Sometimes I make something simply because I'm curious to see if I can pull it off. That's exactly how the FREAK SHOW Marquee Sign started. It's one of the most complex pieces I've made at Lekky Studio.
No client commissioned it. I just had an idea I couldn't shake.
Think of the big illuminated marquee letters outside vintage theatres and fairgrounds in the 1950s. I wanted to bring that atmosphere into a new piece: laser-cut, assembled by hand and illuminated with real bulbs. And the name? FREAK SHOW. A little strange, a little theatrical, and completely handmade.
The Materials
- Wood: the base and structure of each letter
- Mirror acrylic: a bright, reflective surface
- Real bulbs: fitted into the letters for that classic marquee glow
- Paint: every layer finished by hand
Each material reacts differently to the laser and presents its own challenges during assembly.
The Process: Laser, Paint and Patience
1. Design
Everything begins on the computer. I design the letters and individual components to fit together precisely after cutting. Every millimetre matters.
2. Laser Cutting
I cut the wood and acrylic components in our workshop in Twente. Precision at this stage makes everything that follows possible.
3. Hand Painting
Once the parts are cut, the real hands-on work begins. I paint each layer individually. The paint gives the finished piece character that a printed finish can't quite reproduce.
4. Assembly
Next comes the puzzle: joining the layers, fitting the lights and testing each letter. It takes time, but that's part of what makes the finished sign special.
The Finished Sign
Want to see how it came together? Watch the FREAK SHOW process on Instagram.
The FREAK SHOW sign is an original Lekky Studio creation, available to view in our shop.
Want Something Made for You?
Whether you're looking for a marquee sign for a tattoo studio, a personalised business sign or a piece of wall art nobody else has, we can work on a custom design.
Explore the FREAK SHOW Marquee Sign or learn about custom signs.
