All the neon signs artworks in this book use eight-color printing (including four types of fluorescent colors), bringing out the true effect of the signage manuscripts. Readers can use the mini UV torch included with the book to simulate the glowing effect of neon lights at night, leading readers to appreciate these neon signage manuscripts from the 50s to 70s from different angles (day and night), and to record the beauty of Hong Kong’s neon signage.

“Radiant Eateries: Hong Kong Restaurant Neon Sign Drawings” is a book about Hong Kong’s neon signage. We hope to bring readers an experience related to neon signs through the book design.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part discusses the history of Hong Kong’s neon lights and the history of Hong Kong’s catering industry. The second part records 218 handwritten neon signages from the catering industry.

All the handwritten manuscripts in this book use eight-color printing (including fluorescent pink, fluorescent green, fluorescent yellow and fluorescent orange), bringing out the true visual effect of the signage artworks. Readers can use the UV torch provided with the book and shine it on the fluorescent ink-printed neon handwriting in a dark environment to simulate the glowing effect of neon lights at night. As fluorescent ink is added to the manuscript lines, if the ink amount is not accurately controlled, it will cause color differences from the original manuscript. Therefore, we have conducted numerous tests before formal printing to determine the best ratio of different inks in each manuscript and the effect of the ink printed on the book paper.

We specially designed a hardcover storage box to hold the book and a UV torch. Hong Kong was once an important center for neon light production, so to echo this history, we used a paper material similar to white steel with an industrial feel to make the book box. The box design uses embossing to present the content of the signage manuscripts. To mimic neon light tubes, we used transparent acrylic tubing on the side of the book box.

This printing process is intended to lead readers to appreciate these neon signage artworks from the 50s to 70s from different angles (day and night), and to record the beauty of Hong Kong’s neon signage.

Studio Nous
Poe Cheung, Design Director
Allan Fan, Design Director
Kiki Yau, Project Coordinator
Brian Kwok, Writer