Heartfelt Hellos: DIY Welcome Signs For Porch To Greet Your Guests In Style

The moment I stepped onto my neighbor’s porch last spring, I knew something was different. It wasn’t just the freshly painted railings or the blooming planters—it was the beautifully crafted wooden sign that read “Welcome” in hand-painted script, weathered just enough to look like it had been there for generations. That simple welcome signs for porch creation had transformed an ordinary entrance into something magical, and I knew I had to learn how to make one myself.

You see, first impressions happen in less than seven seconds according to research from Harvard Business School, and your porch is often the very first thing guests notice about your home. A thoughtfully designed welcome sign doesn’t just greet visitors—it tells them who you are before they even knock on your door.

Why Welcome Signs Transform Your Front Porch Into a Story

I’ve always believed that homes have personalities, and welcome signs are like the friendly wave that introduces your home’s character to the world. When I started researching front porch décor inspiration, I discovered that welcome signs serve a deeper purpose than mere decoration.

Dr. Sally Augustin, an practicing environmental psychologist and author of “Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Architecture,” explains that welcoming visual cues at entrances actually reduce stress hormones in visitors and create positive emotional responses. This psychological principle, known as environmental psychology, shows us that our charming entryway décor choices genuinely impact how people feel when they visit our homes.

The beauty of DIY welcome signs lies in their ability to reflect your unique story. Unlike mass-produced decorations, handmade signs carry the imperfections and personal touches that make them authentically yours. I’ve noticed that visitors always comment more on handcrafted pieces than store-bought ones—there’s something about knowing someone put time and love into creating something that resonates with people.

Essential Materials and Tools for Your DIY Porch Welcome Sign Project

Before diving into specific DIY porch welcome sign ideas, let me share the basic supplies you’ll need. I learned this the hard way after starting my first project only to realize I was missing half the materials!

Wood Options

• Cedar boards (naturally weather-resistant and aromatic)
• Pine planks (budget-friendly and easy to work with)
• Reclaimed barn wood (adds instant character and history)
• Pallet wood (free option with rustic appeal)

Essential Tools

• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
• Wood stain or paint
• Brushes and foam rollers
• Drill with wood bits
• Jigsaw or circular saw
• Measuring tape and pencil

Finishing Supplies

• Outdoor polyurethane or spar varnish
• Wood conditioner (especially for pine)
• Stencils or transfer paper
• Rope or chain for hanging

According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, outdoor wood projects last 3-5 times longer when properly sealed, making the finishing step crucial for longevity.

Rustic Welcome Signs That Capture Farmhouse Charm

There’s something about rustic welcome signs that instantly makes a porch feel like home. I think it’s because they remind us of simpler times when neighbors knew each other’s names and front porches were gathering places.

The Classic Barn Wood Welcome Sign

My first successful project was a barn wood sign that still hangs on my porch today. I found weathered planks at a local salvage yard—the owner told me they came from a 1920s dairy barn that was being demolished. Each plank carried decades of stories in its grain and weathering.

Here’s how I created it:

1. Preparation: I cleaned the wood gently with a soft brush, removing loose debris while preserving the patina that gave it character.
2. Layout: Instead of perfectly aligning the planks, I offset them slightly to create visual interest—a technique I learned from studying traditional barn construction methods.
3. Lettering: Rather than using perfect stencils, I hand-painted “Welcome” in slightly uneven letters. The imperfection made it feel more authentic.
4. Aging: I mixed a wash of gray paint with water to enhance the weathered look, applying it with a rag and immediately wiping excess away.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation notes that authentic weathering patterns create horizontal lines and varying color tones—details that mass-produced “distressed” items often miss.

Rope-Framed Welcome Signs

Another farmhouse porch décor idea that’s gained popularity involves incorporating rope elements. I discovered this technique while visiting a coastal town in Maine, where many homes featured nautical-inspired welcome signs.

For this style, I wrapped thick manila rope around a simple wooden frame, securing it with construction adhesive at regular intervals. The rope not only adds texture but also serves as a natural border that draws the eye to your welcome message.

Seasonal Porch Decorations: Welcome Signs That Change With Time

One of my favorite discoveries in creating seasonal porch decorations was designing modular welcome signs that could be updated throughout the year. This approach satisfies that urge to refresh your décor while being budget-conscious.

