LEARN HOW TO SIGNWRITE WITH BOOKS BY JOBY CARTER
Discover how to create stunning hand painted lettering without a computer or modern shortcuts.
In these two stunning, full colour books, Joby Carter, one of the world’s leading experts in signwriting, fancy lettering and fairground art shares the techniques that have been passed down through the decades.
Both books are packed full of striking imagery of hand painted lettering alongside professional tips and guidance to inspire you to create your own handpainted lettering.
These books have been self published by Joby and are not available on Amazon.
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Joby says:
We all like to learn in different ways and as someone who has struggled with dyslexia all my life, I know how important it is to have information available in different formats. In both of my books you’ll find lots of photos, simple to follow diagrams and handy tips and tricks. If you’re a rule breaker when it comes to reading books, there is no need to start the book on page 1 and read diligently to the end, you can flick through until you see something that sparks your curiosity!
Signwriting: Tips, Tricks & Inspiration
The ultimate guide to signwriting describing the fundamental skills required to draw and paint letters by hand. Find out more.
All the Fonts of the Fair
Take inspiration from 26 unique hand drawn and hand painted alphabets inspired by vintage letterings styles found at fairgrounds. Find out more.
Signwriting Tips Tricks and Inspiration by Joby Carter
Available in paperback and hardback, this book is a great starting point for anyone with an interest in signwriting and hand painted lettering. The book includes lots of practical tips and seven reference alphabets.
Joby says:
“This was my first book and it was designed to get you started properly with the foundations. It’s packed with insider techniques and tips that have been passed down from master to apprentice for generations alongside hundreds of real life examples and reference alphabets. The kind of stuff that traditionally stayed in the trade and never got written down.”
Signwriting: Tips Tricks and Inspiration by Joby Carter
Available in paperback and hardback, this book is a great starting point for anyone with an interest in signwriting and hand painted lettering. The book includes lots of practical tips and seven reference alphabets.
Joby says:
“This was my first book and it was designed to get you started properly with the foundations. It’s packed with insider techniques and tips that have been passed down from master to apprentice for generations alongside hundreds of real life examples and reference alphabets. The kind of stuff that traditionally stayed in the trade and never got written down.”
All the Fonts of the fair by Joby Carter
Available in full colour paperback, this book shines a light on the flamboyant lettering styles found at British fairgrounds and includes 26 fairground inspired alphabets as reference.
Joby says:
“All the Fonts of the fair is crammed full of 26 reference alphabets and hundreds ofphotographs to inspire you once you’re off and running. This is a bit like your dessert after the main course of Signwriting Tips Tricks and Inspiration. There are 26 unique hand drawn alphabets, all hand drawn and handpainted taking inspiration from fairground lettering styles from the 1890s to the 1960s which in turn are inspired by popular culture of the day. This book is a visual treat whatever stage of your learning you are on!”
Which signwriting book is right for you?
Wondering which of Joby’s signwriting books is right for you? In this video which was originally created for his Instagram page, Joby talks about the key differences.
You can buy either of Joby’s books in our Signwriting books section.
A note from Joby
I’m a traditional signwriter and I learned my trade via apprenticeship with a talented signwriter called Stan Wilkinson who had been taught by a master signwriter, a lineage going back to the 19th century.
I’ve spent a lifetime creating beautiful handpainted lettering which was enjoyed by the millions of people who visited my traditional vintage funfair, Carters Steam Fair.
Since 2006 I’ve been sharing my expertise with thousands of people via my books, online courses and in person signwriting workshops so that more people feel inspired to learn about traditional signwriting in our digital age.
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SIGNWRITING TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Once you’ve practiced drawing letters accurately, you will want to understand the skills of brushwork.
Having the right tools of the trade is the only way to ensure consistent, professional signwriting results.
Joby’s online shop sells starter kits as well as brushes, enamel paints and a range of professional signwriting tools.
Signwriting brushes 1, 3, 5 and 7
Signwriting starter kit
Signwriters brushes
Available individually and in sets
Enamel paint
Retro colours bespoke to Joby
Are you ready to learn more?
Joby Carter runs courses throughout the year from his workshop in Street, Somerset.
Joby Carter signwriting courses
Joby has been teaching workshop based courses for 18 years. Learning in person is by far the best way to master the skills of signwriting.
Joby’s tried and tested five day course takes you through the basics of drawing and scaling letters, layout and design, shading, lining and brushwork.
Joby teaches using the traditional methods that were taught 100 years ago without modern shortcuts such as using masking tape or computers. You start the week using pencil and paper and by the end of the week you’ll leave with your own handpainted sign which you will have drawn, laid out and painted using skills you perfect and practice throughout the week.
You’ll see real life restoration projects being worked on and how signwriting is used on these projects.
As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll be learning in a group of 15 likeminded students who all share a love of lettering.
You might also like
If you love lettering and typography then you might also like to check out Joby’s wall art range or his hand painted lettering.
Remember to use your welcome discount code at checkout for a 10% discount.
Signwriting Supplies
Discover Joby’s range of professional signwriting supplies.
Wall art
Brighten up your home or workshop with a fine art print of Joby’s designs
Hand painted lettering
Own a unique piece of traditional signwriting with Joby’s hand painted alphabet letters.
