This isn’t a course created in a classroom
Paul has been painting signs for a living for more than 35 years. Not teaching about it but actually doing it.
Find the right course for meAbout The Signpainters Academy
From shop fronts, pub signs, gilded glass, vehicle lettering and murals, the kind of work you stop to look at when you pass it on the street.
The Signpainters Academy grew from a very simple observation: there is a real appetite out there to learn this craft properly, but very little in the way of proper, structured tuition from someone who actually works in the trade.
Books get you so far. A one-day workshop gives you a taste. Neither puts you in the room with a professional who has spent three decades learning what works, what doesn’t and why.
That’s what this is.
Paul’s story
Paul started painting signs as a teenager and never stopped. Over the course of a working career spanning more than 35 years, he has taken on every kind of job the trade has to offer, from everyday commercial lettering to specialist gilding, from vehicle livery to large-scale wall murals.
The techniques he teaches through The Signpainters Academy are the ones he uses on real jobs, right now. There’s no theory borrowed from textbooks and no demonstrations filmed away from live commercial work.
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When Paul shows you how to lay gold leaf on glass, or how to get a Casual script to flow, it’s because he does it for clients week in, week out.
He built these courses because he wanted to pass on what he knows properly, in enough depth to actually be useful to the next generation of Signpainters.
What we believe about learning a craft
Learning something well takes time and the right teacher. It also takes being able to watch, pause, rewind and watch again. Reading a description of brush technique is almost useless without seeing it in real time, close up, with someone talking you through exactly what they’re doing and why.
Every course at The Signpainters Academy is filmed in real time with no edits and no shortcuts. Paul talks through every stroke, every adjustment and every decision as he makes it.
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You’ll learn not just how to do things, but why, which is the part that actually makes the difference when you’re standing in front of a job on your own.
Who the courses are for
The Signpainters Academy works for a wide range of people, and that is deliberate. The courses have been taken by:
- Complete beginners with no art background
- Experienced decorative painters wanting to add lettering to their skillset
- Career changers in their 30s, 40s and 50s looking to build something of their own
- Working Signpainters who want to push their technique further
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If you’ve never picked up a lettering brush in your life, the Beginners Bootcamp is the place to start. If you want the most complete foundation possible, the closest thing to a traditional apprenticeship without going anywhere, then The Full Course covers everything from first principles through to professional-standard technique.
Students are based across the UK, USA, Europe and further afield. Many are now working commercially. Some changed career entirely. A good number simply wanted to learn something beautiful and lasting and they did.
A craft worth learning
Signpainting is one of the few traditional trades where demand consistently outstrips the supply of skilled practitioners. The most valued work — gilded glass, bespoke pub signs, hand-lettered murals — can’t be replicated by a machine, and clients who want that quality know it.
There has never been a better time to develop this skill properly. The Signpainters Academy exists to make that possible, wherever you are in the world and whatever your starting point.
Got a question before you enrol?
Paul offers direct email support to all students throughout their course. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right starting point.
“I’m not new to using a brush or letter writing, but I’ve been winging it for some time now as a fan of the craft at amateur level at best. Now, because of correct practice techniques, focus and brush drills through your direction, my ability has transformed remarkably. My feel for the paint is more dialled in now and my confidence has grown too.”
“The course has been great. I’ve been looking for a creative outlet that might also become a bit of a ‘side-hustle’ for me. The structure of the course and the content has helped me know where to start, and the recommendations on equipment gave me the confidence to jump in and start making things. Being able to re-watch the videos is crucial — I’ve got small kids and limited time. I think it’s been great value.”
“Paul, thank you so much for offering this course, it has inspired me so much. It has given me so much more confidence and following your instructions has really helped. The videos are awesome and I love being able to watch anytime I want. The projects are awesome, especially for the beginners.”
“There really is a lot to work with here. Perfect whether you’re starting out or want to give what you already paint that ‘pop’ to make it stand out.”
“Paul teaches all you want to know about sign painting, and all the stuff you didn’t know you wanted to know.”
“Omg amazing, I cannot wait to get started on these beautiful letters!! And with Paul’s clear and detailed instruction I am confident I can pick this up in no time.”
“There’s so much information packed into this course, but Paul breaks it all down for you. I’ve learned loads already and I’m only up to ‘M’.”
“Started six month ago on this course and I am so inspired. Loving the videos that are helpful as I’m a total novice with no graphic or arts background/education. All the crafts I have done in the past are self taught and by watching YouTube …”
“Thirty years ago I trained as a signwriter and then pursued other careers. In my semi-retirement I have picked up my brushes again. Signing up with the Signpainters’ Academy was the best decision I could have made as it is exactly what …”
“This is a fantastic course! It’s jam packed with everything from the basic brush strokes & various letterforms such as Script, Roman, Casual, Block and then the many techniques of shading, blending and even gilding! Paul talks you through …”
“If you are a hobbyist or are looking to become professional it's a great course. You have to keep at the practice though and be quite dedicated to get the most out of it. The print out practice sheets and Pauls videos are clear and helpful …”
“I’ve really enjoyed the Sign Painters Academy course with Paul. It’s very well paced and easy to follow, although challenging in places, but that is the point if you want to really progress. He takes the time to show all the little nuances …”
“The Signpainter's Academy has been the centre of my sign writing journey since I started 5 years ago. It's been an absolutely priceless resource. Thoroughly comprehensive, seemingly unending amounts of content along side the main structure …”
“Indepth signpainting course, easy to follow and has helped me greatly in my sign painting journey.”