Lillo Letters and its signs: the timeless charm of craftsmanship

An ancient profession that comes alive in the present

Loris Lillo rediscovers the art of sign painting, an ancient profession that now takes on a new and precious value. His creations range from commercial signs for shops or restaurants to more personal projects, where the aesthetic component and artistic value are highlighted. One of the most appreciated aspects of Loris' work is his ability to create unique pieces that, unlike digital and mass-produced signs, tell a story and reflect the client's identity. The signs from Lillo Letters are often characterized by vintage typography, with meticulous attention to detail and colors, giving life to visually impactful creations. The art of hand-painted signs has a long history intertwined with the roots of urban craftsmanship. Before the advent of modern technologies, every sign that adorned the city streets was the result of hours of manual work, precision, and passion. Loris has decided to revive this tradition.

The value of craftsmanship today

Craftsmanship is not just a matter of technique, but also of ethics. Choosing to rely on a craftsman like Lillo means valuing manual work, supporting a tradition that is at risk of being lost, and choosing a product that is synonymous with authenticity. Each sign is created to measure, reflecting the customer's identity and the context in which it will be installed. Furthermore, craftsmanship has a significant social impact: it helps preserve cultural memory, promotes sustainability, and fosters individual creativity.

Let's discover the art of sign painting through this interview with Loris Lillo

#1 answer 

How did your passion for sign painting and handcrafted signs come about?

I have always been passionate about a more artisanal type of graphics. During my studies, I quickly realized that things made by hand received a more positive response compared to graphics or artwork generated solely on the computer. This awareness, combined with my passion for calligraphy and letters in general, led me to be completely captivated when I discovered the world of hand-painted signs. My goal was to give the most dignified output possible to my letters, so when I found this craft, I knew it was the right path for me.

#2 answer 

The profession of sign painter is considered by many to be a lost art. What do you think are the reasons for this disappearance, and how do you think it can be revalued today?

Certainly, the main reason why this art form has risked disappearing is the industrialization of printing processes. When the first plotters and large format printers were commercialized, many businesses preferred to spend less and wait less to have signs and posters, but now after many years, many are realizing the potential of a hand-painted sign, especially if in gold and under glass. I believe that this rediscovery is due to the fact that we are completely surrounded by digital, so in this context craftsmanship stands out particularly.

#3 answer 

Working with traditional techniques in an era dominated by digital I imagine is a challenge, digital has its value, but often leads to mass production and loss of uniqueness. How do you integrate these aspects into your work?

I was first a graphic designer before an artisan, in fact, I have a degree in Graphic Design & Art Direction, I am not one of those purists who believe that this profession should be done far from technology, on the contrary, I think it is right to find your own way to make digital and artisanal coexist. In my creative process - although I almost always start with paper and pencil - I also use new technologies that help me speed up some aspects of my work without distorting the result. I think that in this sense, a lot of awareness and respect for this art is necessary, in order to achieve a result as artisanal and authentic as possible, but without demonizing technology.

#4 answer 

How do you communicate the value of craftsmanship and manual work to your customers?

Social media has been crucial in this aspect, allowing me to showcase all the effort, research, and care that goes into creating what may seem like a simple sign. Without it, I believe it would have been much more challenging to make people appreciate this work.

#5 answer 

Your craftsmanship and manual work require precision, patience, and time. What are the most difficult aspects of this profession for you and for those who choose to purchase one of your products?

Frankly, I think this is a difficult and complex profession in general. The techniques are numerous and require a very long learning curve before being able to master them. Furthermore, a lot of research is needed because techniques are not the only thing that makes these products magical; in fact, the study of letters and stylistic research are essential to create effective signs that attract attention. For those who choose to purchase a product, the most difficult aspect, besides time, perhaps is having to rely on a craftsman and let them do their work without interfering too much in the creative process. Fortunately, more and more often my clients come to me and completely trust me, and I am very happy about this.

#6 answer 

What is the project that has given you the most satisfaction so far?

Actually, it's difficult for me to answer this question because in their own way, all projects are challenging and give you a lot of satisfaction when you complete them. I can say that in general, what gives me the most satisfaction is working with gold leaf because sometimes it takes days to finish that type of work and you don't see the final result until the end, so that, yes, gives me a lot of satisfaction.

#7 answer 

Is there a project or collaboration that has allowed you to experiment with new techniques or has pushed you to reinvent your craft style?

Actually, fortunately, I put myself in a position to experiment with new techniques in almost every project I do, it's one of the things I love most about this job, being able to collaborate with very different realities, from a historic delicatessen to a streetwear brand.

#8 answer 

The technique of using gold leaf is very refined and requires great skill. How did you learn to use it and what value does it add to your creations?

I learned this technique in London almost 10 years ago, from artisans who still teach this craft. This technique is definitely my favorite, precisely because it gives a unique value to my works. The most interesting aspect is that gold is a chemically inert metal, meaning it does not oxidize and does not change appearance over time. Additionally, it has a unique shine and malleability that allows it to attract the attention of passersby with elegance.

#9 answer 

What are the biggest technical challenges when working with traditional materials, such as wood and gold leaf, compared to modern materials?

The biggest challenge is just one, time. Everything else can be mastered and tamed with a bit of practice and patience, so I'm not afraid of them, the important thing is not to be in a hurry.

#10 answer 

Letterally, your recently opened studio in the center of Conversano is a space of creativity and production, what does this place represent for you?

For me, this is a truly important milestone, it is an enormous joy to have my own sign in a historic center like this, it allows me to bring this profession to life among the streets of a historic town in Puglia as it could have happened 100 years ago, and since this profession has almost completely disappeared, especially in the south, I am very proud to have had this opportunity. Often when I am traveling around Italy painting, I meet some elderly people who stop to talk to me and tell me that when they were young they remembered that there was someone who did this job, so I like to think that I am planting memories of this kind in the new generations passing by my workshop and that in many years they will remember that there was a painter who painted signs by hand in that shop, at 54 Martucci Street, in Conversano.

#11 answer 

We are almost at the end of the interview, in the editorial office we are all passionate about music, and it is one of the artistic languages that we privilege, would you like to tell us about three tracks that you are particularly attached to? Thank you.

Honestly, I don't have one in particular, doing this job I often stay silent for a long time so as you can imagine I am an avid listener, but like all those who listen to a lot of different music I don't have favorite songs, I like to change all the time.