Signmaker
(Signwriter, Sign Industry Worker)
Fact Sheet
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Hand-painting a sign for a client |
Signmakers design, manufacture, install and paint signs for displays, buildings, signboards, boats, vehicles and structures.
Duties and Tasks
Signmakers may perform the following tasks:
- talk to clients to find out their requirements, and provide miniature colour sketches if required
- select suitable materials for signs such as timber, plastic, metal or glass
- prepare surfaces (by filling any holes, sanding and cleaning), and then mix the oil paint, enamel, plastic paint, poster colour or varnish
- sketch letters or draw with a template (pattern), paint the background if required, and then paint the sign
- create two-dimensional or three-dimensional lettering and graphics, using computer-operated machinery
- design wall murals, screen prints, gold-leaf work and custom-vehicle art
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake. Jobs requiring full use of hands/fingers are excluded.\par
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
These jobs involve the daily handling of substances which may cause irritation to skin, eyes, etc., and may aggravate dermatitis or other medical conditions. Jobs that require handling of chemical or greasy items are excluded.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs. Jobs requiring physical effort have been excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in the visual and graphic arts, in the crafts and in the performing arts, such as music, theatre, radio, film & television, as well as general entertainment and sporting jobs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS, to creatively express, present or perform them. An appreciation of design, style, form, beauty or related concepts used to develop or interpret an idea are important. Activities include writing, painting, singing, dancing, decorating, designing and performing.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.
Work Conditions
Signmakers work both indoors and outdoors, and spend some time on ladders or scaffolding. They may be required to work in confined spaces or use toxic substances. With the move towards computerised manufacture of signs, computing skills are becoming more important.
Personal Requirements
- enjoys and displays ability in drawing and design
- willing to work at heights
- good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
- accurate spelling
- good computer skills
- good working with hands
- willing to work both indoors and outdoors