In this world of computers the "art" of signmaking is being lost to pixels, vectors and megabytes. Comsign is a leading modern production facility, but from time to time we get requests to step back a couple of decades and use traditional techniques and materials.

The computer revolution in sign making only started in the mid '80's. Until then we hand lettered and screen printed signs. Traditional Sign painting techniques continue to be used and taught today. We are going to provide some information, stories and history in our effort to help preserve our craft. As well, I'll insert some details on recent projects and news.

For those of you that have nothing better to do, here's a bit of history about me. LOL  Duncan Wilkie

July 13, 2010

In 3 weeks 165 artists from all over are converging on Danville, Il. I am one of 15 Team Project Leaders who have been selected to paint various historic murals in the City.
My project commemorates the No. 2 Engine House. Illinois first all African American Fire Department that served from 1898 to 1967. The surface is a brick wall approximately 25' high. We will have about 3 or 4 days to complete it. It's going to be an exciting and interesting time for the whole community of Danville. Here's the layout so far. The old building still stands, and we are painting the image of it on our wall. I will be making some additions yet, but time is running out...

Mar. 30, 2010

We have been very busy and renovations have come to a bit of a standstill, however the lighting has been upgraded and the painting is completed now.

We have a new staff member starting on April 27, so that will help us a lot. That will allow me time to finished the front counter and start on some of the wall displays.

We have been doing some updates to our website in an effort to make navigation a little easier and add a bit of new content.

Mar. 1, 2010

Office renovations are continuing slowly but surely. Business has been very busy since we started this project, so this is taking longer than anticipated. When done, we will have new displays and electronic visual aids that will be interesting and helpful for clients that visit us at our offices. We are currently building a new front counter top and upgrading the office lighting. Some of the computers and equipment are on temporary desks. We are just designing the new stations and getting ready to start fabrication.

Feb. 26, 2010

My dear wife Laurie gave me a Valentines card this year with some cute and cuddly watercolor bears.
I decided to try my hand with water colours and copy it. I have never considered myself an artist, but
I've always loved the looseness and spontaneity of the water colour medium. I went out and purchased
a beginners' kit and took a stab at it. Laurie was tickled and I really enjoyed doing it. Here is the result...

Dec. 15, 2009

I continue to enjoy passing on the tradition of hand lettering to those that have an interest. Here's a little demo.
that I uploaded to The Creative Signmakers of America site.

Dec. 4, 2009

Everyone in Duncan's family gets involved in the business. Here's Laurie, training my Granddaughter Vienna Duvoid, some
of the fine points of vinyl production.

Sep. 20, 2009

Before the snow flew, I was commissioned to re-furbished the wall sign at Instabox. I never get tired
of putting aside the computer for a couple of days and getting the the brushes and paint out.

Sep. 15, 2009

The crew got together to celebrate my birthday today. Food, cake and nice people, what a nice recipe.

Aug. 20, 2009

My Panel Swap piece went to Dave Parr of Peoria, Illinois, USA. Apparently he likes it. :)

I am the proud recipient of this beautiful panel created by Mark Fair of Montgomery, Alabama, USA. Mark is a master of Faux Aging signs and art. If you'd like to see more of this talented man's work visit his website at http://markfair.com/ Mark is also an accomplished musician and song writer.

Aug. 6, 2009

I am happy to be involved with The Creative Signmakers of America. A cyber group of traditional sign makers from around the world. Currently some of the members are participating in a Panel Swap. The leader picks a theme. We then we design our own take on it, and create a project panel. When all the participants have submitted there finished pictures to the leader, a draw is made. Sign people are paired up at random and we exchange panels. The panel could go somewhere near by or it could go to Australia or the UK or anywhere else there is a participating artist.

This is my project panel. I've made use of technology to cut shapes and paint masks, but all of the graphics are hand painted, airbrushed or gilded with gold leaf. Although it was time consuming, it was a lot of fun and I look forward to receiving a unique panel from one of my friends.

Jun. 6, 2009

Duncan and Laurie are pleased to announce that we are grandparents now... and loving it. Born Jun. 2 was Vienna Mirabelle Duvoid. 8lb. 10oz. Proud parents are Jennifer and Yanik. Proud uncle is Scott.

Apr. 12, 2009

To all our customers and friends...

Apr. 8, 2009

Our beloved dog LC died at the end of March. We all feel an empty spot in our hearts. She is missed by the Staff as well as our customers.

Here's a layout we did to promote Duncan's font "Garner". I couldn't resist using LC's image.

March 18, 2009

The annual Buildex Show was held last week at the Shaw Convention Centre. Thank you to all our clients and the visitors that stopped by for a visit. We were pleased with the response we received, and are busy following up on leads. Laurie and Darlene hosted on Tuesday and Darlene and I were there on Wednesday.

December 1, 2008

We were thrilled to be asked to submit this article to The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce News

November Issue of Commerce News

November 4, 2008

I am again pleased to say, that we have been featured in SignCraft Magazine. This time it is a profile feature that traces my career in sign making. Some of our work is illustrated as well as a staff picture.

July 14, 2008

I am pleased to say, one of our projects is featured in the current SignCraft magazine and on the front cover. SignCraft is published in Florida and has worldwide distribution among Sign makers and designers. It is an honour indeed to have our work featured in this fine publication.

Here's the whole article

June 7, 2008

I was messing around with some online sign painting friends today. The subject of Cadbury chocolate bars came up. Apparently they are not commonly found in the US. I stopped at the corner store on the way to the shop, got out the brush and paint and had a bit of fun today. Sweeeeeeet!

June 1, 2008

This past Thursday and Friday, I had a chance to break out my sign kit again. This customer insists on having their logo hand painted on their units. I did one last year as well. Previously they had been painted by Judy Creed of Signs on the Side. Judy moved out of the area and asked me if I would take care of this client. I jumped at the chance to get out the brushes again.

On Friday I was wearing Red in honour of our military troops. I appreciate and commend their sacrifice and commitment.