Will Sears – Better Letter Hand Painted Signs

Will Sears is putting out some beautifully hand painted signs from his studio workshop in Portland. He uses traditional hand painting techniques with custom lettering that give a nod to the earlier masters of the trade.  Fresh or reclaimed wood from torn down barns and other sources end up being the canvas for Will’s designs, depending on the look the client is going for.
The painted signs of years past on Maine buildings and trips out to San Francisco over the past few years has fueled his hunger wanting to paint signs with more style and finesse.
With a DIY approach to the craft of sign painting brought on by his background in skateboarding, graffiti, and being in bands, Will has worked and taught himself traditional techniques like pouncing, which is where the paper is perforated with a spiked wheel and then charcoal powder is rubbed into the holes to transfer the outline.
Even with the impressive body of work he has produced, he still sees himself as a humble servant of the tradition. If you’re at all familiar with OXBOW, Eventide, or El Rayo, then you’ve already seen Will’s letter and sign painting around. Better Letter Hand Painted Signs.

Here’s some photos from a recent studio visit with Will Sears and Better Letter Hand Painted Signs.

Stencil prep.

Fonts all day long….

Tools of the trade…

Hand crafted with a steady hand. Will uses the traditional method of pouncing to lay down a stencil with charcoal powder.

Will’s got tons of these Absolutely hand painted signs around his shop.

Gun stock.

Check out Will’s sign painting at betterletterhandpaintedsigns.com.