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6 Comments The Sign Depot Presents TYPEFACE
TYPEFACE Explores The Custom Typography Community
We are thrilled to be partnering with The Princess Cinema to present the TYPEFACE screening happening Monday October 15th in Waterloo Ontario. Find out more about typography, type setting, lettering and it’s role in the information age. Designers and artists will enjoy the idea behind this movie and it will be interesting to see how it many will have a connection to this unique film.
There is a lot of buzz about this movie and we want to share excitement by giving away a pair of ticket to the screening!
a Rafflecopter giveaway Want to ensure you get to see the film? Then grab a ticket over at the Event Page.
Want to know more about TYPEFACE? Interested in typography and letter setting? Perhaps you are just looking for a different kind of film based around history and its influence on modern day techniques. Take a look at the info listed from The Princess Cinema’s event page.
Typeface focuses on a rural Midwestern museum and print shop where international artists meet retired craftsmen and together navigate the convergence of modern design and traditional technique.A Part of the Art, Design & Architecture film series in September & October at the Original Princess. All seats $10. A special series pass that offers admission to all 8 films in the series is available for $70. The discussion of this film’s arrival is causing quite a stir in a community filled with design/art and culture. We hope you will join us Oct 15th at The Princess Cinema as we introduce the TYPEFACE film to the Kitchener Waterloo area. Let us know if you are attending by sending us a tweet, or posting on our facebook page. This film is bound to influence the audience. Make sure you are part of it.
What To Wear – Wood Fashion
Trends in wood fashion and sign design
For many years wood has been a staple in the construction, furniture and landscaping industries. It’s multi-purpose and durable. It displays well in a natural finish, stained or painted, and blends well in a variety of surroundings.
Lately the design industry has taken a look at how to incorporate wood, and that has transcended (or should I say TRENDscended) to the fashion industry. Now wood is becoming trendy in the high fashion circles. Wood fashion finds are now making their way into today’s hottest looks. Wood fashion items tend to be fun and functional. The question is would you wear wood?
Where would you wear wood?
The thought of wood accessories is not new to jewelery industry. Bangles, earrings and wood beaded necklaces are very popular and match nicely with the latest styles. Finding new ways to accessorize with wood is the latest craze!
Suddenly wood is cool to carry. Take your wooden purse, sunglasses and iPhone case with you wherever you roam to give yourself an edgy look.
Wood will continue to show up in the latest style trends and the design world is watching.
What’s Next For Wood?
Fashion designers are not the only ones looking for ways to incorporate wood. Interior designers are adding wood in ways that go well beyond furniture. The images below are just a few of the ways wood has added style and dimension to create interest and unique qualities to design projects.
Looking for ways to stay on trend? Contact us here at Sign Depot and we can create a wonderful wooden sign project that will make a style statement. Find your favorite finish. Create with contour cuts. Choose to chisel. Stand out with stains. These are ways that wood would make you unique to those around you.
What do you think of wood as an element of style?
Custom Car Creations for Cutegecko
Start With A Blank Canvas and See Where Artistic Vehicle Graphics Can Lead You
To start vinyl vehicle graphics the best jump off point is a clean car, without any markings or dirt to hinder adherence. When it looks fresh you will be able to picture what you want on your automobile and where you want it placed. This is how the concept for the Cutegecko Design Agency began.
As you have may have noticed in earlier posts, Karl & Amy of Cutegecko Inc. are great #B2B partners here in our community. We love working with designers to transform their designs into artistic signs. This time we were applying their logo and lettering to their new car. Once they provided us with their design concept, it didn’t take long for Ben, our vinyl master to get to work on colour matching and vinyl plotting. Their Fiat was made into a mobile branding billboard in no time flat.
Make A Mobile Masterpiece
It is important to remember that your car travels where you travel. It is really important to let it represent you and your business. Driving a rusty clunker is not the best way to display your professionalism. Finding a way to stand out from your surroundings is always the way to go. Would you notice this driving by?
