About

I have been drawing for as long as I can remember and hand lettering as far back as those cardboard school projects.

My family moved to Coffs Harbour in late 1977. Shortly thereafter, I was informed that I had to do work experience. What the? I made the call to G & B Edwards Signwriters.

I was completely mesmerized. Graham was the consummate craftsman. I stayed in touch regularly after that and often worked back there during the school holidays.

Although I continued on to do my HSC I had my heart set on becoming a signwriter. During this time I also completed a two year part-time Showcard and Ticket Writing course at Coffs Harbour Tech College.

Throughout the final year of my HSC I applied for a number of government signwriting apprenticeships and was successful landing the sole position at Garden Island (there were always many of other trades available but only one for Signwriting!).

Graham had a change of heart and also decides to offer an apprenticeship (he had only ever had one other apprentice and had previously decided that would be his last). Although wanting to move to Sydney, I stay to learn for 4 years with the master tradesman.

During the final year of my apprenticeship, I successfully apply for (a three part process) one of the sought after positions for the 2 year full-time Graphic Design course at Randwick TAFE.

Back in the late nineties, I complete a three year part-time Advertising course at Ultimo TAFE . I also finally become versed in the graphics software BIG 3 - Quark (RIP!), Photoshop and Illustrator. My prior thinking of not needing to become computer literate turns out to be slightly off the mark!

Marketing and typography (and some technology - would you believe!) continue to be a great source of learning, interest and inspiration.

I have been working between the signwriting and signmaking, graphic design and advertising industries since that time.

If you'd like to talk with me about your next signwriting or signage project give me a a call - Kel - on 0407 289 312

John started his trade as a signwriter way back when...

In between travelling the world with longer stints in Oz, NZ and the UK,
John is and has always remained a signwriter. A real Pro!
His skills as a signwriter and signmaking allrounder always in demand.
This enabled him to stay in the industry when many other tradesmen moved on.
Until finally those unique signwriting skills are back in demand!

He has been responsible for many gold leaf honour boards in Sydney.

John and I worked together for many years and on many of the projects you see on these pages.
I had hoped we would work on many more.
He has since moved to to Brighton, UK.

Check out some more of his work on instagram