Sign Letterer (Signboards)
ひょうしきもじかきにん（かんばん）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Artisan who creates and installs signs and signboards for stores and buildings using hand-drawing techniques and painting skills.
Description
Sign letterers (signboards) perform surface preparation on various materials such as wood, metal, and acrylic, and use hand-drawn lettering or airbrushes to draw letters and designs. They listen to client requests, determine design layouts, adjust color balances and brush strokes, and aim for high-quality finishes. Work sites include both indoor and outdoor locations, and may involve high-altitude work or scaffolding assembly. In recent years, cases of reproducing designs created with digital design software by hand have increased.
Future Outlook
Demand is declining due to the spread of digital printing and LED signs. However, demand remains for hand-painted signboards in high-end stores and retro displays in shopping streets.
Personality Traits
Able to respond flexibly / Excellent aesthetic sense / High concentration / Meticulous
Work Style
Freelance / Full-time / On-site resident / Small workshop employment
Career Path
Apprentice → Artisan (Letterer) → Lead Artisan → Workshop Manager → Independent Business
Required Skills
Color theory knowledge / Hand-drawn lettering technique / Surface preparation / Understanding of paint types and properties
Recommended Skills
Airbrush technique / Design software (Adobe) / High-altitude work vehicle operation / Safe handling of solvents
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Required for precise letter expression and painting finishes. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity is essential for letter design and color schemes. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Required for long hours of standing work and high-altitude tasks. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Only basic precise measurements are needed; advanced calculation skills are not required. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Many small-scale tasks are done independently. |
Related Qualifications
- Color Certification
- Outdoor Advertising Specialist
Aliases
- Letterer
- Sign Painter
- Signboard Artisan
Related Jobs
- Display Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Painter
- Sign Designer