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No Comments The Pantone Colour to Start The Next Decade is Classic Blue
We always get excited at this time of year. Not only for the seasonal celebrations and Christmas holidays, we also anticipate the arrival of the the trends for the new year. Pantone’s Colour of the Year is something we have blogged about for several years and this time it will be the colour that kicks off the next decade.
Classic Blue
The time has arrived for this year’s announcement. Pantone has released that the 2020 Colour of the Year is Classic Blue
Blue Skies
Whether it is for a Exterior sign, interior wayfinding or a cottage sign, blue brings a sense of calm. Being a cool tone it almost represents the saying “cool and collective”.
According to Pantone’s website they describe the colour as
Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.
If that is something you want conveyed, then it would be a great selection for you. It could relay your message as a trustworthy brand, as per Pantone’s messaging above.
Blue tones are often used in business signs and logos.
You can also see them in the skylines and bodies of water in our custom cottage signs.
We use the Pantone matching system for many of clients, and according to Pantone the matching system chip is
PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM™ –
Best Cross-Reference PANTONE 2154 C
Get Set for 2020
Now is the time to think about your 2020 messaging. In order to start off the decade with a great sign and visual marketing strategy, visit our CONTACT US page and connect with our expert sign designers. We want you to be thinking of the blue skies coming your way.
What do you think of this year’s choice? Let us know in the comments.
Fresh Font and Finish Becomes Finalized Frontage for a Florist
Making Dreams Come True with Custom Signs
When Stephanie Suderman first approached us in regards to creating a custom sign for the Olive and Rose Flower and Gift Studio in Goderich Ontario, she had a great story to tell. She explained to our custom sign designers how she had dreamt of owing a flower shop. Her dream had every detail about it including the sign that would be on the exterior of the building. The sign was to have a wood backer with the text in Stephanie’s handwriting. While many other sign companies would have only given Stephanie the option of some similar font sets, we were able to make her dream come true.
Handwritten Script Sign
The process was one where Stephanie’s handwritten script was built to scale in order for it to properly fit on the facade sign and the outdoor A-Frame sign. After being enlarged, the letters for the entrance sign were CNC router cut, finished in black and prepared for mounting on to the custom-built wood backer. Then the backer received a custom paint finish to enhance the look of the wood. Once the backer was complete, the text and olive sprig graphic were pin-mounted to it. This added a layer of dimension to the sign, and as you can see from the photo above it makes it stand out from the surrounding signage. The sign for the business was then framed and installed at the Goderich location. It serves as a highly visible welcome to those looking for florist that is stylish and on trend. While being seen from distances to capture the motorized traffic is ideal, Stephanie also needed something to grab the passers-by that would on foot or non-motorized transport such as bicycles or skateboards. This is where an A-Frame, otherwise known as a sandwich board sign can play a big role.
Addition of A-Frame Signage
A-Frame (sandwich board) signs are great at capturing the attention of those that are visiting an area. The Olive and Rose Flower Studio A-Frame was constructed from wood and included a chalkboard. The chalkboard means that the messaging for the business can change from day to day. It can display seasonal messages, hours of operation, events and daily specials. By using the same script logo it adds an additional layer to the branding of the business and by updating it frequently can keep the floral shop top of mind with current and potential customers.
Finding ways to collaborate with our clients on the sign design is something we specialize in here at The Sign Depot. We want our customers to know their input is as important as the sign design itself.
Stephanie Suderman had this to say in regards to working with us
I brought my ideas and vision to The Sign Depot when it was time to create a storefront sign for my flower shop. They were very quick to get back to me with a quote with invaluable suggestions and recommendations to take my vision and bring it to life. They were prompt with any questions I had, and got everything done on time. It was a great experience and I am just in love with my new sign and matching sandwich board, not to mention the town seems to love it too! It is exactly what I hoped for to create the “look and feel” I wanted for my store front. Thank you to Peter, Adam and all that were involved!
We appreciate Stephanie’s testimonial and loved seeing her post on Instagram.
To get the process started for your custom crafted sign, be sure to visit our CONTACT US page to get your free quote.
Sustainable Wood Signs Add Charm To Heritage Building
Tucked behind Kitchener’s High Tech Hub, otherwise known as Communitech at the Tannery, sits another heritage site that has been transformed into a tech office space. The building at 5 Michael St. in Kitchener Ontario was once shoe factory. It is situated between Victoria Park and Downtown Kitchener, which makes it great place to be when you want to be in the heart of the city. There are many historic features that make this building unique, and give it much of its charm. Choosing custom wood signs for the building’s exterior made for a great fit. These outdoor signs were created to match the look of the building and serve as a warm greeting for this landmark. The selection of wood enhances the exterior and creates sustainable signage for the century old construction.
