the Virus – A fantastic set of brushes if you need to do some lining. This is unlikely as a beginner but nice to play around with.
Remember to look after your brushes. If you treat them well you may never have to throw one away and therefore only add to your collection. Clean them well, keep the paint out of the ferrule as best you can and keep them conditioned. When I first buy a brush I rinse it in hot water and washing up liquid and then soak it in motor oi and store it. There are many options for keeping your brushes nice but I like getting an oil into the ferrule so that paint doesn’t find its way into there and dry up. Brushes like to be ‘worn in’ a little so you may find it gets better and better as you use it.
Paints & CHEMICALS
Signwriting Paints
There are many brands but I personally use 1shot. I would recommend getting a lettering white and black to start off with and then adding colours for the job needed or as you can afford it or would like some practice with some more fun colours..
Water based paints
These will be job specific so I would invest as and when a client requests a job that you think requires a water based paint. This would be certain interior jobs where I would like to get a matt finish , an exterior hard wearing emulsion paint for backgrounds for sign blanks etc.
Reducer for thinning paints
Flow Extenders for longer strokes and better control of drying times in different climates.
Tools and Accessories
Mahl Stick
Pounce and Pounce Pad- If needed for your style of layout
Pencils
Pens
Eraser
Pencil Sharpener
Scissors
Knife
Paint tin opener
White Chalk
Paint Palette
Cup holder
Cups
Posca Pens
Posca Pens are great for chalkboard jobs and therefore not essential for every job. These also can add up so building a collection over time is advised. Start with a black and white and learn lettering styles with them and then increase your size and colour collection as the jobs require them.
Tape
Decorators Tape
Low Tack Decorators Tape
Masking Tape
High Tack Tape (In case of troubleshooting)
A array of tapes is advisable. Decorators tape are excellent for quick sharp block lettering but low tack is essential for times when the surface is particularly fragile. Other times you will encounter a difficult surface or winds that peel your template away before you are ready and in these circumstances only a high tack tape will do.
Transfer Paper
Transfer Paper
Chalk paper
Graphite paper
Again multiple options are needed depending on the job. Multiple colours and styles are a good idea so you can to adapt to any surface or on-site need; Longer lasting for risk of rain, Easy clean up options, contrasting colours to see design well and options for if nothing else is working! Always test your transfer choice in an inconspicuous area to find the best option on the day.
Designs
Any templates needed for the job - A mix of sizes if unsure which is best. These can be pre chalked or pounce patterned for saving time on site.
Clean-Up Supplies
White Spirit - Cleaning brushes and diluting.
Rags and Paper Towels or wet wipes (please choose environmentally friendly wet wipes!)
Bin Bags
Brush Cleaner
Some people love Vaseline or specific brush protectors. I personally love motor oil. It seems to get those last nagging bit of paint out from the ferrule whilst keeping the brushes super smooth and conditioned. Remember to rinse brush in white spirit before taking it out and using in paint.
Microfibre cloths - Great for wrapping around ladder tops to stop indents or scuff marks on walls while painting. Also great for cleaning up small bits of chalk dust.
Protection
Specialist Mask if using nasty chemicals. Remember to Ventilate room too.
Painters Clothes or Apron
Gloves
Floor covering – Not needed on all jobs but essential for inside jobs to protect your clients flooring.
Additional Items
Brush Storage. For keeping brushes flat and clean
Kit Storage - For carrying all of your materials around.
Carrying all this equipment on public transport can be extremely tiring and you don’t want to turn up to work with a body that is not ready to stand on a ladder and arms too tired to paint. Once you have your kit together consider the best option or you. If you are based in a city and relying on public transport you will need a smaller more choosier kit. A suitcase with wheels could be a great option. You may even find a way to mount your ladder on the side of it. You may prefer to take a backpack and carry your ladder. If you are driving you can afford to take more kit with you and you may like proper custom branded signwriting brush boxes etc to hold your kit.
Easel or Workbench (For at home jobs) – choose one big enough to hold large heavy signs.
Ladder (On Site Jobs) – Choose wisely.
Some signwriters like the more lightweight ones and they are very popular. I have seen an accident with one of these and am not comfortable with how much they seem to bend when standing on them. I opted for a more ridged heavier weight one. Either way you will need one you trust with your life! Make sure you read up about your particular ladder so you can use it correctly. I also advise you learn about general ladder health and safety etiquette too. Never compromise your health to reach a sign. If you feel uncomfortable talk to your client about how to resolve this issue without risking yourself.
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with these essential materials will set you up for success as a beginner signwriter. With the right tools, paints, and surfaces, you'll be ready to practice your techniques and create beautiful, professional-looking signs. Happy signwriting!
How to be a signwriter
How to Become a Sign Writer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Sign painting is a timeless craft that combines creativity with technical skill. Whether you're drawn to the nostalgia of hand-painted signs or the desire to create bespoke signage for businesses, becoming a sign painter requires dedication, practice, and a keen eye for detail. This guide outlines the essential steps to help you embark on this fulfilling career path.
