Just a quick note to advise you that the New Zealand Letterheads 2025 website is now up and running and that registration details can be found at https://www.letterheads.co.nz/2025-registration/ 

Join us for 2 ½ days of Letterheads, celebrating the traditional skills of all things sign painting! Please feel free to bring your own sign kit.

Larsen Art n Sign Studio Ltd
98 Williams Street Kaiapo 7630

E: nzletterheads@gmail.com
M: 027 527 7361

The Letterheads movement has firmly established itself in New Zealand’s signwriting community, with its roots tracing back to the first meet at Field Sign Co. in Auckland in November 1998. Since then, the event has alternated annually between the North and South Islands, bringing together passionate signwriters, artists, and enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.

This year’s Letterheads Meet, taking place over the weekend of 10-12 October 2025, in Kaiapoi, North Canterbury, will be hosted by Larsen’s Art n Sign Studio. This highly anticipated gathering will bring together skilled craftsmen, eager apprentices, and dedicated mentors for an unforgettable weekend of learning and creativity.

Attendees from across New Zealand will be joined by their Australian counterparts in a collaborative environment that celebrates and preserves the timeless art of hand-lettering and sign-making. With a strong focus on mentorship, the event is dedicated to passing down knowledge to the next generation, ensuring apprentices receive invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals.

A Hands-On Experience Like No Other

At the heart of every Letterheads Meet is the spirit of ‘panel jamming’—a chance for attendees to showcase their skills, experiment with techniques, and create stunning pieces of signage art. Alongside this free-flowing creativity, structured workshops will be offered, covering essential skills such as gilding, sign aging, signage layout, and the ever-popular pin-striping competition.

Participants often bring a range of personal items to embellish and decorate, from fence posts and letterboxes to bar signs and skateboard decks. In addition, materials will be provided on-site to encourage artistic exploration, ensuring that everyone leaves with a unique, handcrafted memento of their experience.

Industry Leaders at the Helm

Letterheads Meet 2025 will feature an outstanding lineup of experts, each offering their own unique skills and deep knowledge:

• Mark Larsen – A journeyman signwriter and craftsman, Mark will host the event, sharing his expertise in traditional hand-lettering and sign-making techniques.
• Bruce Jackson – Founder of GoldReverre, Bruce is a master of verre églomisé, the intricate art of reverse glass gilding. His expertise in architectural and decorative glasswork will bring a distinctive element to the event.
• Alex Burnett – With decades of experience in the signwriting industry, including work in the Los Angeles film scene during the 1980s, Alex offers a wealth of knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• Dean Johnstone – A skilled signmaker and owner of a special effects company, Dean’s work spans the movie and commercial industries. His passion for creativity inspires young artists to chase their dreams.
• Dean Everson – A seasoned signwriter, Dean excels in traditional handwritten lettering, showcasing the enduring beauty of handcrafted signage.
• Jeff Marshall – Known for his artistic flair, Jeff has built a stellar reputation for producing distinctive signage and fluid lettering.

This exceptional group of professionals promises an inspiring and educational experience at Letterheads Meet 2025.

Jocelyn Larsen will take the lead in overseeing the event, ensuring everything runs seamlessly — keeping participants on schedule, well-fed, and safely home each night. Supporting Mark and Jocelyn will be the Larsen’s Sign team—Thomas, Mike, and Braden—assisting with event coordination and logistics.

A Commitment to Community and Education

Letterheads Meets have long embraced the tradition of giving back to the community, often undertaking projects such as murals and refurbishing community play equipment. 

Beyond the creative aspects, organisers are actively seeking funding to support Year 12 and 13 school students, to provide them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of signwriting. These young students will leave with not only newfound confidence but also valuable industry connections and a personal, hand-crafted artwork to commemorate their experience.

Keeping the Craft Alive

As the industry continues to evolve, events like this year’s Letterheads Meet ensure that traditional techniques remain alive and thriving. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaboration, a new generation of signwriters will be equipped with the skills and passion to carry forward this timeless craft.

Whether you are a seasoned professional, an enthusiastic apprentice, or simply someone with a love for handcrafted artistry, this year’s meet promises an inspiring and rewarding experience. The tradition lives on, and the brushstrokes of history continue to shape the future of signwriting in New Zealand and beyond.

www.letterheads.co.nz