Sustainable Wood Signs
The trend in the Canadian Construction Industry is headed back to wood. The properties of wood make for strong structures and is one of our country’s top renewable resources.
According to Architect Michael Green in a Global TV interview from earlier this year “The North American forest grows enough wood every four minutes to build a 100-foot, eight-storey tall office.”
Additionally, our custom wood signs, made from western red cedar, are rot resistant. This gives companies the confidence that their signs have a lot of longevity and will not need constant replacing. Even if the sign did suffer some damage, often we can repair it, then add a coat of fresh paint and it looks brand new. We are proud that our wood signs stay out of landfills and are made from a sustainable material.
Branding a Building with Signs
As in the case of 5 Michael St. the exterior signs also serve as a branding tool.
The signs are clear and concise. The choice of fonts with the gold leaf finish eliminates the need for graphics and gives the signs a classic clean look. With these highly visible signs adorning the building’s exterior, it gives those arriving a sense of what they can expect once they enter the doors. These signs represent the sophisticated space that pays tribute to the hard work that the building was known for. Make sure your signage reflects your brand and lets potential clients know what they can expect from your company.
For more information on exterior business signs, be sure to visit our CONTACT US page connect with our expert sign designers.
Our Friends at The Charcoal Group of Restaurants Want You To PLANeT
#FridaysForFuture #CGPLANT4PLANeT
Today marks a new initiative by our friends at The Charcoal Group of Restaurants. The #CGPLANT4PLANeT came out last week’s global climate change strike.
As listed on their website, Jody Palubiski, CEO of The Charcoal Group of Restaurants was quoted as saying
“This all started when my kids asked me if they could miss school last Friday to support the climate strike.I told them that it is important to ensure their voices are heard but it is equally as important to understand that you also have the power to take action. Of course they asked, ‘what can we do’? To which I responded; Plant trees! I want to lead by example for them, for our community, for our planet.”
Below are some change-makers from the Chamber of Commerce CPN group that are ready to plant their seedlings that were supplied by The Charcoal Group of Restaurants.
Time To Get Planting
Not sure what to do with your white spruce seedling? These instructions provided by Cindy Perri, BRAND GUARDIAN for The Charcoal Group of Restaurants, are sure to help!
Isn’t it too cold to plant? NO! It’s actually the perfect time to plant. The seedlings NEED to go into dormancy to grow properly. (they actually need to freeze to live!)
What if I want my seedling but I can’t plant it this fall? IF you simply cannot plant it this fall on a sunny day, then you must put your seedling in the freezer for the winter. Or you can store it in the garage but DO NOT put it on the concrete. Put it on a piece of wood/shelf or in a pot off of the concrete ground. DO NOT keep it indoors, it will not survive.
Do I take it out of the Peat Pot? NO! you keep it in the peat pot and plant it in the peat pot as well. Plant it on a sunny fall day and make sure it gets lots of water!
The info-graphic below is a great reference as well.
So remember to visit on of the restaurants shown above and post your photo with the hashtag #CGPLANT4PLANeT
We’ll be following along and sharing them on our instagram story!
Do you have a great community involvement initiative that we should know about? Let us know in the comments!
The Small Business Show Features The Sign Depot
Talking (Sign) Shop
President/Owner of The Sign Depot, Peter Moir, spent some time talking shop and signs with Linda Ockwell-Jenner and Steve Bentley on The Small Business Show. The premise of The Small Business show is to feature members of the small business community and discuss what has has got them to where they are today. In the episode below you will hear Peter speak about what brought him to the signage industry and he sheds some light on how our sign shop runs day to day and year to year.
Behind The Scenes at The Sign Depot
As you may have noticed, we also gave Linda and Steve a behind the scenes tour of our production facility where we house our showroom, vinyl department and wood-working area. By keeping the majority of our production in-house we are able to control the project from beginning to end. This gives our customers piece of mind. They know they are receiving a top quality sign that has been crafted by our expert sign-makers. The sign that they receive will often exceed their expectations, which creates a long standing business relationship with our company. Finding suppliers that you can trust and rely on are the basis of any successful business to business relationship. It can assist with growing your business and creating a great brand in your industry.
Lessons Learned
Peter mentioned the lessons he has learned after being in business for more than 25 years. We hope by sharing these tips with the Small Business Show that we have inspired other small businesses in some way. Let us know in the comments what you thought of the show or any lessons you have learned from it. For more information about The Sign Depot be sure to visit our CONTACT US page and connect with us by email or our social channels.
