Since the outbreak, we’ve been advocates of more custom neon signs. After talking with other artists in our pod, we’ve compiled a “best” list to help anyone who wants to attempt bending glass. This new field of learning is exciting because it has the potential to transform market trends and create new income streams for creatives. Although the trade is not difficult, making neon signs can be confusing. Let’s take a look at how to make neon signs and what our favorite options are for learning awesomeness.
Enrol in a Course
First, let us talk about the reasons you might be interested. In essence, custom neon signs involve combining many techniques and skills (which can require both time and effort — think hot glasses, bombarding, and other pattern-making methods) in one way or another. You can learn from someone who can eventually guide you. We love the impact that finding a course can have on a person’s life. These are our favorite things about neon.
A Book
Custom Neon signs are not easy to create. It can make it easier for you, your staff, and buyers to understand the importance of a welcoming arch. Understanding how to add electrodes and noble gases as well as how to anneal tubes vital for ensuring neon glass emits light is a reality. Find out more about neon sign making by reading these books. Happy reading!
- The Neon Engineers notebook: a practical guide to optimizing the work environment. This book contains ideas and tips to optimize your machinery and yourself so that you produce the best work possible. These chapters are about glasswork and show how to improve your bending skills, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional.
- Neon Techniques (formerly Neon Techniques Handling): this manual has taught thousands how to make neon signs. Neon techniques, authored by an expert in neon, were last updated in 1997. The book includes everything you need to design, manufacture, troubleshoot, and repair neon signs.
- Neon Superguide Complete How To Handbook: the book succeeds the Neon Principles Workbook. This handbook is 216 pages and combines previous guides with new illustrations and text.
Intern
An internship can be a great way for you to experience the job of a neon sign worker. Many shops lack the resources or may be reluctant to hire more staff, especially those who don’t possess the required skills. But, many neon sign companies need someone who has practical experience in the field. Interns will have the opportunity to meet people. Make connections and attend every after-hours meeting. If you find yourself enjoying your work, it can give you validation and help you determine the skills you will need going forward.
Are you just beginning to explore the world of neon signs? Tweet @MondoNeon with your thoughts.
1. Document
Google searches are increasing by nearly 300 percent for neon signs, as people seek neon inspiration. It’s simple. You start with a sign and create a plan. These outlines are very popular with funding agencies, historical societies, and city offices. It is easy to save time by taking a picture showing the sign’s elevation as well as the building’s current status. Don’t believe me? Think about starting with the materials, age, and construction. Following that up with the number of transformers will yield a list of materials that you can quantify. It will tell them how much they’ll need to save in some capacity.
2. Host Your Challenge
Your own “save a neon sign” challenge. Group boards or private Facebook pages are great ways to gather positive vibes and support from your friends and family. If you are unable to find a community that excites you, why not make one? It’s possible to share photos of signs at-risk, announce a crowdfunding effort for a particular neon signal, and gather information from the past in order to build a compelling story.
3. Get new sign-saving ideas
There are many options on the internet to save signs. You can get help from local agencies and city planning to restore neon signs. For direction, consult the National Park Service’s Standards (Standards), Secretary of Interior. The 1991 Preservation Brief No. 25 covers the details of historic signs, and best practices, and gives you information on what regulations may be in place.
If all of this seems overwhelming to you, be resourceful and get in touch with a sign preservationist. Here are some suggestions to help you get more information, advice, and research support.
- American Sign Museum Cincinnati, OH
- Glendale (CA) Museum of Neon Art
- Ignite Sign Art Museum, Tucson, AZ