Marketplace · Wednesday, September 30, 2026
A Chicago-based neon sign maker, Tom Brickler of Fishtail Neon, has embraced LED technology alongside traditional neon, recognizing the need to adapt to market demands. While some purists dismiss LED, Brickler's business offers both, catering to a renewed appreciation for handcrafted glass neon signs. He also highlights the challenge of finding skilled artisans to continue the craft.
“In the last five years or so, LED lights have come along, and anybody that, you know, is a neon lover or a neon purist will immediately dismiss LED as saying, you know, that's not neon and it's not the same thing.”
“But now there's been a wave that's kind of come back from it all. you know, this LED, I want that real glass sign again. I want that handmade, hand-bent, sexy, glass, neon glow sign.”
“You know, talking about the future of Neon and the future of Neon even in Chicago, you know, it really isn't that bright of a picture. You know, what is lacking is skilled people to bring it into the future.”