As we all know, mural and sign making is a small world, one that’s been made even smaller through the internet. Now, muralist and sign painters can find each other online in various forums and websites, and that’s where they can learn new tricks, show off their favourite pieces, discuss the business, and even pick up work. But finding these hallowed places online can be a challenge. So where are the best sites for getting the info and community you need? Well, we have a few that we absolutely adore, and we’ll share them with you right here, right now.
1. SignCraft Magazine
SignCraft is an amazing magazine, that’s the first thing you need to know. The magazine has been an amazing resource for thousands of sign painters around the world, sharing tips on not only how to do the work, but how to run the business, an aspect of sign painting many of us don’t necessarily know everything about. But don’t take our word for it, take theirs, straight from their website:
“Since 1980, SignCraft has delivered the straightforward, hard-to-find information that sign people need, not only to survive, but to succeed in this competitive, changing industry. Sign makers around the world count on SignCraft to make their work easier and more profitable.“
On their community boards, you’ll find a whole bunch of people who know the sign painting business, and are more than excited to share their knowledge and experience. And since it’s on a website for an actual magazine, the information is debated and discussed by people with the right credentials to back up what they’re saying. That’s a great thing to have, no matter what stage of the game you’re at.
2. Creative Signmakers of America
A heavily moderated and closely watched forum website, the Creative Signmakers of America take their chosen profession very seriously, and expect the people using their site to do so as well. This website is members only, so you will need to sign up, but once you have, we doubt you’ll regret it. Each forum is packed with great info by people who really love their job, and are very passionate about keeping the craft alive and well respected. If you want serious advice, this site is the right one for you.
3. Signs 101
Finally we have Signs 101, the Reddit of sign websites, a place where you can find topics on just about anything related to signs, and people at all stages of sign making. This site is one that’s equal parts informative, funny, and perhaps ill-informed, so it’s best to be left until you have a grasp of what you’re doing. That being said, it’s an invaluable resource for people who want something a little off-kilter, or for anyone who wants some ideas on how to distinguish themselves from the competition.
There’s plenty of places where you can go online to connect with other sign painters, but we recommend you start with these three. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but we’re confident you’ll get some much-needed info at each one.
