Signwriters may work in workshops or studios developing designs, then visit clients in shops and other businesses to install the finished product. They work in a variety of weather conditions, and may be exposed to paint or chemical fumes. They usually work regular business hours, but may work longer hours at times, such as to install signs for businesses. Signwriters may work individually or as part of a design and installation team.

Signwriters may use traditional enamel paints and paintbrushes to paint signs by hand, or they may use computer-adided design (CAD) software to produce two or three-dimensional signs or illumnated signs. They also use drawing and measuring equipment to plan their work. They work with materials such as aluminium, glass, perspex and plastic, stainless steel, wood and vinyl. They use ladders, scaffolding and hand and power tools to install the signs, and may also use some electrical equipment to install illuminated signs. They also use scanning, printing and laminating technology to transfer images onto their signs.