I want to thank my friend Brad Gurney for bringing this video to my attention.

This excellently produced (11min 40sec) film focuses on the manufacture of neon signs in China, from its heady boom days of the 1980s / 1990s, to its present state of decline.

The story is told from the perspective of China's neon fabricating community; it's a story of skill, design, typography... but also sadness, disillusionment and even death.

Since the emergence of cheaper LEDs, neon has experienced a steady global decline. It's unlikely to disappear completely; however, if it survives, it's likely to remain a niche product only.

I'm sure there are lessons we can all learn from this story. Your comments are encouraged.

Kathy Manson, a member of Signs & Lines' Design team, has launched the Graffiti Heads event to raise valuable funds for Princess Margaret Hospital.
'Models' (Yours Truly being one of them!) will have their heads, necks and arms turned into incredible pieces of artwork by some of Perth's leading tattoo and graffiti artists.
The inaugural event takes place today between 5pm and 7pm, but you can still support the event with a donation here.

A 9 News report of the event, Kathy's story, Yours Truly 'after' video and a link to the photos site follows...