Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Severud.
Hi Sean, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my journey into the world of design and sign painting in Boise, Idaho. From film photography, I became interested in digital photography and taught myself to use Photoshop to edit and create digital artwork with my photos. After putting those skills to use designing websites, I decided to complete a BFA in graphic design.
I found my footing in hand painted signs through an old sign painter’s shop which reopened a few blocks from where I grew up after having been closed for over a decade. I had been by the shop, AAA Sign Co., countless times as a kid, often peering in the windows. When it reopened, I stopped by and became friends with the new owners. Graphic design work that I did for the sign shop immersed me in the art of hand painted signs and I began apprenticing to learn lettering and other hand painting techniques. For the next decade, on the side of other graphic design and print production work, I continued working with the sign shop and my appreciation and knowledge of the sign painting world grew.
In 2022 I relocated to Monterey Bay with my partner, now wife, and began working at a local sign shop as a graphic designer. Meanwhile, I was continuously painting and making signs for family, friends, and fun in my little backyard shed. Finally in 2025, I took a leap and started my own company. I wanted to work more with my hands, and create authentic, beautiful signs that imbue my soul as an artist.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been an evolving, and not necessarily smooth, road. The biggest hurdle I’ve faced so far with my business was regulatory red tape. The process of obtaining my specialty contractors license for sign installation in particular was a long and at times, frustrating experience. After paying the requisite fees, studying for and passing my exam, submitting proof of bonding and insurance, my application sat in limbo for months. It took numerous calls and unanswered messages before I finally found someone who could bring it to the attention of the person in charge of getting it officially approved. But I am now a licensed contractor here in California. My next challenges are to figure out how to accommodate my growing workspace needs, and have Severud Sign Co. become more well-known so that the local community knows a place to go for hand painted and gilded signs.
We’ve been impressed with Severud Sign Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in custom, hand-crafted signs and gilding but also really love graphic design work. I value the story-telling aspect of my work and the authenticity that comes with creating something by hand. For signs, that includes restoration and the use of re-claimed materials along with keeping traditional painting and gilding techniques alive. Some of my favorite work is painting on windows and framed glass, a process that creates tangible depth and results in truly unique sign art. The same values carry through into my graphic design work. I enjoy the process of distilling information, ideas, and moods – in the form of evocative logos, coherent and easy-to-follow infographics, and cohesive multipage documents. I set a high bar for myself and my work, and strive to create designs that are eye-catching and are in tune with the stories people want to tell through design.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you’re in the Monterey Bay the weekend of August 22nd and 23rd, come visit my booth at the West End Celebration in Sand City! I’ll be there selling a collection of fun signs. and the event is full of amazing artisans and live music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.severudsignco.com
- Instagram: @severudsignco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeverudSignCo
