A desk globe with the words "Cheese 'n Stuff From Everywhere" sat atop the Phoenix deli since 1949. The shop is closing, so what happens to the sign?

Its red neon glow reflects off the tops of F streetcars as they rumble along the tracks. When the sun goes down, you can clearly make out its bright capital letters from Corona Heights ...

I start by painting what becomes the reflection of the neon. Then layer that with the color, creating the glow. Then come back and do an offset outline, which becomes the kind of neon tube ...