In 2017, the effect of the movie "Co Ba Sai Gon” motivated Mr. Nguyen Hoai Bao (from Dong Thap Province) to move to Ho Chi Minh City to set up a career as a hand-painted signboard in the old Saigon style. 

This was a profession he had learned from his father. 

Mr. Bao said that it was difficult to start a business as there were no customers. However, the father with two young daughters never gave up because it was not only a job to earn a living but one in which he also wanted to keep memories.

After exchanging ideas, Mr. Bao designed a draft on a computer and then sent it to a customer for approval before starting construction on raw materials. Thanks to his training in a graphic design school in Ho Chi Minh City, he learned more and drew inspiration from articles about old Saigon to develop his style.

In the past, hand-painted signs were simply made of wooden panels, but workers now have switched to frames with iron or a stainless-steel base. It takes Mr. Bao about 3 - 10 days to complete a product, depending on the size.

Mr. Bao said that he executes all stages, so the completion time for customers lasts longer. Every day he has orders from neighboring districts and always takes pride in getting work done on time.

To paint the sign, Mr. Bao still uses the Bach Tuyet paint like his father once used for its color durability over time. On average, each sign has a lifespan of more than 10 years. To Bao, painting requires meticulous attention to detail and patience.

After completion, if the customer wants, Mr. Bao will install the sign himself. 

“I tried 3D signs but couldn't get the spirit of the old Saigon that my shop aimed for. After being introduced by friends, I came to Mr. Bao and was completely satisfied with what he brought," said Mr. Phong, owner of a restaurant in District 1.

Many stores still contact Bao to make new signs.

In five years of working, Mr. Bao has made nearly 200 signs throughout the city's districts. His works also appear in other cities and provinces such as Hanoi, Ben Tre, Phan Thiet, Hue, ... 

"Being able to do what I love and being able to support myself and my family is something I'm lucky to have," said Mr. Bao.

Quoc Vuong