Sign maker Amina Morbi didn't have any training in sign-making when she
got into her husband's business 12 years ago, but she says she fit right in
and she loves her work.
"I like this job because, first of all, it is my own, and secondly, I am
a very creative person and love to create artistic graphics for signage,"
Morbi says.
As the owner of her own business, she has a lot to do. "I have to first
take care of all the paperwork, telephone calls, as well as the accounting
side. As a computer graphics artist, I have to make sure that all the artwork
is approved by the client; the vinyl [is] cut and ready for the sign makers
to apply; as well as see that all the material is readily available for the
workers to continue working for the rest of the day."
The hardest part of her job is finding "good heavy-duty workers and installers."
All the hard work notwithstanding, Morbi still feels it's well worth the
effort. She even encouraged her brother to get into the profession, and she
doesn't think he regrets his decision.
Morbi says it's important to have a creative and artistic spark. And never
underestimate the value of education. "You should definitely take advantage
of all the training that is now available to potential sign makers in schools
and colleges."
What is the hardest part about being a professional sign maker? Howie Cohen,
founder of a sign company in New York, says, "I find that this is a very labor-intensive
occupation. As a sole proprietorship, I spend many hours doing every part
of the business, from bending the glass to calling on customers, as well as
installations. Installations can be difficult, [and they] may involve climbing
high on ladders."
Should that discourage someone from going into this profession? Certainly
not! On the upside, sign-making is a very rewarding occupation.
"This type of work gives an individual a chance to show his [or] her talent.
There are very few jobs that when a sign is complete, you get immediate satisfaction
when the switch gets turned on and the customer sports a grin from one cheek
to the other."
Cohen also says there is satisfaction in knowing that you are creating
a legacy that may live on for many decades.
What advice would he give those interested in working with neon signs?
"I would suggest that an interested person go to a recognized school that
teaches the art form. Do not try it on your own. It could be dangerous and
most of all very frustrating if you have little or no knowledge base."
But Cohen says his best advice is to never send your work out to a customer
without making sure that you've done your best.
According to sign maker Kim Tytler, patience is an important characteristic.
"Perseverance is important in this business. It takes time to establish a
client base, and the development of marketing tools is key," she says.
"Portfolios that are interchangeable [flexible in terms of designs and
layouts] need to be created in order to appeal to a variety of business types.
Excellent quality 8 x 10 full-color photos are best and, wherever possible,
bring along a 'real' sign when visiting a prospect," Tytler suggests.
Tytler adds that creative blocks, weather and unrealistic deadlines can
be a downside of the business, but she believes the trade-off
is worth it.
"Sign design is an incredibly challenging and rewarding area of expertise.
The opportunity for others to see your work is very exciting."