top of page
New Sign Projects
A collection of the most recent new sign projects.
Personal Works: A Showcase of Craftsmanship
While the Institute of Neon Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and teaching the craft of neon restoration, this section features personal projects I’ve built under my for-profit studio, Fire Creek Neon. These signs are not affiliated with the Institute, but are displayed here to highlight the workmanship and style I bring to new construction.
If you're interested in purchasing custom Neon Signs, LED signs, or Digital Downloads, please visit:
The Great Gatsby
Date Completed :
Location :
Project Type :
Fabrication Facility :
Lead Artisan :
May 16, 2016
Eagle Point, Oregon
New Fabrication
Fire Creek Neon
David McMillan
Project Overview
This sign was inspired by my love for the 1920s and 1930s. I’ve always been drawn to Art Deco buildings, signage, and the underground speakeasy culture. I pulled together a number of design elements I found online and combined them with my desire to create something big and oval to hone my aluminum fabrication skills. And so, The Great Gatsby was born. This piece now lives in Palm Springs, California—with a customer who proudly owns six of my works.
Finley Jo
Date Completed :
Location :
Project Type :
Fabrication Facility :
Lead Artisan :
March 18, 2023
Gold Hill, Oregon
New Fabrication
Fire Creek Neon
David McMillan
Project Overview
This sign was inspired by my 9-year-old granddaughter, who has always been a bright light in my life. At the time, she loved elephants, so I set out to put her name in lights—bold and unforgettable. The sign stands 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide, with a weathered background created using a peeled-paint technique to give it a vintage, timeworn feel. LED halo lighting casts a soft white glow on the wall behind it, while the brass side details add a subtle “tusk” touch, giving it an African-inspired flair. This piece will always stay in the family.
Sweet Tea Express
Date Completed :
Location :
Project Type :
Fabrication Facility :
Lead Artisan :
June 20, 2022
Gold Hill, Oregon
New Fabrication X2
Fire Creek Neon
David McMillan
These signs were commissioned by the Sweet Tea Express restaurant chain. Each location features one of three identical pieces, measuring 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 8 inches thick. We combined real neon with LED backlighting and finished them in a rich, weathered patina for that classic aged look. The owner, a longtime fan of vintage neon, was inspired after seeing Fire Creek Neon restore so many old signs—he knew he had to bring that same nostalgic charm into his restaurants.
Project Overview
Bates Motel
Date Completed :
Location :
Project Type :
Fabrication Facility :
Lead Artisan :
June 26, 20219
Ashland, Oregon
New Fabrication to look old
Fire Creek Neon
David McMillan
Project Overview
This Bates Motel sign was a fantasy piece I created out of pure love for the movie and TV series over the years. I was always drawn to the flickering, failing letters of the old motel sign—it had a life of its own. This version measures 4 feet square and features rusted, rotted poles, just like the ones that once held the original roadside sign. Although it's single-sided, we used LED lighting to create a double-sided halo glow for extra impact. Today, this piece resides in Palm Springs with a well-known collector. Fire Creek has crafted a few of these movie-inspired signs—each one a tribute to the stories that lit up our screens.
bottom of page