The Interchangeable Sign System

I created a base sign with a simple frame and developed seasonal inserts that slide in and out. The spring insert features soft pastels and flower motifs, summer showcases bright colors and sun imagery, fall displays warm oranges and leaf patterns, and winter incorporates evergreens and snowflakes.

This system was inspired by research from the University of Minnesota Extension, which found that seasonal decorating can boost mood and help people feel more connected to natural cycles—something particularly important for mental health during darker months.

Chalkboard Welcome Signs

Chalkboard paint transformed one of my plain wooden signs into an ever-changing canvas. I can write different messages for holidays, family gatherings, or just to match my mood. Last Halloween, I wrote “Boo-tiful visitors welcome here,” and during my daughter’s graduation party, it read “Celebrating our graduate—come join the joy!”

The key to successful chalkboard signs is using high-quality chalk markers rather than traditional chalk, which can wash away in rain. Brands like Chalk Ink provide weather-resistant options that maintain their vibrancy outdoors.

Personalized Porch Signs That Tell Your Family’s Story

Custom Home Entry Signs became my passion project after realizing how much personality they could convey. These signs go beyond simple “Welcome” messages to share something meaningful about your family.

Family Name and Established Date Signs

I created a sign featuring our family name along with the year we moved into our home. But instead of just painting the information, I researched our home’s history and discovered it was built in 1952 by a local craftsman named Robert Chen. I incorporated this story into the design, adding “Built with love by Robert Chen, 1952” in smaller text below our family information.

This approach aligns with findings from environmental psychology research showing that homes with visible history and personal narrative create stronger emotional connections for both residents and visitors.

Hobby and Interest Integration

My neighbor, an avid gardener, created a welcome sign that incorporates her passion. She carved small flower shapes into the wood and filled them with colorful glass beads that catch the light. The sign reads “Welcome to Our Garden of Life,” and visitors immediately understand her love for growing things.

Another friend who’s a music teacher designed his sign to look like a vintage sheet music page, with “Welcome” written in musical notation. These personalized porch signs serve as conversation starters and help visitors understand what makes each family unique.

Vertical Welcome Sign Ideas for Small Porches

Not everyone has a sprawling front porch, and that’s where vertical welcome sign for porch designs shine. I learned this when helping my sister, who lives in a narrow townhouse with limited horizontal space.

The Ladder Sign Concept

Using an old wooden ladder as the base, we created a multi-level welcome display. The top rung held a small “Welcome” sign, the middle featured seasonal decorations, and the bottom showcased a planter with trailing flowers. This vertical approach maximized visual impact while using minimal floor space.

Tall Plank Designs

For extremely narrow spaces, I developed a technique using single wide planks turned vertically. The welcome message runs down the length of the board, and I add visual interest through color gradients or stenciled designs that complement the vertical orientation.

Research from the American Institute of Architects suggests that vertical elements can make small spaces appear larger—a principle that applies to porch decorating as well as interior design.

Easy DIY Porch Projects for Beginners

When I teach wooden welcome sign DIY workshops at our local community center, I always start with projects that build confidence. Many people are intimidated by woodworking, but these beginner-friendly options prove that beautiful results don’t require expert skills.

The No-Cut Welcome Sign

This project uses pre-cut wooden rounds available at craft stores. I simply sand the surface, apply a base color, and use letter stencils for the welcome message. The key is in the finishing—multiple thin coats of paint look more professional than one thick application.

Painted Canvas Welcome Signs

For those uncomfortable with power tools, canvas stretched over a wooden frame creates an excellent welcome sign base. I use outdoor acrylic paints and seal the finished piece with marine varnish. These signs are lightweight, easy to hang, and can be completely customized with painting techniques.

Rope and Driftwood Combinations

Combining natural elements requires no cutting or complex joinery. I collect interesting driftwood pieces during beach walks and bind them together with rope, creating organic shapes that serve as backgrounds for painted or burned welcome messages.

Advanced Techniques: Handmade Outdoor Signs With Professional Results

As my skills developed, I began incorporating more sophisticated techniques into my handmade outdoor signs. These methods create pieces that rival professionally made decorations while maintaining the personal touch of DIY projects.

