Sign Painting First Year

BRUSH CONTROL
Brush control is the foundation of all sign painting.  It begins with the instruction and practice of various types of sign brushes as well as their characteristics, proper usage, and care.  Students must practice this method in order to become thoroughly proficient. After consistent practice, students quickly gain speed, accuracy, and confidence.

ALPHABETS (Basic)
A look at alphabets and their usage, and a basic exploration of primary strokes and letter parts in order to form simple letters. Alphabets are presented in a logical sequence according to their general characteristics and degree of difficulty.

COLOR (Elementary)
An introduction to traditional and seasonal color schemes most commonly used in basic show card writing.  Basic color shading techniques are also covered.

LAYOUT (Elementary)
The study of the arrangement of copy, including balance, margin, spatial relationships, positive/negative space, and letter proportions.  Assignments develop from thumbnails to roughs to finished art.

SHADING
Shading is used to make lettering appear raised. Students are trained and instructed in basic letter shading styles, usage, and advantages. 

SIGNS/SHOW CARDS (Elementary)
This course takes students through the various uses of posters or show cards.  Students study basic copy-block formulation, layout development, color combination, and decoration.

ALPHABETS (Supplementary)
Continuation of the study of basic classical Alphabets and their usage in sign graphics. Students are taught the construction and execution of modern alphabet styles: serif, sans serif, extended, condensed, and italics. 

COLOR (Intermediate)
An introduction to the 12-point color wheel’s application and usage in conjunction with available sign painter’s colors. Students are taught primary, secondary, tertiary, and intermediate colors plus color values, contrast, and intensity in relation to today’s signage styles.

LAYOUT (Intermediate)
Continuation of Elementary Layout using panels – cutting in panels, lettering on an arc and compound arc – as well as the study of new trends in the sign industry, incorporating more letter styles, colors, pictorials, and graphics.

Truck/VAN AND Boat Lettering
Students are introduced to the fundamental aspects of van/truck and boat lettering.  Study focuses on various layout problems, such as different body styles, hull designs, background colors, and textures of materials.  Traditional and contemporary layouts, shading techniques, and color schemes are discussed.

SIGNS AND POSTERS (Intermediate)
Provides additional training for designing signs and posters. Stresses importance of balancing color, design, and copy. Every sign assignment has specific requirements, while allowing for each student’s own creativity.  Emphasis is placed on striking a balance between individual style and the ability to meet specific requirements.