J&MAIN has created an entire brand around an inspiring neon sign located in Los Angeles, California. Neon signs are one of the most iconic and enduring forms of advertising, with a history that dates back over a century. Invented by French chemist Georges Claude in the early 1900s, neon signs quickly became a popular way to promote businesses and services. By the 1930s, neon signs had become a popular form of advertising in urban areas, used to advertise everything from car dealerships and restaurants to movie theaters and hotels.
Evan Voyles is the founder of The Neon Jungle, a sign-making business in Austin, Texas, responsible for some of the most iconic neon signs in the area. The business has been bringing the streets of Austin to life with its vibrant neon creations since 1995. Voyles was inspired to start The Neon Jungle after his mother described Burnet Road in the 1960s as “The Neon Jungle,” referring to the area’s abundance of strip clubs, liquor stores, and pawn shops. Although the name initially had a negative connotation, Voyles saw the potential for something beautiful in the concept of neon signs illuminating the darkness of the night.
After a fire destroyed his antique shop in Buda, Texas, Voyles turned to neon sign-making as a way to reinvent himself. He taught himself the art of sign-making by dismantling and repairing vintage signs, and soon began creating his own neon works of art. Today, The Neon Jungle has created approximately 270 neon signs throughout Austin, and Voyles’ work can be seen at a variety of iconic spots throughout the city, including Hotel San Jose, Home Slice Pizza, Maya Star, Perla’s, Uncommon Objects, Yard Dog, and Blackmail – the boutique that he co-owns with his wife, designer Gail Chovan.
Voyles’ signs are more than just advertising – they are works of art that add to the aesthetic of the businesses they represent. Each sign is custom-designed to fit the individual style and branding of the client, and Voyles works closely with each business to ensure that the final product perfectly captures their vision. His unique creations have become a beloved part of Austin’s landscape and have helped to establish the city as a hub of creative expression and artistic innovation.
In addition to his work in Austin, Voyles has also created neon signs for clients in New York, Japan, and beyond. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Texas Monthly, The New York Times, and Rolling Stone. Voyles’ passion for neon sign-making has not only brought light to the streets of Austin but has also inspired a renewed appreciation for this iconic form of advertising and art. Neon signs remain an essential part of advertising, adding color and vibrancy to the cityscape and capturing the attention of consumers in a crowded marketplace. Through the creative works of Voyles and his team at The Neon Jungle, the art and legacy of neon signs continue to thrive in the modern era. art. His unique creations have become a beloved part of Austin’s landscape, and have helped to establish the city as a hub of creative expression and artistic innovation. To learn more we encourage you to check out the You Tube Video below.
Neon signs have a rich history in the world of advertising and continue to be an enduring and iconic form of promotion today. The work of Evan Voyles and his team at The Neon Jungle in Austin, Texas, serves as a testament to the ongoing relevance and creativity of neon sign-making. Their custom-designed neon works of art not only promote businesses but also add to the artistic and aesthetic value of their surroundings. Voyles’ passion for the craft has brought renewed appreciation for this timeless form of advertising and inspired others to explore the endless possibilities of neon sign-making. As we continue to evolve in the digital age, neon signs remain an essential part of the urban landscape, capturing our attention and illuminating the night with their bright and bold colors.