Step 1: Get Educated and Find an Apprenticeship
Starting your journey as a sign painter involves both formal and informal education. Here are key steps to build your foundational knowledge:
Find an Apprenticeship: Working under an experienced sign painter is invaluable. Seek out local sign painters and inquire about apprenticeship opportunities. Learning directly from a professional will provide hands-on experience, build your confidence and offer insights that can't be learnt from books alone.
Take a Course: Look for courses in sign painting, either online or at local art schools. Courses often cover essential techniques, materials, and styles, giving you a structured learning path.
Read Signwriting Books: Invest in reputable signwriting books that cover the history, techniques, and styles of sign painting. These resources can provide detailed instructions and inspiration. Books are incredibly helpful but I would still strongly advise learning from a Signwriter directly.
Step 2: Develop Your Artistic Skills
Artistic ability is the foundation of sign painting and can help enormously. Focus on developing skills in typography, layout design, and colour theory. Practice painting and drawing letters and designs freehand to build muscle memory and control. If you plan to make it a profession I would advise brushing up on graphic design basics, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. These come in handy when working with clients in helping them visualise their needs and also for creating on the job templates when needed.
Step 3: Learn the Basics of Typography
Typography is a crucial element of sign painting. Understanding different typefaces, spacing, and alignment is essential. Study traditional lettering styles such as Roman, Gothic, and Script. Practice replicating these styles by hand to gain a feel for their nuances. Reading about the history of fonts is fundamental.
Step 4: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Investing in quality tools and materials is essential. Basic supplies include:
Brushes: Sign painting brushes are typically made of natural hair and come in various shapes and sizes.
Paints: Signwriting enamels are used due to their durability and non-yellowing formulations in most jobs. House paints are also used where appropriate such as interior matt look jobs.
Palette and cups: For mixing your paint
Reducers: There are many on the market but a basic white spirit for thinning your paint is essential.
Mahl Sticks: Used to steady your hand while painting.
Pounce Wheels and Patterns or Transfer paper: For transferring designs to surfaces. Which you chose depends on your style but its good to know various ways and techniques to cover you for all jobs.
Extendable Ladder: This is not essential at first but as you progress to being a professional this will be needed for on site jobs. It can seem daunting at first but learn to paint first, then get your ladder legs. Having a calm attitude and receiving on -site experience with a signwriter is invaluable for learning this.
Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice
Like any craft, practice is key to becoming proficient. Never stop learning, reading, researching. There are many branches of signwriting to keep you occupied forever. The more you learn the better you get and the more you will be sought out by clients. Ask friends if they have any small jobs to start you off and get you used to the job. This is a great way for starting to build up your portfolio of work.
Step 6: Keep Photos and Videos of your Work
A strong portfolio showcases your skills and versatility. Include a variety of projects, such as storefront signs, murals, chalkboards and vehicle lettering. High-quality photographs of your work are essential. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to display your portfolio. These platforms are excellent for reaching a wider audience, connecting with potential clients, and gaining feedback from fellow artists.
Step 7: Network and Gain Experience
There are opportunities to network in the sign painting industry. Meetings are often held around the world where Signwriters gather to have a group painting session and a chin wag. This can give you an introduction to many different styles and improve your abilities enormously.
Step 8: Believe in Yourself
It's natural to experience self-doubt when pursuing a new craft, especially one as intricate as sign painting. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. With dedication and perseverance, anyone can become a skilled sign painter. Believe in your ability to learn and grow. Celebrate small victories and view mistakes as opportunities to improve. Confidence will build as you see your skills develop over time. Over the years I have seen many truly great artists end up not following their dreams, not because of their skills but because they didn’t believe they could do it. Don’t let that be you!
Step 9: Market Your Services
Once you feel confident in your skills, start marketing your services. Create business cards, a professional website, and social media profiles. Reach out to local businesses, offering your services for storefronts, event signage, and promotional materials. Word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews can help build your reputation.
Step 10: Charging Appropriately
Artists that do not train under an apprenticeship often miss this one crucial lesson; how to charge enough for the job. Signwriting pays a lot if you only consider the amount of time actually painting and there are many reasons for this.
- Course can be hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds per day, buying course books, building up a vast collection of art materials such as £80 brushes, books of gold leaf and telescopic ladders can all lead to an insane amount of money being spent each year so that you are ready to be able to deal with every style of job.
- It is a highly skilled job and you deserve to be paid well for all your blood, sweat and tears learning the craft.
- Meeting with clients, arranging jobs, building websites and the million other jobs that need doing to run your business efficiently are extremely time consuming and usually unpaid. Your time designing custom artwork and painting for your clients, needs to offset this unpaid time!
Apart from confidence issues this is probably the only other reason I see Signwriters fail. If you don’t charge enough you will not be paid what you deserve and your business will fail. Simple as! Training, research and reaching out to other signwriters for advice on this is key.
Conclusion
Becoming a sign painter is a rewarding journey that combines creativity with craftsmanship. By developing your artistic skills, learning traditional techniques, and gaining practical experience, you can create beautiful, bespoke signs that stand the test of time. Embrace the process, stay dedicated, and believe in your potential. With the right mindset and effort, anyone can master the art of sign painting and enjoy a fulfilling career in this timeless craft.