[coldtea]

>It’s completely disrespectful to the artistry of the work.

It's not about the artistry and never intended to be, it's about the end result (functionality wise) and whether you can get it for less effort. (In fact, I've less several other comments lauding the artistry aspect, e.g. notice my comment posted an hour before yours above:

"Sure. I prefer the uniqueness, and quirkiness myself. It's something different than the usual industrial approach. But I'm just responding to people who saying it couldn't be done in another way (have they ever been involved with sign making? of course it could) or that it wont save time to have it done another way, or that it would cost more...")

[nzjrs]

Literally no one thinks this can't be done another (automated) way. This is HN! This is a beautiful post about a true craftsman in another domain, as is appreciated here, and you really think no one has heard of laser cutters? We all know this.

Insight is also about calibrating ones response to the audience.

[kmnt]

I think what is being reacted to though is that its being done in a business context. Construction companies do not typically value good graphic design or hand lettering. This is stomped out for efficiency, cheap coroplast and vinyl wayfinding signs are quickly churned out and discarded. Sato's signs are surprising to me because he hasn't been displaced.

[HeWhoLurksLate]

People do think this can be automated- I do. The issue is that some commenters are putting down manual labor while somebody is doing something that benefits the greater population of their town.

[nzjrs]

I think you misread my Can't as Can...

[HeWhoLurksLate]

No, no I didn't.