He entered typeface design in 1984 as a freelance. His training consisted of more than ten years as a journeyman sign painter and showcard writer. His expertise in painted letterforms distinguishes his approach from that taken by most other type designers. Rather than referring to existing type or historical models for his original designs, Downer draws from the rich heritage of American sign painting. Letters painted with a sign painter’s brush differ in structure and general appearance from traditional type. Noteworthy examples of nineteenth and twentieth century sign painting can be found in historical photographs of buildings, billboards and vehicles.