How Custom Signs Solve Problems For Companies
Many companies are in need of solutions when it comes to their business. Whether it is marketing their business to the public, promoting a new product to existing and potential clients, or just making it easier for customers to navigate your establishment, custom signs can solve many of these issues. Choosing a sign solution can alleviate many hardships from a company and bring them to the forefront of the marketplace. Signs can assist businesses in expanding their customer base and in turn, help to increase sales. Turning potential customers into repeat customers is always a great way to do business. Below are a few examples of signs that solve problems.
Exterior Signs
If you have a brick and mortar business, then a dimensional exterior signs can help attract new customers to your store, restaurant, salon, spa, factory, industrial space etc. Exterior signs serve as a 24 hour advertisement for your business and put your company on display in the best way.
They come in both lit and non-lit formats and heighten your company’s recognition, which can elevate your business to high performing brand. When contacting a sign company about an exterior sign it is best to understand what message you want to convey to the public. Remember less is more. Many exterior signs are only noticed for a moment by passers-by so you want your sign to represent the quality your company can offer them. An outdoor sign with too much info can look busy or become confusing to the passing traffic.
Show Signs
Even if you don’t have a brick and mortar business, custom signs are still important. Many business choose trade shows, consumer shows, public exhibitions and conferences to market their company. Many of these shows have similar vendors and as a company you will want to stand out from the sea of competitors. This is where custom displays and signs can help people seek you out. Several businesses will prop up banners and do promotional giveaways, but the trick is to get them to your area to see all you have to offer. Our sign solution for that is a customized Plinko game. It displays your brand and makes enough noise to capture the attention of those in attendance.
Plus, by gamifying the process, those who chose to participate will take away a memorable experience with your company.
Directional and Way-finding Signs
Directional and Way-finding signs are often overlooked by companies. These signs assist with the user experience. If you ever been to a building and have to ask where to find the elevator, or the route to the washroom then you know how uncomfortable that can be. To save your customers from having to ask such awkward questions, then you need to have easy to understand way-finding signs. These signs range from clear floor directories, welcoming reception areas, parking lot signs, room numbers and hallway directional arrows.
These are just some of the sign solutions we can provide. For signs that are as unique as your business, and provide a great customer experience, please visit our CONTACT US page and connect with one of our sign professionals.
Signs of Summer 2019 – Beertown Oakville
While many chart toppers want to be known as the one of the Songs of Summer, we want to tell you all about the Signs of Summer 2019.
The summer of 2019 will be forever marked with song Old Town Road, but this summer we want to introduce to you “Beertown near Trafalgar Road”. While that may not roll off the tongue as easily as the title for the song of the summer, it is sure to be hit this summertime in Oakville Ontario Canada.
Since their first Beertown Public House location in 2012, the Charcoal Group of Restaurants has expanded their Beertown Public House Restaurants across Southwestern Ontario. Now that Beertown has entered the Greater Toronto Area, they are making their mark with updated exterior signs. With a variety of signage surrounding Beertown Oakville, it is sure to be one of the biggest sign projects we will be part of the this summer. These custom restaurant signs will make people take notice and may even create instagram-worthy moments outside of their new location. Whether it is the view from the street, from the sidewalk or those looking for the patio, Beertown Oakville is clearly marked an marketed a place for the public to gather.
Custom Pub Signs for Beertown
The signage project for the Beertown signs included a variety of signs. The individual Public House letters were fabricated using high density urethane, otherwise know as HDU. Then they were given a matte black finish for high visibility against the light brick exterior, and as you can see in the picture below, it creates dimension through the use of natural daylight and shadows.
The word BEERTOWN was created with aluminum channel letters that were fit with LEDs to replicate red neon. This is a process we are getting known for. The look says neon, but it is much better for the environment. It requires less electricity to run and has a greater longevity then the glass tubing used for neon.
The last sign technique was the painting of a mural. Much like the one we created for the Beertown Cambridge location, we expect it to become an noticeable landmark for the area. This is where the contrasting colours of red and green are just the right mix to make it a great photo opp spot at the location.
If you take photos by the mural, be sure to tag @TheSignDepot and we will do our best to share them on our social feeds.
The Beertown Publich House – Oakville sign project made summer of 2019 memorable for us. If you have great memories of any of the Beertown Public House locations, we want to hear about it. Leave us a comment below.
This Custom Wood Sign Will Have You Wanting to Climb Every Mountain
When it comes to sandblasted cedar signs we have created a many custom wood signs with a variety of images. There have been beach scenes, cottage and lake views, wild birds, family pets and farms just to name a few, but this request for mountains was truly special. We were contacted through our facebook page about creating a mountain and water scene with an address number and a family name. In addition, the mountains were to be snow capped as that is how the back drop of their vacation home looks in spring. We wanted to climb every mountain to make this happen.
Our expert sign designers created a sign design to match the required expectations and our sign-makers went to work on crafting the western red cedar sign for them.
