Who are you?

I'm Ciaran Glöbel of 'Glöbel Bros Signs & Designs’

What does your business do?

Primarily we work in the field of Signpainting using tradition techniques. We paint everything from shop fascias and chalkboards, to murals and vehicle livery. We offer graphic design services too, which is great, being able to help small businesses out from the ground up. From logo design, to business cards and stationery, eventually up to creating the signage for their premises.

Where are you based?

Our studio workshop is situated at 143 West Regent Street which is a fantastic old building with great neighbours. It's handy being within walking distance to the majority of our clients too. It's very satisfying travelling through the city centre and meeting people who you've worked with and seeing how their businesses are growing.

How did you get started?

I started out as a commercial artist about 3 years ago, working with (and learning from) a very talented muralist named Gaz Mackay. From there I began to focus more on letterforms and the techniques of tradition Signwriting while slowly building up a network of people who saw my potential and began to use my skills to help build their own businesses up. I decided I needed to concentrate on it full-time about 2 years ago, and started looking for a premises. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to work for some large clients too, the likes of A.G. Barr, DF Concerts, Academy Music Group, Network Rail and the G1 Group.

What is your background?

I'm completely self-taught which has its positives and negatives. You can be proud of what you've achieved from your own hard work but it usually means you've had to make all your own mistakes to get there. We live in an age were technology is revolutionising the ways in which we learn so I've benefited hugely from being able to use online resources and communicate with others around the world who are in the same boat as myself.

What is your top tip?

The old carpenters saying "measure twice, cut once", certainly applies to Signpainting. Eye contact and a firm handshake establishes trust when meeting a potential client. If it's a lady, a simple peck on the cheek is just as endearing.

How long has your business been running?

The last 2 years have been great. Traditional Signpainting is going through a real Renaissance at the moment as people realise the vinyl signs they would have used in the past just look cheap and tacky. Paint ages, vinyl just shrivels up and falls off.

Who was/is your mentor/or inspiration?

I'm constantly being inspired by the work of many artists in Glasgow and further afield. Signpainting is the perfect balance of artist and tradesman and I've had the pleasure of working with a huge cross section of people from which I am constantly learning.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

I've always avoided looking too far into the future but if the last 12 months have been anything to go by I'd say moving into a larger premises and taking on more full-time apprentices will be the next stage of my business. The desire for good quality handpainted signs is gaining momentum. Its a great time to be doing what we do.

Contact Details

Globelbros.co.uk