We’ve been advocates for more neon signs well before the pandemic. All this talking to other artists on our pod has allowed us to compile a “best of” list for anyone wanting to strike out and try bending some glass. This new frontier of learning is super exciting, both for its potential to change market trends and for its ability to create new income opportunities for creatives. Admittedly, though, the trade of making neon signs can be tricky to wrap your head around. So, here's what you need to know about making neon signs, and some of our favorite choices for learning awesomeness!

Enroll in a Course

First off, let’s touch on why you might be interested in taking a course in the first place. Essentially, neon signs involve taking all kinds of techniques and skills (which can take both time and energy to acquire — think hot glass, bombarding, and other kinds of pattern making) and combining them in a particular manner. Learning from someone who can ultimately guide you is typically a good place to start. We love how discovering a course has the ability to change a persons' life for the better, and we know these recommendations will help others get the most out of neon.

• Northeast

  • Random Neon

  • Urban Glass

  • Brooklyn Glass

  • Just Neon Sign Company

• Midwest

  • Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center

  • Minnesota Center for Glass Arts (FOCI)

• Southeast

  • Glas

• West Coast

  • The Crucible

  • Western Neon School of Art

  • Pilchuck Glass School

  • Museum of Neon Art (MONA)

Read a Book

When it comes to learning how to make neon signs, try not to overlook the all mighty book. A welcoming arch of events can put things in to perspective: for you, your team, and eventually buyers. Understanding how to add electrodes, noble gases, and annealing tubing are all equally vital in ensuring that the neon glass produces light. Here are some books on neon sign making to discover. Happy reading!

• The Neon Engineers Notebook: a practical guide to optimizing your work place. This book presents ideas and methods to tweak your machinery as well as yourself to produce your best work. The chapters pertaining to glass work illustrate techniques for success
  to improve the bending skills of novices and seasoned professionals alike.

• Neon Techniques (formerly Neon Techniques and Handling): this book has taught thousands the craft and science of making neon signs. Updated in 1997 by an expert in the neon field, Neon Techniques, covers everything you need to know to design, fabricate, troubleshoot and repair neon signs and graphics, from the basic equipment to the techniques of bending glass.

• The Neon Superguide Complete How-To Manual: the book is the successor to the Neon Principles reference and Neon Principles Workbook. This 216-page handbook combines the previous guides with upgraded-updated illustrations and text, more helpful photos and three new chapters - more than one hundred fifty pictures, tables and illustrations in all.

Become an Intern

If you're exploring a career path in neon signs, an internship can give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Many shops do not have the depth or may be resistant to bring on additional staff - especially individuals who do not possess the skills required to do the job. However, there are many neon sign companies that desire someone with practical work experience related to the field. If you are an intern, you’ll be presented with human connections. Go to every after hours event and build relationships. If you end up enjoying the work, it can provide validation and help you gain insight into what specific skills you need to develop going forward.

Are you just beginning your neon sign journey? Share your thoughts and tweet us @MondoNeon.