Los Angeles Magazine called this 'one of the ten best neon signs in Los Angeles.' This photo of the 'Hans' storefront taken on Melrose Avenue in 1979. The neon was designed by Eric Wrobbel and made by Charles Di Bona of Custom Neon, the primary force in the renaissance of neon in the 1970s. https://www.ericwrobbel.com/art/neon.htm

Some work in neon

Shortly after this “Hans” sign was erected, Los Angeles Magazine called it “one of the ten best neon signs in Los Angeles.” Melrose was then the happening street in Los Angeles. I was fortunate to be able to work with Charles Di Bona of Custom Neon, who was the primary force in the renaissance of neon in the 1970s.

'The Late Late Show' in neon. Designed by Eric Wrobbel and made by Charles Di Bona of Custom Neon, the primary force in the renaissance of neon in the 1970s. The hand-drawn letterforms combine art deco (the words 'Late Late' are in a variation of a typeface associated with that style) with a bold, free, and vivacious script as practiced in the heyday of hand-lettering. A perhaps not-so-subtle influence of 1950s automobile lettering can be seen as well. https://www.ericwrobbel.com/art/neon.htm

I always liked this “The Late Late Show” one especially. The hand-drawn letterforms combine my longtime love of art deco (the words “Late Late” are in a variation of a typeface associated with that style) with a bold and vivacious script as practiced long ago in the heyday of hand-lettering. A perhaps not-so-subtle influence of 1950s automobile lettering can be seen as well.


What: Neon sign design

For: Storefront at “Hans,” a shop on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles

Client: Custom Neon

When: 1979


What: Neon sign design

For: “The Late Late Show,” Los Angeles

Client: Custom Neon

When: 1979



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