Cleveland Sign Maker Revived Hand-Crafted Artistry

Alan Giberson of Old Soul Sign Co. creates custom hand-painted glass signs for local Cleveland businesses.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A close-up view of an artisan's glass sign-painting setup, featuring natural bristle brushes, a ceramic paint palette, and a mahlstick in a workshop. — Alan Giberson of Old Soul Sign Co. is helping Cleveland businesses stand out by reviving the traditional craft of hand-painted custom glass signage. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer buying hand-crafted products over cheaper alternatives created by artificial intelligence?

Alan Giberson, the 34-year-old owner of Old Soul Sign Co. on Madison Ave, is keeping traditional sign painting alive by hand-crafting storefront displays for local businesses. He recently completed a custom project for the Anthology Cask House on West 25th Street.

Why it matters

Business owners are increasingly prioritizing artisanal signage to convey a unique brand identity. Many believe that a high-quality, hand-painted sign influences the customer experience long before a person steps through the front door.

A survey of hundreds of thousands of shoppers by the Sign Research Foundation found that sign quality significantly impacts a company's ability to draw customers. Meanwhile, AI-generated signs can be printed and shipped for just $50 in 45 seconds.

The players

Alan Giberson

He is the 34-year-old proprietor of Old Soul Sign Co. who specializes in the traditional craft of glass sign painting.

Anthology Cask House

This local business located on West 25th Street recently commissioned hand-crafted glass signage for its storefront.

Sign Research Foundation

This research organization conducts large-scale surveys to understand consumer behavior and the efficacy of commercial signage.

The details

Giberson meticulously crafts his signs by tracing letters onto sketch paper before transferring them to glass, often using a mahlstick to maintain a steady grip. His work has become a fixture for local establishments, including his past project at the Noble Beast brewery.

In summer 2026, owners of the Anthology Cask House hired Giberson for new signage.
Giberson finished his final touches at the Anthology Cask House in late September 2026.

Market Landscape

The shift toward hand-crafted signage reflects a broader trend of businesses using physical branding to differentiate themselves from competitors relying on low-cost, AI-generated alternatives. This focus on artisanal quality positions local shops to better capture the attention of customers who prioritize store aesthetics.

Shoppers in Cleveland may notice an increase in unique, hand-painted storefronts that signal high-quality service and attention to detail. This focus on curated shop fronts helps consumers identify businesses that prioritize a cohesive and premium brand experience.

The takeaway

Authentic, physical craftsmanship serves as a powerful tool for businesses to distinguish their brand in a digital-first economy. Readers seeking to improve their own business appeal should consider how visual details and traditional artistry can build immediate consumer trust.