HAND-PAINTED. HEART-LEAD. SINCE 2014.

We are Seven 9 Signs, a Birmingham signwriting studio built on real craft, steady hands and a love for painted letters that goes back more than a decade. Founded in 2014, our roots sit in traditional signwriting and deep appreciation for craftsmanship, carried forward with the same care, discipline and character that drew us to the craftsmanship in the first place.

What started as Jim Kerr’s obsession with typography and hours of practice has grown into a studio trusted by big brands such as Gymshark, BBC and the National Trust; as well as property developers, independents and creative teams across the UK.

We paint everything by hand because the old ways still work best. No vinyl. No shortcuts. Just honest craft that feels grounded, human and built to last. It is this heritage, paired with a modern eye for lettering and design, that shapes every project we take on.

Jim Kerr of Seven 9 Signs hand painting lettering on a shop window using traditional signwriting brushes with his reflection visible in the glass.

A few words from Jim…

Thanks for visiting Seven 9 Signs website and for taking a moment to read our story.

I first fell in love with traditional signwriting back in 2010 when after years of being obsessed with typography, I met a retired signwriter who offered to teach me the basics. After hours of practice and years of honing my skills, I was able to turn my passion into a business. Even after 15 years of sign writing, I still feel the same spark every time I pick up a brush. I feel extremely privileged that my passion has become the work I get to do every day.

If you value real craftsmanship and have an exciting project, I’d love to hear from you.

Reach out today →

Mentions…

BBC News
A feature on Birmingham based signwriter Jim Kerr and the craft of traditional signwriting, gold leaf craftsmanship and large-scale lettering across the city.
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I Choose Birmingham
An insight into Jim’s journey, his approach to hand-painted lettering and the enduring value of traditional signwriting.
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Birmingham Live
A feature on signwriter Jim Kerr’s large-scale, hand-painted tribute to street art history at a Birmingham city centre development.
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Provide
A collaborative feature with Birmingham retailer Provide, celebrating signwriting, lettering and local creative community.
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