Today’s Solutions: April 05, 2025

Some things in life appear to be of trivial importance. You casually walk past them without ­paying attention. A handpainted sign on the storefront of a Boston ­tattoo shop seems to be that kind of thing. It simply reads, “­Greater ­Boston’s first and finest.” Who would have guessed that sign painter Josh Luke painted it by hand? Most signs ­nowadays come from large-scale digital ­printers or vinyl lettering. Not too long ago, before the 1980s, all ­laundromats, nail salons, car shops and restaurants still had handpainted signs.

Many of the sign painters of those times are retired, but there is renewed enthusiasm for hand lettering. Young sign painters like Luke are taking up the craft again. This is what documentary makers Faythe Levine and Sam Macon are writing and showing in the book and documentary called Sign Painters, a tribute to these craftspeople. What makes a sign good? “We’ve learned that a great sign can be so simple that an average person wouldn’t notice anything special about it,” Levine says. | Elleke Bal

 

Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Struggling to cut down on sugar? These 4 strategies are sure to help

Are you trying to prioritize your health by committing to a more nutrient-dense diet but, like many others, feel “hooked” on sugar? At times, ...

Read More

UK announces groundbreaking ‘Flee Funds’ scheme for domestic abus...

The UK Home Office is taking a significant step forward in the fight against domestic abuse by launching a £2 million (just over $2.5 ...

Read More

4 tips for everyday eco-friendly living

In the face of climate change, many people question the importance of individual actions in ensuring a sustainable future. While institutional change is necessary, ...

Read More

How arts and crafts can boost life satisfaction even more than work

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a society where productivity and work are often considered the markers of success, it's encouraging to learn ...

Read More