A second generation sign shop, jackflash signs has its roots in Bob Lane Signs, a Weston Ontario truck lettering Mecca in the 50’s through the 80’s. Steve Lane, Bob’s youngest son, took to the sign trade in 1983, after a year of university. A year of formal training in George Brown College’s acclaimed Sign Graphics course followed, and Lane Signs of Weston was born. Steve’s multi-talented wife Dawn graduated the George Brown course in 1988.

In late 1989, the growing Lane family decided on an attempt at a more rural lifestyle, moving into a partnership with a former schoolmate Jack Skidd, in Belleville Ontario. Although the partnership did not last long, the legacy of jackflash was carried on by Dawn and Steve, who moved back into the GTA in late 1990 with a brand new exciting storefront glass graphic system called Solar Graphics. The traditional signmaking craft was never far from the forefront, however, and although film graphics are a large part of the jackflash mix, the traditional skills of handlettering, carving, gilding and pictorials remain the emphasis of the shop.

Computer technology is, of course, employed daily at jackflash, but never as a substitute for human intuition and inspiration.


Bob Lane photos and jackflash carries on the tradition.