Wood Burning Artistry

Pyrography, or wood burning, adds depth and permanence to welcome signs. I invested in a quality wood burning pen and practiced on scrap pieces before attempting my first sign. The technique involves burning letters and designs directly into the wood grain, creating lines that won’t fade or wash away.

The key to successful wood burning is controlling temperature and speed. Lighter woods like basswood burn easily and create clean lines, while harder woods require higher temperatures and slower movement. I often combine burning with traditional painting, using the burned lines as guides for color application.

Layered Wood Techniques

Creating depth through layered wooden elements adds professional sophistication to welcome signs. I cut letters or shapes from contrasting wood types and mount them slightly raised from the background board. This technique, called relief carving, creates shadows that make text more readable from a distance.

Weatherproofing Science

After losing my first few signs to weather damage, I researched proper outdoor finishing techniques. The Forest Products Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides extensive research on wood preservation, and I learned that proper weatherproofing involves multiple steps:

1. Moisture Control: Wood should be at 12% moisture content or less before finishing
2. Primer Application: Oil-based primers penetrate deeper than water-based options
3. Multiple Thin Coats: Three thin coats of finish last longer than one thick application
4. Annual Maintenance: Light sanding and re-coating extend sign life dramatically

Painted Porch Sign Ideas That Pop With Color

Color transforms simple welcome signs into eye-catching focal points. When exploring painted porch sign ideas, I discovered that color psychology plays a significant role in how visitors perceive your home’s warmth and invitation.

The Psychology of Welcome Colors

Dr. Eva Heller’s research on color psychology, documented in her book “Wie Farben wirken” reveals that certain colors trigger specific emotional responses. Warm colors like coral, soft yellows, and sage greens create feelings of comfort and welcome, while cooler blues and purples suggest tranquility and sophistication.

For my own signs, I often use a technique called color harmony, selecting colors that sit near each other on the color wheel. This creates visual cohesion while maintaining interest. A sign with sage green letters on a cream background, accented with soft gold details, feels both welcoming and sophisticated.

Ombré and Gradient Techniques

One of my most popular workshop projects involves creating gradient effects on welcome signs. I start with a light base color and gradually blend in darker tones, creating depth that makes even simple text appear more dynamic.

The key to successful gradients is working while paint is still wet and using a dry brush to blend colors. I learned this technique from watching traditional sign painters, who developed these methods long before spray paint made gradients commonplace.

Chalk Paint Applications

Annie Sloan’s development of chalk paint revolutionized DIY painting projects, and I’ve found it particularly useful for welcome signs. The paint adheres to surfaces without primer, dries quickly, and can be distressed easily for vintage looks.

For outdoor applications, I always seal chalk paint with appropriate wax or polyurethane. The matte finish of chalk paint provides an excellent base for layering techniques and hand-lettering.

Outdoor Welcome Sign Tutorial: Step-by-Step Success

Let me walk you through my most requested outdoor welcome sign tutorial—a project that consistently produces beautiful results regardless of skill level.

Rustic Cedar Welcome Sign with Rope Hanging System

Materials Needed

• One piece of cedar fence picket (6 feet long)
• Coarse and fine sandpaper
• Wood stain (I prefer Minwax Golden Oak)
• Outdoor polyurethane
• Letter stencils or transfer paper
• Acrylic paint in desired colors
• Marine rope (1/2 inch diameter)
• Eye screws

Step 1: Preparation

I cut the cedar picket to 24 inches long, creating a perfect proportion for most porch sizes. Cedar’s natural oils make it resistant to insects and weather, but it still needs proper finishing for longevity.

Step 2: Sanding

Starting with 120-grit sandpaper, I remove any rough spots and splinters. Cedar is relatively soft, so this process goes quickly. I finish with 220-grit paper for smoothness, always sanding with the grain direction.

Step 3: Staining

After cleaning off all dust, I apply wood conditioner to ensure even stain absorption. Cedar can be blotchy without this step. I apply stain with a foam brush, working in long, even strokes and wiping excess with a clean rag.

Step 4: Lettering

Once the stain is completely dry (usually 24 hours), I position my stencils and secure them with painter’s tape. I use a small foam brush to dab paint through the stencil, building up color gradually rather than trying to cover in one coat.

