Mike Stevens

Before I succumbed to the jaws of digital graphics, I'd interned at a sign shop. First cleaning (of all things) graffiti off of existing signs, to then helping out actually paint and cut letters. Like I'd always been, the guys who ran the shop were really into lettering and design. They'd loan me books and magazines on the subject, and, I discovered this entire subculture that ranged from wood carvers to hot rod pin-stripers.

One signpainter who was pretty legendary was Mike R. Stevens. He's had actually a dozen or so fonts named after him, most of which you can find online. His letters and style can be found just about anywhere, from storefronts, semi-trucks to food package design.