Find What Drives You
What would make you stand out? What would your vehicle look like with vinyl graphics? Would you want window decals? These are just some of the questions that Karl & Amy asked themselves when they came up with their ideas. You can read about what they learned over on their post for Promotional Vehicles.
We Have The Answers
If you still have questions on the best way to brand your company car, make sure to contact us. We’re here to help from concept to completion. Who knows you might get to Hi-Five our vinyl master too!
Signs That The Olympics Are Near and What They Share With Artistic Signs
London 2012 Olympic Games
Friday July 27, 2012 is the official start to the London England Olympic Games. In an earlier post it was mentioned that the London Olympic Games Design Font would be a trend for 2012. Now that we have reached the beginning of this year’s games there are a few more items that should be noted when speaking about the upcoming Olympics. Many of the ideas behind this year’s event are along the same lines as best practices for custom signs.
Design
The London Olympic build was custom designed with sustainability in mind. Permanent venues were sites that were refurbished to accommodate the games. Temporary venues were custom designed so that once removed there would be very little disruption to the area where they were constructed. Knowing what you want your design to accomplish is something the designers at The Sign Depot always have in mind
Be Memorable
Structure is one thing, but you need to be memorable as well. Art In The Park area near the Olympic Park will be noticeable to everyone attending the games. This area will surely find it’s way into many pictures/tweets/status updates in what is deemed as the most “social” Olympics yet. Creating a buzz and being noticed will be things to watch for during the 2012 Olympic events. Those will be the memories that will live on after the torch has been put out.
Make A Bold Statement
Being a Canadian company we definitely endorse this video! Finding ways to stand out from your competition is always the way to rise to the top. Choosing unique and artistic ways to convey messages through signs is something we defintely have in common with the London 2012 Olympic Games. Finding ways to be bold with sophisticated style is not and easy task but taking risks and stepping up to challenges are traits that we find commendable.
We even wonder if our post on Findabilty inspired the Canadian Olympic Team
Award Winning Artistic Signs
Canadian Creativity Index
Last week it was announced that Kitchener Ontario is one of Canada’s Top Ten Creative Cites. Finding ways to be artisticly creative are always at the top of the list here at Sign Depot. Knowing that we are established in city that is on the Canadian Creativity Index makes us proud members of our creative community.
Award Winning Signage
To double the creativity celebration Sign Depot was awarded BEST IN SHOW for the 2012 Sign Media Canada Competition.
As seen in the July 2012 issue of Sign Media Canada, the top publication for signage in Canada.
The judges–members of Sign Media Canada editorial advisory board–had to consider each entry’s merits in terms of originality, creativity, appearance and design suitability. Together, the selected winners in nine categories, with the entry earning the highest overall score also honoured as best in show.
Beertown Sign Wins Best In Show
The Beertown sign had all the elements that the judges were looking for, and as mentioned in an earlier post that sign had many elements to it. Finding it out was first place in Canada is something Sign Depot takes a lot of pride in.
But wait there’s more…..
We also received recognition as the runner-up sign company in two other categories.
The sign for Gusto 101 was the runner-up for top illuminated sign, and Sole Restaurant and Wine Bar received the nod as runner up for Stand-alone sign.
Now with this year’s competition over, we’re back to work creating projects to enter in next year’s Sign Media Canada competition. Who knows what custom signs we’ll create for the remainder of 2012 but if you need a creative stand out sign for your business make sure to contact us! You might be the owner of the next award winning sign.
Communitech HYPERDRIVE Hits Lightspeed With the Help Of High Density Urethane – HDU
What is Hyperdrive?
Well according to George Lucas’s 1977 movie STAR WARS Hyperdrive propulsion systems were vital starship components that allowed starships to enter hyperspace to traverse the vast distances of space at faster-than-lightspeed.
There is one issue, as you can see, without a properly functioning hyperdrive motivator the hyperdrive can break down.
