About

We are a small, family-owned business based in Washington State.

Artist and gearhead Billy draws inspiration from his roots in air-cooled Volkswagens and Porsches. His work is a nod to early hot rod and motorcycle culture, shaped by films like “The Wild One” and “American Graffiti”.

What started as sign art for his own garage has evolved into Rust Rebel - Signs & Designs.

Unsatisfied with the mass-produced, cheap signs found in box stores and unwilling to spend thousands on an original enamel sign, he set out to craft his own. Drawing inspiration from the workshops and advertising of the 1930s and 40s, he meticulously hand-painted and aged each sign, often browsing old photos from the era for period correct ideas.

Soon, friends took notice and began requesting custom pieces of their own. The rest is history.

Every piece is meticulously handcrafted from premium materials. Through a careful, multi-step aging process, each creation attains the perfect, time-worn character—evoking relics from an era when quality and craftsmanship truly mattered.

Fun Fact: 

The name "Rust Rebel" pays homage to James Dean, renowned for his passion for racing Porsches and his iconic film, "Rebel Without a Cause."