Becoming a Signwriter

Out in the street, we can see many kinds of signs and signage. Some are plainly written on a board while there are also those with elaborate backgrounds and colors designs. Others are large, sitting neatly on billboards while others are small. Some signs are modernly made complete with lighting and special effects while there are also those which are traditionally and perhaps manually written.
Back in time when technology is not yet so advanced as it is now, signs were mainly made by application of paint on wood or metal as was done by a certain signwriter in the early years of 1950s when he fashioned billboards, store displays and other old advertising materials. These days, the job of a signwriter has been entirely assisted by CAD, or Computer Aided Design. It is a software application that makes it easier for the sign artist to put on blends of color to be used on vehicle doors, glass displays and billboards. This program is especially useful for large and commercialized signs. Right now, there are still signwriters who do traditional signwriting utilizing their talents in painting and manually writing the signs.
In high school there are elective courses offered in various schools which might help an individual to decide on which course to take up in college. If you are interested on embarking a career in signwriting, start by signing up for mix shops and art classes offered in high school. In college, the aspirant sign writer may take up courses in advertising and marketing where he or she can put into use the skills gained from the elective courses.
However, prior to enrolling for college courses related to signwriting, it would be a smart idea to search and inquire from schools whose main focus is about sign making and signwriting. Otherwise, you may also choose to register from a liberal arts school. There are particular academies offering certification programs and workshops solely for artists aspiring for a career in creative advertising. Aside from the actual college courses, you may also broaden your craft by participating in other educational programs for visual arts and communication, business and engineering as a signwriter may also find professional space in other areas.
As mentioned, CAD applications are popularly in demand these days so a modern signwriter should also know sophisticated methods and not only traditional means of creating signs. To learn how to use CAD properly, there are specialized CAD courses available for anyone with interest for it.
Nothing beats actual education. Meaning you get to learn and become familiar with the real world of signwriting by applying for apprentice positions where you not only get to learn the tools and skills first hand but you also earn money from it. Jobs may include stocking supplies at a hardware or arts supplies store or even assistants to professional sign artists.
Upon learning and gathering necessary skills, purchase a special software for sign writing if you can afford it. Free out some space at home where you can start your own sign making company or you may apply for paid positions in big companies.