Illumination device for simulating neon of a predetermined design and method for making same

An illumination device for simulating neon of a predetermined design includes a substantially rigid power control board, a light source, at least one sidewall, and a waveguide. Light entering the lower lateral surface of the waveguide from the adjacent light source is directed along at least a portion of the length of the waveguide before being emitted from the light-emitting lateral surface of the waveguide, resulting in an essentially uniform light intensity pattern over its entire light-emitting surface. The control board is preferably a printed circuit board, prepopulated with multiple point light sources which are electrically connected to one another and are secured to and arranged in a predetermined design on the control board.