Positive Signs First to Achieve Master Sign Maker Accreditation in 2026
Positive Signs has become the first sign company to achieve Master Sign Maker accreditation in 2026, an achievement that owner Amanda Cookson says reflects her commitment to quality: “I’ve always cared about doing things properly – good design, good materials, and making sure the end result actually works in the real world. The Master Sign Maker accreditation felt like a way to formalise that and put some weight behind the level of work we’re producing.”
“The accreditation is also important for the industry. It shows clients that there is a difference between signage that just ‘looks fine’ and signage that’s been properly thought through, manufactured, and applied to last.”
The hardest part of the process, Amanda says, was clearly communicating the thinking behind her work. “When you’re busy running a business, you’re making decisions all day, but you don’t always stop to document why you made them. The process forced me to slow down and articulate that.”
There were also moments of pride. “Working through my core projects, I could see the consistency in how I approach problems, balancing functionality, durability, and aesthetics, and making decisions that suit the client rather than just looking good in isolation. It was one of those moments where you realise you do have a clear process and standard – even if you haven’t always stopped to put it into words before.”
Celebrating the milestone, Amanda said: “I had a wee cry at my desk! and that night we cracked open a bottle of 2013 Carrick Riesling!”
As a Master Tradeswoman, Amanda encourages other sign makers to focus on the full picture: “Good signage isn’t just about design, or just about installation. It’s how everything works together – materials, environment, visibility, and how it’s actually going to perform over time. The best way I’ve found to build that understanding is by connecting with other signwriters. Being open, asking questions, sharing experiences, and being willing to admit what you don’t know. That only works if you leave your ego at the door.”
Looking ahead, Amanda is focused on refining her traditional signwriting skills while adapting to industry changes. “As the industry moves towards faster, more automated and AI-generated solutions, I’ve found myself wanting to lean the other way – not in opposition to it, but to make sure we don’t lose the skill, detail, and character that comes from doing things by hand.”
NZSDA President Logan Sutton praised Amanda’s achievement, saying “she is a perfect example of what the NZSDA pathway through to Master Sign Maker should look like,” while Vice President Scott Walklin added, “Amanda is a real success story… from meeting her in the bar at the end of the last expo and convincing her to join the association, to seeing her take such an active role in everything we have to offer is awesome. I’d say she’ll make an awesome Master Sign Maker!”
