In fact, for the most part, the visual communications industry is fairly relaxed.
People are willing to share shop secrets and techniques.
If you get in a jam, other sign workers will give you hand. However, no one denies that it is a competitive business. First, you should recognize that your town's business community is just that, a community. Neighboring businesses communicate as neighbors do. When the coffee shop around the corner gets a new sign, it is very likely that the bookstore down the street notices that sign.