Old School Craft. Big Canvas. The Art of Tommy Narramore.
Before digital printers and design software transformed the outdoor advertising world, billboards were painted by hand — one brushstroke at a time. And few people know that craft better than Tommy Narramore, a Tennessee-based sign and billboard painter who’s been creating larger-than-life art for more than six decades.
Tommy’s story began back in the 1960s, when he was still in grade school. His first paid gig came from his uncle’s tire business, painting simple advertisements that sparked a lifelong passion for commercial art. From there, he moved on to painting race cars — bold numbers, vivid colors, and eye-catching graphics that fueled his creativity and built his reputation for skill and precision.
His first hand-painted billboard was for Commerce Union Bank, a large-scale project he completed in a single day. That early success led him deeper into the world of outdoor advertising. Determined to master his craft, Tommy attended sign painting school in Atlanta during the 1970s, where he apprenticed under seasoned craftsmen. There, he developed an understanding of layout, lettering, color balance, and brush control — skills that would define his career for decades to come.
Over the years, Tommy has owned and worked for several sign and design shops across Tennessee, leaving behind a trail of work that spans generations of change. From hand-painted walls to printed vinyl and digital displays, he has seen every evolution of the industry. Yet through it all, he has remained faithful to the traditional techniques that built the foundation of outdoor art.
As computers — and now artificial intelligence — have become more prevalent, Tommy has witnessed a steady decline in the number of hand-painters still active in the field. He believes the industry has lost an important part of its soul and hopes to see a renewed focus on craftsmanship and artistic skill. He’s even considering teaching a hand-painting class for younger people interested in learning the trade.
When it comes to subject matter, Tommy’s passion lies in landscapes and Americana — the kinds of timeless scenes that reflect his love of tradition and the simple beauty of everyday life. His current project is an interior mural for a local Dairy Queen, featuring a detailed landscape of nearby attractions that ties the community together through art.
Stepping into Tommy’s studio feels like entering a time capsule. His vintage sign museum showcases decades of classic sign work — vibrant enamel paints, hand-drawn lettering, and nostalgic designs from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Surrounded by nostalgic art and towering banana trees, the space feels equal parts workshop, museum, and tribute to a fading craft.
For Tommy Narramore, painting signs isn’t just a profession — it’s a legacy. And in a world dominated by pixels and printers, his brush continues to tell the story of an era when advertisements were created by hand and made to last.
If you’d like to reach out to Tommy, you can email him at jtmore3tn@gmail.com
