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Sign of the Times: How Have Signs Changed Through the Years?

Author: FASTSIGNS® Leeds

We’ve taken a quick look at the history of signs to see how their use has changed over the years and what new techniques are influencing sign design today.

Signs come in hundreds of different styles and can now take as little as a few minutes to produce. In a world full of signs, we help businesses of all shapes and sizes create a message that helps them stand out and create a lasting impression.

We’ve taken a quick look at the history of signs to see how their use has changed over the years and what new techniques are influencing sign design today.

The use of signs can be traced right back to Egyptian and Roman societies, when tradesmen carved emblems into stone and terracotta signs to signal their line of business. In the UK, some of the earliest signs were (unsurprisingly) created by public houses.

The Steam Packet signage

Old British pub sign

As cities expanded during the industrial revolution, tradesmen increasingly turned to sign painters to personalise their shop fronts and brand brick spaces with the name of their business. Some of these intricate pieces can still be glimpsed on the ends of old buildings in modern towns and cities across the world.

Browns general store sign

Early American painted shop sign

Early painted advertisements

Early painted advertisements

British metal signs

British metal signs

As advertising took off, during the early 20th century, more permanent and easier to produce signs became commonplace. People experimented with metals and other materials as printing techniques developed.

But it wasn’t until after WW2 that this really took off and technological innovations enabled signs to become bigger, bolder and brighter. Materials like plastic and neon meant people could create bright, attention-grabbing signs at much more affordable prices.

Hong Kong neon lights

Hong Kong neon lights

Since then, signs have rapidly become synonymous with famous city-scapes across the world.

Vegas sign

Vegas sign

Tokyo signs

Tokyo signs

Following this initial surge of new materials, we’re now seeing signs being used more subtly and creatively to reflect brand personality. Businesses are opting for a more unique design approach, whether that be something big and bold or something that has a more hand-crafted feel.

A sign should reflect the quality of your brand and give customers an idea of how you are different from your competitors. Our team love taking on new challenges and working alongside customers to realise new and innovative sign designs.

Got an idea for a custom sign? Tell us your visionand we’ll help you get started.

epiphany signage

Industrial sign produced by FASTSIGNS® Leeds for a Leeds digital marketing agency

smoke barbecue signage

Mixed media restaurant sign handmade by FASTSIGNS® Leeds

motor marque signage

Smart reception sign produced by FASTSIGNS® Leeds for a Leeds garage