Enter Communitech Hyperdrive
As listed on their website Communitech helps technology companies start, grow and succeed. Earlier this week Communitech launched Communitech HYPERDRIVE. This is truly the motivator requirement that many startup companies need. This functioning motivator helps new tech business owners gain access to industry investors and mentors. They find ways to make their companies grow quickly, or more appropriately send them into lightspeed.
Launch Party
Because of our long standing relationship with Communitech, Peter from Sign Depot was invited to the HYPERDRIVE launch. When asked about the event he has this to say
“The room had lots of energy with a young and vibrant crowd. The introduction of each selected company showed the diversity and unique business opportunities supported by HYPERDRIVE. The idea and mission of HYPERDRIVE is exactly what will continue to fuel a strong, continuum of start up companies, which in turn will be good for the economy.”
Sounds impressive indeed. Finding a way to impress the occupants of the already buzzing Communitch Hub was Sign Depot’s task. Their sign needed to be futuristic and edgy, while maintaining a professional look. The sign was constructed by CNC routering letters made from HDU (High Density Urethane) and creating a halo light effect with LED lights.
Being included in Communitech’s post was the nod of approval we were happy to receive.
To find more info about the next round of Communitech HYPERDRIVE applications, keep watch of the HYPERDRIVE blog. In the meantime we will the first round of recipients the best on their upcoming endevours. We’d also like to recognize that today July 13th is Harrison Ford’s birthday. Without Han Solo, we would never know what a hyperdrive was for.
Think Outside The (Cake) Box
Making The Move With A Little HDU – High Density Urethane
When The Cake Box changed locations it was an opportunity to create a look and feel that matched what they do. The Cake Box prides themselves on high standard cakes and their signage needed to reflect that. Being that they are set back from the street with a parking lot in front, the sign needed to be eye-catching to grab the attention of those travelling in that high traffic area. The inspiration for this sign came from decorative picture frames. Framing a sign is a way to make your info noticeable without it looking out of place. The key is to make it reflect the business it represents. In this case a gingerbread style frame fit the bill.
Frame and Fortune
When creating this dimensional sign we chose to work with High Density Urethane otherwise known as HDU. The design was carved on the CNC router table then given a high gloss UV finish. The Cake Box individual letters were pin mounted to a backer and we gave Sweet Indulgences portion of the sign the golden touch by finishing it in 23K gold leaf.
Final Finishing Touches
As you can see, the sign was installed and the project shows very well from a distance.
Creating ways to catch the eye of those already walking through the plaza was also considered. Using window frosting vinyl The Cake Box specialties were displayed and a bright banner brought attention to the corner window.
Finding ways to think out of the box are normal occurrences here at The Sign Depot. We hope they have encouraged you to get inside The Cake Box.
If you’re looking for ways to change the look of your business signage, or if you’re planning an upcoming move to a new establishment, make sure to contact us and we’ll help create something creative for you.
Green Economy and The Sign Depot Workspace
How Do You Define Green Economy?
That was the question that Sustainable Waterloo Region asked via twitter
best practices for both your company & your surroundings #GreenEconomy
As you can see my answer my answer earned me a spot at their forum.
The forum was held at CIGI. As many of you know The Centre For International Governance Innovation is a prestigious “Think Tank” located here in Waterloo Region. The Sign Depot has worked with CIGI on several signage projects over the years, and I was looking forward to see their completed building. Being invited by Sustainable Waterloo Region made me think more in depth about how The Sign Depot functions and what green initiatives we have in place.
Keeping It green
When Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Mike Morrice spoke about how many local business, including Quarry Integrated Communications set goals as a company and were able to get others companies such as Mercedes Corporation (another company we work closely with) on board,I began to jot down ideas about how Sign Depot as a company is working to be earth-friendly.
Location is everything
First off we are located in a re-purposed building. Our building situated at Charles St. and Borden Ave. in Kitchener was originally home to the Doon Twines Rope Company. The initial move it took some adjusting to the building and its quirks, but we feel the brick and morter showroom fits in quite nicely with the look of our sandblasted wood signs.