Step 5: Finishing

After the paint cures for 48 hours, I apply three thin coats of outdoor polyurethane, sanding lightly between coats with 320-grit paper. This step ensures the sign will withstand weather for years.

Step 6: Hanging System

I drill pilot holes and install eye screws about 2 inches from each end. The rope threads through these screws, with the ends tied in decorative knots that become part of the design.

This entire project takes about a week from start to finish, accounting for proper drying times between steps.

Front Door Welcome Signs: Creating the Perfect First Impression

While porch signs create ambiance, front door welcome signs serve as the final greeting before guests enter your home. I’ve found these smaller signs require different design considerations than larger porch displays.

Scale and Proportion Matters

The average front door measures 36 inches wide, and I’ve learned that welcome signs should be proportioned to complement this scale without overwhelming it. Signs between 12-18 inches wide create the best visual balance.

I often create door signs that incorporate the door’s existing hardware or architectural details. For example, if the door has decorative glass panels, I might echo those shapes in the sign’s design.

Weather Considerations for Door Signs

Door-mounted signs face unique challenges—they’re closer to foot traffic, more likely to be touched, and often receive less air circulation than porch-mounted pieces. I use extra coats of protective finish and check them more frequently for wear.

Integration with Door Hardware

Rather than competing with existing door elements, successful door signs complement them. I study the door’s color, style, and hardware finish before designing the sign. A contemporary door with brushed nickel hardware calls for a different sign approach than a rustic door with black iron fixtures.

Seasonal Adaptations: Keeping Your Welcome Fresh Year-Round

The concept of seasonal porch decorations extends beyond just changing colors—it’s about creating a dynamic welcome that reflects the natural rhythm of the year and keeps your entrance feeling fresh and intentional.

Spring Renewal Designs

Spring welcome signs celebrate new beginnings and growth. I incorporate soft greens, gentle yellows, and imagery that suggests awakening—like budding branches or unfurling ferns. My spring sign features hand-painted daffodils around the word “Welcome,” reminding visitors that life is blooming again.

Research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that exposure to spring colors and nature imagery can reduce stress and improve mood, making these design choices functionally beneficial as well as beautiful.

Summer Vibrance

Summer signs can handle bolder colors and more energetic designs. I create signs that capture the abundance of the season—bright flowers, sun motifs, and warm color palettes that reflect longer days and outdoor living.

One summer project involved creating a sign with layers of translucent paint that catch and reflect light differently throughout the day. As the sun moves across the porch, the sign appears to change color subtly, creating visual interest that evolves with the light.

Autumn Warmth

Fall welcome signs embrace the season’s rich color palette and themes of harvest and gratitude. I use deep oranges, burnished golds, and warm reds that echo the changing leaves. Incorporating actual leaves sealed between layers of finish creates texture and authenticity.

Winter Elegance

Winter signs require careful consideration—they need to feel welcoming despite the season’s association with cold and dormancy. I focus on warm color undertones, cozy imagery, and texts that emphasize home and hearth. Evergreen motifs work well because they suggest life persisting through winter’s challenges.

Troubleshooting Common DIY Welcome Sign Challenges

Through years of creating welcome signs and teaching others, I’ve encountered nearly every possible problem. Here are solutions to the most common issues that arise during easy DIY porch projects.

Paint Adhesion Problems

The most frequent issue I see is paint that peels or chips shortly after application. This usually results from inadequate surface preparation or incompatible paint systems. I always sand surfaces lightly, even if they appear smooth, and use appropriate primers for the material and paint combination.

For outdoor signs, I recommend oil-based primers under latex paints for maximum adhesion. While this adds drying time, it prevents the frustration of redoing work after weather damage.

Uneven Lettering

Hand-lettering can be intimidating, and uneven letters are the most common concern among beginners. I developed a technique using removable guidelines drawn with chalk or pencil. I create horizontal lines to ensure consistent letter height and vertical guides to maintain proper spacing.

For those still struggling with hand-lettering, I recommend using high-quality vinyl letters as an intermediate step. They provide professional results while building confidence for future hand-painted projects.

Weather Damage Prevention

Nothing is more disappointing than a sign that deteriorates quickly outdoors. I learned to prevent common weather damage through proper wood selection, adequate finishing, and strategic placement.

