The Signpainter’s Art is Alive and Thriving.
Signpainter Carlos Aguilar began his career in art and lettering at the age of 13. Inspired daily by the art in Los Angeles, he began to recognize the beauty and unique style in signs and murals all over the city, and began to practice his craft in earnest. With over ten years in experience as owner of Sign Graf Custom Signs, Carlos has now opened El Sapo Studio, a collective of experienced sign artists who work to create the best custom sign work available. He specializes in custom type, hand lettering and graphics, modern and traditional designs.
Sadly, the original Juices Fountain shack on Vine Street near Hollywood Boulevard was torn down to make room for the W Hotel and condos. Fortunately, Ms. Perez’s collection of brightly illustrated menu signs now live at her new place (now called just Juice Fountain) at 6332 Hollywood Boulevard, just around the corner from the old location. These signs date from the Fountain’s opening in 1969 and feature a masterful, exuberant single-stroke commercial script. The tropical jungle backgrounds are exceptionally well painted and the fruit illustrations are very simple yet manage to evoke the sweet taste of fresh fruit.