I am a professional signwriter and sign maker based in Canterbury, Kent with over 15 years experience of text, layout and sign design. Specialising in traditional sign writing by hand; I use only the finest, highly durable signwriter’s enamels and specialist paints.
Whether you need a signwritten shop front fascia, chalkboard menu, house size wall mural or anything in between, I will work closely with you to provide an artistic solution tailored to suit your business or project.
My creative skills have been of benefit to many businesses in Canterbury and throughout Kent. I have crafted beautiful, hand painted signs for restaurants, shops, pubs & cafés. My work also includes seasonal food & drink fairs and music festivals such as Lounge on the Farm (2005-2014), Whitstable Oyster Festival (2015-present), Canterbury Food & Drink Festival (2014-present) and more.
Need a sign built from scratch?
I have fabricated signs of all sizes for my customers from large stage backdrops and festival hoarding, swing signs for pubs through to small signs for garden gates or house names. The quality materials I use are key to the longevity and durability of the signs I make.
Please enjoy taking a moment to browse my site. If you require a quote or more information, do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you.
Dan Beedle / Sign- Boy
Who is Sign-Boy?
I specialise in traditional sign painting, using techniques and tools that have been inherent to my trade for centuries. Although the skills I have accrued are rooted in tradition my approach is progressive, combining the historical craft of signwriting with modern digital media.
Working in this way I am able to provide my customers with an accurate representation of the piece prior to work commencing. This design can then be overlaid onto a photograph of the area to be signwritten. Click the link below for an example showing the proof I created and the finished piece.
Of course, I am not a machine and the end result will vary depending on the nature of the project but my aim is to always provide the most accurate portrayal of my customer’s wishes while remaining sympathetic to the environment where the sign is situated.
Example of Signwriting Proof
The Merits of Signriting
The key to a great looking sign is not just in the design. Choosing the most suitable method of sign application for the project is just as important. I can appreciate that in some situations, e.g. vehicle graphics; a hand painted sign might not be the best fit. For the majority of applications, however, I believe the merits of traditional signwriting techniques make them the most desirable choice.
Here are some of the advantages:
- Highly durable, all weather finish with no susceptibility to peeling or bubbling; I guarantee my work for 10 years
- Long lasting, fade resistant enamel pigments
- Specialist paint additives allow application in high / low temperatures without compromising on the lifespan of the sign
- Intrinsically versatile allowing greater creativity in design
- Can be applied to any surface – of particular advantage on uneven, corrugated or porous materials
- Enamel painted signs can be cleaned regularly with no worry of accidental removal
- Inherently irremovable, once the paint has dried it cannot be removed without specialist attention (no risk of lettering being removed by vandals)
- Sympathetic to historic / listed buildings and generally preferred by councils with regard to various advertising consents
There are many situations where traditional signwriting can be applied. Contact Sign-Boy to discuss your specific requirements.
Traditional Signriting
A simple and effective way of communicating to customers or visitors to your business / event. Chalkboards are ideal for situations where the information you wish to present is temporary or changes regularly.
The adaptability of this type of signwriting is endless. Such applications could include:
- pub menus & drinks promotions
- restaurant wine lists and specials boards
- gig venue calendars
- festival line-ups
- deli counter signs
- coffee shop menus
- wedding table seating plans
- ‘golf sale’ placards
Be it a simple list or something more elaborate and decorative, I use professional, water-resistant ZIG paintpens to create smart looking layouts that clearly present your message in a style that is tailored to your business or event.
My bespoke service reflects the individuality of my customers, ensuring that your chalkboards stand out from the crowd.
Creative Chalkboards
Windows provide an excellent opportunity to display engaging information and draw passers by into your business.
It could take the form of a permanent sign such as:
- your restaurant’s name (particularly if the building does not have a suitable size fascia board above the window)
- your store’s opening times
- a frieze displaying the services / products you supply
- any details you wish to keep on constant display.
Short term messages such as special offers and promotions are equally fitting as a direct way of communicating to potential customers. These types of sign can be easily & swiftly removed allowing a new message to be set in place. Regularly updating a window sign keeps your customers informed and can generate more interest in your business.
It needn’t be all about sales or price cuts either. I also create beautiful, eye-catching window art. These bespoke pieces can be tied in with particular promotional themes or deployed simply as an abstract means of grabbing attention and getting people talking about your business.
Whatever the requirements your windows are a prime advertising area for which I can provide a captivating and artistic sign solution, all hand painted in reverse on the inner surface.
Bespoke Glasswork
A mural can be just the thing to brighten up an area at work or at home. Not only can they enliven a space but they also create a unique environment for the enjoyment of your customers, employees or family.
Murals can also provide an imaginative and fun play area for children:
- brighten up a waiting room corner
- create an interactive play wall for a playgroup or crèche using magnetic paints
- create an inspiring feature wall for a child’s bedroom
Similarly, they can transform an outside area:
- bring some much needed colour to your courtyard
- raise the profile of your company logo (literally, by upscaling it to building size)
- go all out with a realistic looking trompe l'oeil mural
Whatever the locale, I will work with you to create an imaginative piece that expresses the artistic side of you or your business.
Artistic Murals
© Sign-Boy 2020