Making It last a lifetime
Our sandblasted custom signs are made from western red cedar, known for its rot resistance. Signs made from cedar require little maintenance other than the occasional fresh coat of paint every 7-10 years. The longevity of wood signs make it a great choice for those who try to keep items out of the landfill.
Let there be light
In recent years there has been a real change in the way signs are lit. In our more recent projects, Beertown and The Rustic Lofts LED lights were featured as a replacement for marquee sign bulbs. This is not the only use for LEDs when it comes to sign lighting. We have used them in several projects. The Frugal Decorator and The Purple Room are a couple examples of how halo lighting can be achieved through the use of LEDs
Keep in house, hospitable
Inside our work-space there are many things we strive to achieve while still keeping this business sign company on track. It wasn’t until the temperature hit 32 degrees Celsius that our air conditioning was turned on. Utilities are often not thought of when talking about Green Economy issues, as was brought up at the forum. Finding ways to create your products while still thinking of the environment are often brought up in staff discussions.
Some other ways we have chose to green up the company are
- reuse of our sandblast grit
- recycling of substrates deemed no longer useable
- shredding paper to use as packing supplies
- using materials for other projects altogether
Craig Haney asked the attendees to “Think about your circle of influence” and use it to bring environmental issues to the forefront. I hope this post has done that.
Now I am turning the question towards you, the reader of this post. What green initiatives have you implemented as an individual and/or as a business?
Wayfinding Signs Point You In The Right Direction – The Rustic Loft
Helping St. Jacob’s Furnishings Find Their Way
When St. Jacob’s Furnishing wanted to find a way to lead their customers to their new Rustic Loft level, they came to Sign Depot for some direction. The wayfinding signage needed to be bold but fit in with the look and feel of The Rustic Loft area. Creating a vintage theatrical look that would incorporate the purpose of the sign as well as making it a different component of the store required some innovation. Choosing the right materials and colour scheme is what brought this sign to life.
The process started with metal arrow that was finished with our signature rusting technique. This distressed look is becoming increasingly popular with our clients.
The next step was to add some pop to the project by creating arrow shaped layover to fit the metal box. This was then painted red and than faded an quickly aged with through the rusting process.
To give the sign the look of a vintage lighted marquee, bulbs equipped with LED lights (better on environment and hydro) were added to the arrow.
To incorporate the Rustic Lofts logo, the script was created with plexi and vinyl then a scratched-vinyl technique was used on the vinyl to give it the look of years gone by.
The script was mounted on to a stained wooden oval with epoxy to give the sign character and dimension
All the sign components were then attached to the metal arrow which tied the whole project together.
Not only is this sign eye-catching it serves the purpose of a wayfinding sign as well.
Wayfinding Custom Sign Tips
- Choose an area that is visible to all
- Pick clear, easy to read fonts for your sign
- Find a way for it to stand out from the surroundings without looking out of place
- Make it simple to interpret the sign’s purpose (IE washroom, exit, parking)
- Check that your sign contains the correct info
This wayfinding custom sign is finding its way to St. Jacob’s Furnishings in time for The Rustic Loft Grand Opening today (June 21/12). The event is in conjunction with company’s 25th anniversary. More info about the event can be found here
Creating Artistic Signs for the Beer and Liquor Industry – Tribute to the Irish Rovers
Just in time for patio season….
….we thought we would introduce some of our festive signs. Take a look and see if your brand of choice is in the list of our artistic signs
Could Have Been The Whiskey…..
Might Have Been The Gin.
Could have been the three….
Or Four….
Six Packs….
I don’t know but look at the mess I’m in.
My head is like a football….
I think I’m going to die. Tell me oh me or my……
Wasn’t that a party?
Now that we have you humming a merry tune, how about joining in a sing-a-long with the band?
