As a graphic designer I have always been drawn to and inspired by old signage and hand-painted type and images. Its's a display of craftsmanship similar to letterpress and depending on what you are trying to print the effects can definitely parallel.
On a recent trip to Santa Fe I couldn't help but notice in all the small towns we passed and drove through as well as SF itself there was so much hand-crafted signage. And guessing this is more of a practical approach to advertising than anything. The photos I have included are by no means a comprehensive gallery. I'd still be down there if I pulled over and snapped a picture of every great sign I saw. Most of these images, in fact, came from a very small area in a very small town called Chimayo.
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