Cedar and redwood naturally resist moisture and insects, while pressure-treated pine requires extra sealing attention. I always apply finish to all surfaces, including edges and backs, to prevent moisture penetration that leads to warping and splitting.

Hardware Failure

I’ve seen beautiful signs ruined by inadequate hanging systems. Outdoor hardware must be rated for weather exposure, and I always use stainless steel or galvanized options. Pilot holes prevent wood splitting, and I size them slightly smaller than the screw diameter for secure holding.

Maintenance and Longevity: Protecting Your Investment

Creating a beautiful welcome sign is only the beginning—proper maintenance ensures it continues to greet guests beautifully for years to come. The National Association of Home Builders suggests that well-maintained outdoor wood elements can last 15-20 years, while neglected pieces may need replacement in 3-5 years.

Annual Inspection Schedule

I recommend examining welcome signs each spring, looking for signs of weather damage, loose hardware, or finish deterioration. Small problems addressed quickly prevent major repairs later.

During inspections, I check for:

• Finish cracking or peeling
• Hardware loosening or corrosion
• Wood splitting or checking
• Color fading or paint chalking

Refresh Techniques

Rather than complete refinishing, many signs benefit from light refreshing. I lightly sand any rough areas, clean thoroughly with mild soap, and apply a fresh coat of protective finish. This process takes an afternoon but extends sign life significantly.

For signs with significant fading, I sometimes apply a tinted finish that refreshes color while adding protection. This technique works particularly well with natural wood stains that have lightened over time.

Storage Solutions for Seasonal Signs

Seasonal signs require proper storage to maintain their condition. I store signs in a dry, climate-controlled space, laying them flat with acid-free tissue between stacked pieces. This prevents scratching and moisture damage during off-seasons.

Beyond Basic Welcome: Advanced Design Concepts

As my skills developed, I began exploring more sophisticated design concepts that elevate welcome signs from simple greetings to artistic statements. These advanced techniques require more time and skill but create truly unique pieces.

Typography and Lettering Style

The choice of lettering style dramatically impacts a sign’s personality. Serif fonts suggest tradition and elegance, while sans-serif options feel more contemporary and approachable. Script fonts add femininity and warmth, while block letters convey strength and simplicity.

I study typography extensively, drawing inspiration from vintage signage, contemporary graphic design, and historical lettering styles. The book “The Sign Painter’s Handbook” by Bob Behounek provides excellent guidance on traditional lettering techniques that translate beautifully to welcome signs.

Compositional Balance

Professional-looking signs demonstrate strong compositional principles. I use the rule of thirds, asymmetrical balance, and visual weight distribution to create signs that feel intentionally designed rather than accidentally arranged.

For example, I might place the word “Welcome” in the upper third of the sign and balance it with decorative elements in the lower portion. This creates visual interest while maintaining readability.

Mixed Media Integration

Combining different materials creates depth and visual interest. I’ve incorporated metal letters, fabric elements, glass beads, and natural materials like shells or stones into wooden signs. The key is ensuring all materials can withstand outdoor conditions.

One successful mixed-media project combined a wooden base with copper letters that develop natural patina over time. The changing appearance keeps the sign interesting while maintaining its core message.

Regional Style Adaptations

Welcome signs can reflect regional architectural styles and cultural influences, creating connections between your home and its geographic context. I’ve studied regional variations across the United States and adapted techniques to honor local traditions.

New England Colonial Style

New England welcome signs often feature classic proportions, traditional color palettes, and references to colonial history. I use colors like deep blues, warm whites, and brick reds that echo colonial architecture. Hand-carved letters and traditional joinery techniques reinforce the historical connection.

Southern Plantation Style

Southern-inspired signs embrace elegance and hospitality traditions. Script lettering, soft colors, and references to regional flora create appropriate style connections. I often incorporate Spanish moss motifs or magnolia flower designs that celebrate southern natural beauty.

Western Ranch Style

Western welcome signs celebrate rugged independence and connection to the land. I use weathered woods, metal accents, and earth tones that echo the natural landscape. Brand-style lettering and cowboy imagery create authentic western character.

Pacific Northwest Style

Pacific Northwest signs often incorporate natural materials and reflect the region’s commitment to environmental consciousness. I use locally sourced cedar, natural finishes, and designs inspired by Pacific Northwest indigenous art traditions.

