A Signpainter's Sketch Book : Noel B. Weber

A Sign Painter’s Sketchbook by Noel B. Weber is a must-have for sign painters, hand lettering artists, graphic designers, and anyone with a passion for traditional lettering and timeless typographic design.

Noel B. Weber is well-known in the sign industry and beyond for his outstanding reverse-glass gold leaf gilding work and for the custom dimensional signage produced at his shop in Boise, Idaho. 

Now, for the first time, Noel is sharing an extensive selection of original pencil sketches. Many of the pieces in this volume were gilded, painted, or fabricated for business signage. Others were drawn for friends and family… typographic gifts, free from the constraints of commercial application. 

Using a drafting light table and a sharpened pencil, Noel brings his years of experience and his warm personality to each and every word. Seen together, these pages evoke the 1920s, 30s, and 40s lettering that have influenced his distinctive personal style. 

This book has creative ideas and typographic inspiration for anyone interested in lettering, design, and traditional sign making. It serves as a testament to the process of developing a timeless design through a series of hand-drawn overlays.

176 pages (16 in full color) • 12” x 9” • Hardcover with printed case, foil spine, dust jacket & folded poster

ISBN 978-1-7336083-0-5 | REPRINTED SPRING 2026

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“I first met Noel at the Letterheads’ 20th anniversary. It was 1995 and I was very excited to attend a gold leaf gilding workshop led by one of the original seven Letterheads. It was a turning point for my creative outlook: I could see that it was possible to create works of art with type. Since then, I have been astounded by Noel’s lettering and designs and I have come to know him as a close friend. This book of beautifully rendered art will be a wealthy source of knowledge for years to come.”  

– David A. Smith, Traditional ornamental glass artist and illustrator (UK)

 “Noel Weber’s stunning tome, A Sign Painter’s Sketchbook, provides a glimpse of the rewards that an artist reaps after a lifetime of dedication to his craft. Whether you’re an aspiring letterer or a seasoned professional, or perhaps someone simply enamored by the multitude of beautiful forms that our alphabet can take, A Sign Painter’s Sketchbook is an essential addition to any artist’s library. Did I mention that each page number is hand-drawn?”  

– Ken Barber, House Industries (USA)

“In your hands, reader, you hold an intimate and personal gift, one usually reserved for a small audience: the development drawings which reveal the artist’s own process of creation. Here are thumbnail roughs and tightened drafts, experiments and explorations, graphite marks that allow us to glimpse their maker, caught in the act of dreaming.” 

– Mark Oatis, an original Letterhead, creative director at YESCO (USA)

“This is an awe-inspiring collection. I recommend it to anyone interested in hand lettering, sign painting or graphic design. Inspiration for years!”

– Jakob Engberg, Copenhagen Signs (Denmark)

“Noel’s book is amazing. He’s faithful to the period he’s working with, but his details are always original and very inventive. The execution is, of course, flawless.”

– Carl Rohrs, calligrapher and lettering artist (USA)

“An amazing body of work that has inspired so many artists around the world from all walks of life.” 

– Will Lynes, Lynes & Co. (Australia)

“Noel’s designs have made him a legend in this trade, but it is his passion for sharing and teaching
that has made him our friend. He has made us all better!”  

– Elaine Wallis, Signature Signs (Canada)

“An incredible asset and gift to the craft. I’m very grateful for it.” 

– Ken Davis, Cool Hand Ken Signs (USA)

“To me, Noel’s new book of beautiful pencil sketches is the new Atkinson. Go out and get it!” 

– Ash Bishop, Brilliant Signs (UK)

“Noel’s designs are truly exquisite and immensely appealing. He has a keen sense of humor,
a most helping hand, and a very kind heart.”

– Nancy Bennett, Walldogs organizer (USA)