47 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 260 - August / September 2025 munity of other signwriters, and the “open, multi-generational, multi-national spaces” at Letterheads gatherings, which provide countless “opportunities to learn and refine skills”. Tomos Jones Bangor, North Wales Since 2021| www.momosigns.co.uk While his background is in youth and community work, Tomos Jones fell into the craft of signwriting after a friend asked him to paint a menu on a cafe wall. They asked: “Why aren’t you doing this for a living? You’re clearly enjoying yourself.” This made Jones consider signwriting as a future career direction. After quickly discovering the work of master craftsman, and North Wales neighbour, David Kynaston, Jones was “hooked” and “knew what I wanted to do with my life”. Jones describes himself as a sign-maker rather than ‘just’ a signwriter, as he gets involved in much more than painting the lettering. He deploys his carpentry skills on a variety of projects and has built up a big body of mural work, including public art installations. His clients come to him looking for something unique that will set them apart, rather than “blend in with everyone else”. When newcomers ask for his advice on getting into the craft, Jones relays the things he did when he was just starting out. These include putting in the hard hours of diligent practice – “You can’t pay someone to practice for you!” – especially the drawing of letters, which is fundamental before trying to shape them with a brush. Beyond that, studying good reference materials and seeking out experiences with other signwriters are also important: “Reach out, ask questions, study, practice, and, above all else, don’t let fear of failure get in the way of trying”. Bungo Sign Co. Rachel E Millar & Hana Lindsay Glasgow, Scotland Since 2017 (Rachel) | 2022 (Hana) www.bungosignco.bigcartel.com The Bungo Sign Co. was founded in 2022 when established signwriter Rachel E Millar and her regular collaborator Hana Lindsay joined forces. The name comes from the Strathbungo area of Glasgow where the duo serve the city of Glasgow from a shop that was previously a fishmonger’s. Local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors, form the bulk of Bungo’s clientele. “In Glasgow especially, we find there’s a strong culture of supporting local makers and independent businesses. It’s quite a small city and usually people opening new shops know someone who knows us and knows we’re good to work with” says the pair. The two signwriters only work with traditional signwriting and gilding methods, with everything done by hand. They’ve enjoyed being part of the “revival of traditional, hand-crafted skills over the last ten years” which has worked in their favour as “it’s made it a trendy thing to get for your shop!” Their approach also gives them an advantage when it comes to certain environmental and regeneration projects where this way of working is a pre-requisite. Both Bungo partners learned the signwriting craft through the guidance, support, and experience given to them by others, and they’re now reciprocating through their own teaching of workshops. They encourage newcomers in the same way that they were encouraged and are mindful of the specific challenges faced by women in the trade. “Women in general are way less likely to shout about their achievements and what they can offer, so we remind ourselves all the time to shake off the imposter syndrome and show people what we can do!” ADVENTURES IN SIGN PAINTING WITH SAM ROBERTS ▲Tomos Jones loves Lettering old vehicles and this 1938 Fordson E38W is one of his favourites to date ▼Bungo Sign Co.'s Hana Lindsay working with a palette of classic green, ivory, and yellow for the Koelschip Yard pub sign
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