Meet sign maker, Conor

Tell us about your role and what you do from day to day

My focus is primarily on the design elements of inbound enquiries. I share designs with the customer and, once we’ve got the go ahead, manage the printing process, taking into consideration whether the sign is wide format, UV or direct to film printed, laser or CNC cut.

I also look after the purchasing for Message Works, a crucial daily operation — the last thing we want is to run out of materials!

Professionally speaking, how did you get to where you are today?

I started my career as a cabinet maker before transitioning into graphic design just over nine years ago. Working in the furniture industry has given me a keener eye for detail, allowing me to deliver signage to a consistently high standard, enjoy my work and have fun along the
way.

What do you enjoy most about your role and working for Advanced Safety/Message Works?

I enjoy the variety of the work I do. Plus, it’s really rewarding to see a job from beginning to end, working with customers to turn initial ideas into finished artworks.

What are some of the key challenges in the industry at the moment?

There’s a need to balance speed — due to tight deadlines — with quality. As a business, we are combating this with the online sign builder tool and by having a team that can deliver high-quality products in a short timeframe.

What’s something people may not know about you?

I don’t think many people know I’m a qualified cabinet maker. I’m also a proud father of two boys, an amateur gardener learning to grow my own fruit and veg, and left-handed.

If you were to have a safety sign in your home, what would it be?

If I had to choose a safety sign for my home, it would be a mandatory ‘keep this area clean’ sign. However, with two boys under four years of age it’s unlikely to have the desired effect!