Metal Fabrication

Keeper of the Craft

Custom Craftsman’s Brother Zank recounts his career evolution.

Published

18 years ago

March 13, 2006

Steve Aust Signs of the Times March 2006 Issue

The career of Brother Zank, founder of Custom Craftsman Signs (Sevierville, TN), has been transformed several times. Having begun as a graphic designer in Cleveland, he gradually migrated away from merciless, lake-effect snow and 2-D artwork to temperate, Dixie weather and his current niche as a designer and fabricator of custom, handcarved signage and heirloom displays.

Making the change

The son of a military man, Zank was born in Charlotte, NC, but moved with his family to Cleveland as an infant. He took his first creative job with Zarney Graphic Artists, a Medina, OH-based firm.

"I loved the creativity, but I eventually grew tired of working in two dimensions

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The Sign Industry Podcast is a platform for every sign person out there — from the old-timers who bent neon and hand-lettered boats to those venturing into new technologies — we want to get their stories out for everyone to hear. Come join us and listen to stories, learn tricks or techniques, and get insights of what’s to come. We are the world’s second oldest profession. The folks who started the world’s oldest profession needed a sign.