The Future of DIY Welcome Signs

As technology advances, new tools and techniques continue to expand possibilities for DIY welcome sign creation. I’ve experimented with several emerging technologies that are becoming accessible to home crafters.

Laser Cutting and Engraving

Community makerspaces now offer access to laser cutting equipment that can create precise letters and intricate designs impossible to achieve by hand. I’ve used laser engraving to add fine details to wooden signs and laser cutting to create complex stencils for paint application.

Digital Design Integration

Computer design software allows for precise planning and visualization before beginning physical work. I use programs like Adobe Illustrator to plan proportions, test color combinations, and create templates for complex designs.

3D Printing Applications

While most welcome signs remain traditionally crafted, 3D printing offers possibilities for creating custom hardware, decorative elements, and templates. I’ve printed specialized letter guides and decorative accents that would be difficult to create through traditional methods.

Smart Technology Integration

Some crafters are beginning to incorporate LED lighting, programmable displays, and even sound elements into welcome signs. While these additions require electrical knowledge and weather protection considerations, they represent interesting possibilities for the future.

Conclusion: Your Porch, Your Welcome, Your Story

As I sit on my porch this evening, watching neighbors walk by and smile at the welcome sign I created three years ago, I’m reminded of why these projects matter so much. That simple wooden board with hand-painted letters has sparked countless conversations, welcomed dozens of guests, and marked the changing seasons of our family’s life.

Creating welcome signs for your porch isn’t just about decoration—it’s about intention. Every time you sand a rough edge smooth, every brushstroke of paint you apply, every moment you spend perfecting the details, you’re investing in the story your home tells. You’re creating a physical manifestation of hospitality that extends beyond your front door.

The techniques I’ve shared come from years of trial and error, of learning what works and what doesn’t, of discovering that the imperfections often become the most cherished characteristics. Your welcome sign doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be yours.

Whether you choose a simple painted board or embark on an elaborate multi-season project, remember that the best welcome signs reflect the authentic personality of the people who live behind that front door. They’re invitations to connection, declarations of your family’s values, and small works of art that happen to serve a practical purpose.

So gather your materials, embrace the learning process, and start creating. Your perfect welcome sign is waiting to be discovered, one brushstroke at a time. And remember—every expert was once a beginner who decided to start.

Disclaimer: The information in this article combines research from academic sources, industry publications, and personal experience gained through years of DIY woodworking projects. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and helpful information, individual results may vary based on skill level, materials used, and environmental conditions. Please prioritize safety when using power tools and follow manufacturer guidelines for all products mentioned. Sources include research from Harvard Business School, the Forest Products Laboratory, National Association of Home Builders, and various woodworking industry publications.

Also read – Creative Outdoor Door Mat Ideas for Every Home Style

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 – Are porch signs still popular?

Yes, signage for front porches are still in style. They are becoming a mainstay of porch décor during the fall and winter. Front porch signs provide homeowners a chance to showcase their personal flair and extend a cordial welcome to guests.

Q.2 – How do you secure a welcome sign on a porch?

You can attempt the following few methods to prevent a welcome sign from blowing over:

• Use heavy objects to anchor it: To keep the sign stable, place bricks or large pebbles at its foundation.
• Make use of posts or stakes: Attach the sign to posts or stakes that are buried in the ground to keep it anchored there.

Q.3 – What is the best protection for outdoor signs?

Outdoor signage is particularly vulnerable to water damage in the event of rain or snowfall. Use a canopy or overhang to shield the signage from the weather, or think about coating or waterproofing the signage to prevent water damage.

Q.4 – What is the best wood to use for porch welcome signs?

The best wood to prevent rot is redwood or cedar. Painting will, of course, also help them last longer. If your welcome sign will be outside in the weather, choose exterior paint. I used some leftover White Chalk Paint from a side table I made over because my porch is fully covered.

Q.5 – What are the different sizes of welcome signs?

Opt for a welcome sign in a size of around 24×36 inches (60×90 cm) or larger for outdoor venues so that it is easily visible from a distance. These are also suitable dimensions for direction signs. Indoor wedding welcome signs can be slightly smaller; a size of 18×24 inches (45×60 cm) is ideal.

*Images used in this blog post article are for illustrative purposes only. We do not possess any copyrights to these images unless explicitly mentioned.