Walk past almost any block in Park Slope, and you are likely to see the work of one local artist. Amid a landscape increasingly dominated by mass-produced displays, hand-painted storefronts are standing out.
Travis, the artist behind Travis Signs, has spent over a decade putting a human touch on the city’s local businesses. Often seen working in his signature paint-splattered overalls, he meticulously mixes paints, traces stencils, and applies traditional lettering and gold leaf directly to neighborhood windows.
Having lived in New York since 2005, Travis has dedicated the last 12 years to the craft of sign painting. His extensive portfolio spans small shops, boutiques, dessert bars like Kinky’s, and historic restaurants such as Gage & Tollner. Despite working with a variety of clients, he finds the most satisfaction in collaborating with mom-and-pop operations. Engaging directly with these small shop owners allows him to tailor each design to the unique character of the business.
A Park Slope Portfolio
His distinctive lettering and window designs are particularly concentrated in Park Slope, where he says the volume of his work is almost “insane.” He cites specific neighborhood staples like the general store Annie’s Blue Ribbon, the apparel shop Something Else, and DOP Pizzeria, which he praises as having some of the best pizza in the world. Beyond these, his handiwork dots the avenues on facades like Bark Slope and Wild. Currently, he estimates having his artwork proudly displayed on about 90 active storefronts.
Craftsmanship Over Automation
As automated and artificial intelligence-generated designs become more common, the distinction of a hand-crafted sign has become a point of pride. Travis notes that he can spot AI signage from a mile away. In contrast, he says a handcrafted sign often makes people stop on the sidewalk to admire the work, easily recognizing it as something distinctly created by a human rather than a machine.
For Travis, the true reward is measured in the longevity of the shops he helps decorate. Seeing a local business remain open many years later, and knowing his hand-painted sign made a difference for them, makes the labor-intensive process worthwhile. Being recognized for his craftsmanship provides a sense of warmth and accomplishment, keeping him constantly busy as more shop owners want a piece of his art for their own storefronts.