Sandblasted Western Red Cedar Signs
For those not familiar with western red cedar, it is also known as thuja plicata, a rot-resistant wood. This makes it the best choice for our custom wood signs.
All of our cedar signs are created to handle all kinds of weather. Knowing it would be going to an area that has snow covered mountains had everyone here thrilled to know that one of our signs would be going to such a different climate. The process began with a cedar blank that was cnc router cut to the requested shape. Then it a sandblast stencil overlay was applied prior to sandblasting. After the sign was prepped it was ready for the sandblasting. The process of sandblasting wood involves sandblast grit carving the wood through the use of a pressure hose. After the sign is carved to the preferred depth, the sign was sanded to create a smooth surface for finishing. The exterior grade paint finish was then applied to sign to complete the project.
Rocky Mountain High
After the sign was shipped, the customer installed it at their vacation property and sent us this image.
You can see the snow covered mountain range in the background which are highlighted on the sign. We were over the moon, or should we say mountain, when we received this picture. You might say we were on a Rocky Mountain High!
If you need a custom wood sign made, please visit our CONTACT US page.
Instagram Worthy Signs Help Bring Smiles To The New Hamburg Dental Office
The New Hamburg Dental Group is known for maintaining some of the best smiles around, so it brought smiles to our faces when they came to us for sign frames to use in their dental office. They wanted custom signs to help their young patients show off their smiles.
When You’re Smiling On Instagram Then The Whole World Smiles With You
Many are familiar with the song When Your Smiling that has been recorded by Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and most recently by Michael Buble.
The New Hamburg Dental Group wanted to have the whole world smile while scrolling through their New Hamburg Dental instagram feed. To achieve this we created light weight custom signs that could be lifted by children and sized perfectly for them. Each sign had text and graphics designed and then applied to the surface with vinyl. The signs are hung in their office and make a great wall display as well.
After a check-up a child has the opportunity to show off their smile in an instagram-worthy moment. It gives the kids something to look forward to at the end of their appointment and encourages them to keep up their dental routines at home.
Elevate Your Brand on Instagram with Signage
Several instagram feeds show a variety of images and many of them feature signs as part of the photo. This takes the messaging well past the caption and assists in making your brand recognizable.
Often businesses use their reception signs and other office signs as part of their instagram images as a way to elevate their brand and display their company logo. This also assists your company in leaving a lasting impression for those viewing their instagram feed.
If you are looking for some assistance with office signs that fit your brand, be sure to visit our CONTACT US page or email sales@sign-depot.on.ca
We want to ensure there are miles of smiles when it comes to creating custom signs for companies.
Connecting In The Community
3 Community Events Within 7 Days
Community Involvement has always been a priority here at The Sign Depot. Whether it’s being involved in a community project, or learning about Social Enterprise, we want to take part.
Being connected to the community is a big part of my role here. I am present at most Chamber of Commerce meetings, I attend networking events, participate in Peer2Peer groups and do my best to support our clients with their endeavours.
This week is no exception. I attended the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery #CultureTalks last Thursday. I went to the D2L Night School #LearningCulture event last night and tonight I will be at the Shopify #ShopClass19 session.
Each event I attend is inspiring and I appreciate the information that is given and do my best to absorb it all and bring it back to implement here.
Here’s the recap of the week.
Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery #CultureTalks took place at the historic Walper Hotel and Caroline Robbie of Quadrangle presented about the “hub” culture that is happening in Toronto at The City of The Arts Launchpad. It is a space dedicated to creating synergy between different art forms. Learning about the design of the building and the projects that are emerging from it was very motivating. So much so, that I plan to head there this summer to tour the building and meet many of the creators that base their work there.
The D2L Night School #LearningCulture discussion was a fantastic event where John Baker-President-CEO of D2L, Nick Oddson-Chief Technology Officer and Chantal Thorn-Director of Learning and Leadership Development spoke about incorporating learning into the workplace as the labour force changes over the course of the next decade. It was conversation between the panelists and the attendees and everyone’s knowledge of the culture surrounding learning evolved. I also enjoyed the office tour given by D2L’s Dan Congdon (who also took my picture with their Moose Mascot). I have witnessed many of their signs being created in our workshop, but seeing them installed in their space at the Tannery brings it full circle for me.
Tonight I will be at the Shopify #ShopClass19. We are clients of Shopify for our cottage signs website and I am enthusiastic about tonight’s class. I have attended their info sessions before and which provide great networking opportunities and lots of valuable marketing information that I implement into our online advertising. Tonight’s topic is email marketing, so be sure sign up for our monthly newsletter and see first hand the knowledge I gained from attending.
Want to connect with us? Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheSignDepot or connect with us in person at our upcoming Open House by registering at https://guestlist.co/events/609114
