Signwriting Tips, Tricks & Inspiration

Discover the wonderful world of traditional signwriting and fairground art from the unique perspective of Joby Carter, one of the world’s leading experts on these traditional decorative skills.
This second edition (published December 2025) features a new introduction from Joby talking about the transition from the final tour of Carters Steam Fair in 2022 to setting up the Home of Traditional Signwriting in Somerset in 2025.

You’ll find sections detailing different signwriting techniques including letter anatomy, scaling up, spacing and layout, brushwork and more.
The book has been designed as a handy workshop companion that you can flick through, see something that catches your eye and discover more about how it was created.

Alongside the full colour photographs of examples of traditional signwriting and fairground art you’ll find step by step diagrams and reference alphabets for you to copy or scale up for your own designs.
Whether you are looking to learn how to draw and paint letters by hand or have a professional interest in lettering as a graphic designer or tattoo artist, this is a fascinating book to have on hand and makes a brilliant Christmas gift.

This second edition is available in two different cover types, hardback and paperback.

This book is not available on Amazon.

Did you know? We sell a wide range of signwriting materials including brushes, mahl sticks and pre prepared boards. Why not add some to your order – see our range of signwriting supplies.