The man behind Glasgow's fake street signs

In the city of Glasgow, a mysterious artist known as 'A Sign of Humour' has been putting up funny and creative street signs in different parts of the city. His goal is to get people to look up from their phones and notice the interesting things around them. He places his signs near well-known landmarks like the Finnieston crane and the Barrowland Ballroom. The artist keeps his identity a secret, but he does share his ideas with his children, who help him decide which signs are the best. They are sworn to secrecy and do not tell anyone about their father's secret project. He believes that staying anonymous makes the signs more interesting and fun for everyone.

The artist finds inspiration in Glasgow's buildings and history. For example, he made a sign that says 'No Parking for spaceships at any time' and put it near the Hydro, a building that looks like a spaceship. Another sign, placed in Pollok Park, shows a highland cow and says 'This bike stand is not suitable for parking heilan cows', which is a funny way to remind people that the bike stand is not for animals. He makes his signs by painting plywood and adding custom stickers. He uses cable ties to attach them quickly and can remove them easily if needed. The materials he uses are recyclable and reusable, and he makes sure the signs are temporary and do not damage anything.

The artist prefers to put up his signs during the day so he can blend in with the crowd. He says that many people are so focused on their phones that they do not notice the world around them. He hopes his signs will make people smile, laugh, and appreciate the city more. He places the signs in places where people walk or ride bikes, not where cars drive, to keep everyone safe. Some of his signs are playful warnings, like 'Beware of thistles when invading this beach' or 'Caution: You may be beamed up without warning' in Bonnybridge, a place famous for UFO stories. He also made a sign with a picture of the Doctor Who TARDIS that says 'Caution: Time Lords crossing ahead'.

The artist says he has never gotten into trouble for putting up his signs, but he would take them down if someone asked. He does not think of his work as graffiti because he believes it adds something positive to the city. He wants people to notice the beauty and humor in their surroundings, especially when there is so much bad news in the world. He hopes his signs help people feel happier and more connected to their city. When people take photos of his signs and share them online, he feels proud that his art is making people laugh and bringing joy to others. He says that once a sign is up, it belongs to everyone, not just him.