Clarkson’s Signs Joins Elite Group of Master Sign Makers
Reaching fifty years in business and becoming accredited Master Sign Makers in the same year makes 2025 one to remember for Clarkson’s Signs, a multi-award-winning sign shop in Canterbury. Owners Nick and Maria Clarkson were delighted to see their store become the 25th accredited Master Sign Maker in New Zealand.
Nick and Maria admit they were hesitant to apply for Master Sign Maker initially. “To be honest, we didn’t understand why it was needed as we felt the NZSDA already had the ethics and codes in place. Maybe our hesitation to apply also stemmed from stubbornness, and the idea of pursuing the accreditation sometimes felt like stepping into an ‘old boys’ club.’”
Their perspective began to shift as they observed others in the industry. “We watched the companies that have already achieved the accreditation and felt something shift. These are businesses we admire, run by people we respect and people with integrity, and we realised this isn’t just a badge, but a marker of shared values, community, and a standard of excellence.”
“At a regional meeting, we listened to a peer share their experience with honesty and humility. Then, at the 2025 Sign Makers Conference speed-dating event, we had valuable conversations with long-standing champions of the industry, people who’ve walked the walk. And slowly, we found ourselves embracing the idea.”
NZSDA Secretary, Melissa Coutts, shared that Clarkson Signs application “far exceeded the criteria of all the pillars,” and that the NZSDA board were very impressed with their work and their dedication to the industry.
Achieving the accreditation was a moment of celebration for the Clarkson’s. “There was definitely a ‘wahoo’ moment, and a wee ching of glasses over a cheeky red that night! We’re incredibly proud of our business and our amazing team. It’s moments like these that validate the hard work as well as the moments of stress and worry. The standard of work within the industry just keeps getting better, and we’re honoured to be part of it. If we take one thing from this experience, it’s the reminder of how proud we should be of what we do, and how we’ve continued to keep the doors open.”
“To those who doubt themselves or prefer staying out of the spotlight – think again. We were hesitant at first too. But once we started the application process, we realised something important: we do make a difference. We contribute consistently, we strive to keep learning, and we go about our work with integrity. Yes, sometimes the work feels routine or even mundane. But reflecting on it made us realise, we do it to a high standard. We bring care and excellence, even to the smallest tasks. That’s worth recognising. That’s worth celebrating. So, if you’re unsure whether you should put yourself forward – ask yourself: Why not?”
“This is more than just a badge; it’s a reflection of everything we’ve built together. We are proud we have kept going; continued to provide jobs, pumped out signs for our clients, and made some awesome connections within our industry who we proudly now call friends.”
