Meet Leah Hoelscher of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Hoelscher

Hi Leah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in rural Kansas where my family operated a u-pick strawberry farm. My family had a DIY ethic and I was exposed to many hands-on skills from an early age, such as woodworking, gardening, photography, and sewing. The values of hard work, craftsmanship, and authenticity I learned in childhood are central to my identity and my work as a sign painter.

I earned a BFA in illustration at the University of Kansas and pursued a career in art licensing, but also took on jobs as an in-house art director, first working for a band merchandise platform and then for two different companies in the stationery and gifting industry. During these years I felt a growing need to step out from behind the computer and work hands on. I went through a lot of soul searching and trial and error in this period, including working for two years as an electrician apprentice.

I had always been interested in signs and the way they lend identity and unique character to communities, and I finally decided to learn more at a sign painting workshop. I was immediately hooked. I enrolled in the Sign Graphics program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, which is the last school in existence to offer a full course in traditional sign painting. Belonging to the sign painting community in LA has been a launch pad for my business. I feel like I’ve finally found a niche for myself where I can combine all of my skills and interests and make my best work.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not! I can’t complain though. I’ve chosen to take risks and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My biggest struggle by far has been to keep setbacks in perspective and trust myself. It’s so easy to second guess myself; but I’ve learned that the best results come from consistent effort.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m both an artisanal sign painter and a graphic designer. I combine these two skill sets to help small businesses stand out from the crowd and make a lasting emotional connection with their customers. Handcrafted signage gives any space a special, authentic feel – the kind of memorable experience that customers are likely to want to return to, or recommend to friends.

I’m proud to be a practicing sign painter honing skills that have been passed down and refined by centuries of craftsmen before me. I’m excited to be returning to these practices after years of working digitally as a graphic designer. Because I have a foot in both worlds, I feel free to use every tool at my disposal to execute any idea a customer brings to me.

How do you think about luck?
I consider myself very lucky to have been able to go on this crazy journey and explore all of these avenues for work and creativity. I feel especially lucky to be here in LA, where I can attend the last remaining sign painting school and benefit from the presence of so many talented mentors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flyingcolorssignco.com/
• Instagram: @flyingcolorssignco

Image Credits
All photos ©Flying Colors Sign Co. 2025