Preserving the art of sign painting, one brushstroke at a time
Our Story
Founded in 1963, Studio Signs & Pictorial Displays is one of Portland's oldest continually operating commercial sign shops. Our studio is built on a rich history of traditional sign painting techniques, combined with modern materials and technologies. Our founder, Dean G. Stanley, was a skilled billboard painter for Foster & Kleiser in Portland, OR, before starting his own business in 1963. Over the years, we have developed expertise in a wide range of sign-making techniques, including hand-painted signs, lettering, screen printing, digital printing, and gold leaf gilding.
Our Services
At Studio Signs, we offer a comprehensive range of services to cater to our clients' diverse needs. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing top-quality custom work, combining traditional sign-making techniques with modern technologies.
Graphic Design
Before the advent of computers, sign painters were the premier graphic designers of their day. We offer a wide range of graphic design services, from traditional letterforms to pictorial painting techniques. Our designers have years of experience and are trained in classical lettering and typography, ensuring that your design is visually appealing and effective.
Sign Painting & Lettering
Our hand-painted signs and lettering are timeless and unique, with a distinct, handmade quality that demands attention. We can hand-paint on various surfaces, from wooden or metal signboards to building walls or vehicles.
Printing Services
We offer a range of printing services, including screen printing and digital printing. Screen printing is a centuries-old technique ideal for large runs and highly detailed graphics. Digital printing is best suited for custom small-run jobs. Our printing services cover a wide variety of applications and materials, including banners, decals, fabric, metal, wood, plastic, and glass.
Cut Vinyl Graphics
Cut vinyl graphics are one of the most popular and economical products for sign making. We offer a wide selection of colors and can apply them to a variety of surfaces, from signboards to vehicles and windows. Vinyl graphics are durable and a good alternative for applications where paint is not ideal.
Gold Leaf Gilding
Gold leaf gilding is an ancient art form that involves applying thin layers of gold to a surface object or the reverse side of a glass window. This technique is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship, resulting in stunning gold finishes. We offer various options, including mirror water gilding, matte oil gilding, mother of pearl inlays, enamel paint blends, and different karats of gold.
Workshops
At Studio Signs, we believe in sharing our expertise and passion for sign making with others. We offer hands-on and virtual workshops for brush lettering, taught by our experienced instructors, Melvin Lee and his son, Nick. These workshops are perfect for new students or those looking to "brush up" on their skills.
Our Team
Our team of experts has over 75 years of combined experience in the sign industry. Our founder, Dean G. Stanley, started his business in 1963, and his son, Melvin K. Lee, took over the business in 1984. Nicholas K. Lee, Melvin's son, purchased the business in 2018 and has dedicated himself to preserving and advancing the craft of sign painting.
Overall Experience
The reviewers have had an overwhelmingly positive experience with Studio Sign, praising the company's commitment to excellence, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Quality of Work
The sign makers at Studio Sign are highly skilled artisans who take pride in their work. They offer a range of services, including gold leaf, hand-painted signs, vinyl, and traditional sign painting. The quality of their work is exceptional, with reviewers raving about the clean and precise finish of their projects.
Customer Service
The company is family-run and has a reputation for being easy to work with. Reviewers have described the staff as professional, diligent, and thoughtful, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
Workshops and Classes
Studio Sign also offers workshops and classes for beginners, providing an opportunity for others to learn the basics of sign painting. This has been a rewarding experience for some reviewers, who have praised the father-son team's teaching skills and patience.
