Find What You’re Looking For – Findability And Wayfinding Signs

Somebody Give Me A Sign

Remember the U2 song I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For ?  Or how about when the lead character in a movie throws his/her hands up in the air and yells Won’t You Show Me A Sign ? How many times have you heard the line Where Do We Go From Here?  Although these might be a bit dramatic we see these statements as FINDABILITY issues.

How To Improve Your Findability

Website Search

Findability is usually reserved when speaking about Search Engine Optimization but we think it goes beyond your online search engine ranking.  While we agree that your Google search status is very important, we know that people are searching for your info elsewhere too.

Yellow Pages

You may have heard that Yellow Pages puts you in with your competition, but it is also an opportunity to out-shine your competitors.  We had a client call and tell us that she chose to work with us because our Yellow Pages ad was well designed and she preferred it over the other sign shops listed on the page.

As you can see it is a black and white ad.  It consists of the important info and how best to contact us.  Along with our tag line that we have branded ourselves around.

Business Signage

As mentioned in the post You Want To Go Where Everyone Knows Your Name your outdoor business signage is very important.  To see if others felt this way as well we did a POLL on our Facebook page.

25 people took part in our quick survey.

They were asked

How important is a visible sign when you arrive at a place you have never been before?

Their choices were

1. Very important I don’t want to drive past the destination
2. Somewhat important I try to know the closest landmark/look for the address number
3. Not important

Landmarks increase your visibility which helps with the Findability of your business.  Address numbers are also part of signage.  How you scale their size to their placement is something a professional sign maker knows all about.

Did I mention no one picked answer number three?

So the next time you hear that someone has Lost Their Way, you’ll have some great suggestions for them.

Top Ten Things To Pack For The Long Weekend Road Trip

Bring on the Summer

With the warm weather days upon us, long weekends are full of fireworks, fishing, and fun which usually means road trips.  The best way to ensure a fun and relaxing time is by being prepared for the excursion.  Most travelers already carry a vehicle emergency kit with First Aid items, booster cables, a can of quick tire inflater etc.  To ensure that road trip is enjoyable for everyone,  here is a list of some items to be sure to pack for that long weekend road trip!

Ready for the Road

1. Bottles of water
2. Granola bars or something that can tide you over until your next stop
3. Baby wipes – great for those in car spills
4. Change of clothing – see above
5. Extra batteries or car chargers for music players/cell phones/laptops etc
6. Travel pillows & blankets (the comfy kind, not those crinkly emergency blankets)
7. Portable entertainment IE DVDs, deck of cards, magnetic travel games, hand held video games
8. Sunscreen (daytime travel)
9. Booklight (nightime travel)
10. Large Ziploc bags – great for garbage

In addition it is also a good idea to have a bit of cash (in case your next stop doesn’t take credit or debit), also make sure to bring a map in case your GPS signal is lost.  You want to make sure to find that “hideaway” without having to worry about where it is hiding!  If you’re are inviting guests to your cottage, make sure they can identify your getaway from the everyday by adding a custom sandblasted cedar cottage sign to identify your neck of the woods.

Enjoy the Long Weekend and remember to kick back and relax once the travelling part is done.   It won’t be long before you are on the road again, so be sure to stream our ROAD TRIP PLAYLIST Have any road trip tips you want to pass along? Make sure to add them to the comments, send us tweet or find us on facebook.

High Density Urethane Letters – VeloCity Garage

HDU And What It Can Do

High Density Urethane, often referred to as HDU is a material that we use quite often when creating dimensional signs. It can be manipulated in many ways to create the look you want to achieve.  In the past we have made it look like wood, brick, stone and even fudge.  HDU is a versatile substrate that can be routered,  sanded and painted just like wood.  You can be equally creative with the finish on a High Density Urethane sign. That is what VeloCity Garage decided to do with their space in The Communitech Hub.   The idea was for a sleek look with a bit of an edge.  The way that was accomplished was by using two different finishes on the same project.

Step By Step

The HDU sign letters were cut out on the CNC router table.  Then after sanding and priming the letters, pins were attached with epoxy.  These would be used for installation.  Then they were ready for the paint finishes.

the GARAGE portion of the sign was given a rust finish while the VELOCITY part was painted to a high gloss look.

After the VeloCity Garage signs were installed, the two very different looks came together to capture the feel of this High Tech shared space inside a re-purposed Tannery.  Finding the right mix of old and new was the key to artstic look of this uniquely crafted sign project.  The result was a “best of both worlds” sign that tips the hat to the building’s historic past and fast forwards occupents to the bright future.

If you happen to be visiting VeloCity Garage we would love to hear what you think of the sign. Tweet a pic to @TheSignDepot with your thoughts or find us on Facebook to see more of our projects.

And we’re PLANKING

Creating Walls With Wood Planks

When a designer has a vision, it is our mission to make that vision a reality.  Taking everyday materials and changing them to create interest is something that we do almost daily.  In most cases, once the right materials are found to fit the design concept, then the  construction can begin.  In this case, it was more about fitting the material into the construction.  The design was to create a wood plank wall in our Kitchener workshop for a Toronto restaurant.  Finding a way to construct a wall that could be transported and installed to match the design specifications required, was the challenge with this project.

Even big sign projects start small

Instead of beginning with a wall of lumber, the project was built in several small sections.  Each 24″x 24″ tile was made from cut cedar planks. When it was laid out on our workshop it resembled parkay flooring.

After seeing how the individual sections would fit together, the project was disassembled so that each cedar piece could be finished with a spray stain process.  Once all the pieces were stained the cedar sections were stacked and transported to Toronto.

How we went against the grain

 Each 24″x24″ cedar tile was attached to match the pattern that was laid out in the workshop.  Adding dimension to the wall was a way to give it character.

 It also was to be a reflection of the establishment’s name,  Against The Grain Urban Tavern.

When the cedar wall installation was finished it transformed the back drop of the restaurant and ended up reaching 21 feet across the wall.

When a sign is not a sign, it can still be a sign of something else

While there is an absence of graphics and text on this sign project, to us it is still a cedar sign.  The lack of words on this sign still represents the business name in an understated way.

3 Dimensional Augmented Reality and the Sign Industry

Super Heroes, Sporty Cars and Signs

This week marks the arrival of the much anticipated summer blockbuster The Avengers.  As with all the films that Marvel creates, a large amount of licenced products will accompany the movie’s release.   Marvel has teamed up with WalMart to create a marketing campaign to continue The Avengers’ 3D experience by taking it beyond the theatre and into WalMart retail locations.  While WalMart already capitalizes on radio and tv ads, they have added an element of surprise to the mix.  It involves signs.  Signs that may look like 2D digitally printed signs to passers by, but to those “in the know” it’s the beginning of an adventure.

http://youtu.be/dXpZ7niGgIY

Through the use of Augmented Reality and a smartphone, Walmart shoppers are able to create an Avengers experience by scanning the signage for Marvel merchandise.  Although this might be the launch of Augmented Reality to masses, WalMart was not the first big brand to tap into this type of media.  Last year Volkswagon Canada used Augmented Reality to launch their new Beetle in the heart of Toronto.  They used traditional signage to create a stunt car rally to show off their enhanced model.

http://youtu.be/KRA0SZhKNyo

Augmented Reality was a term that many recognize, but few had experienced first hand.  It is a process where Geo Tags known as “layers” are embedded into a 2D sign. An Augmented Reality app reads the tags and displays the content linked to the tag on an augmented reality equipped device.  Now that smartphones are 4G (ie able to display fast streaming video), augmented reality can be experienced in the palm of your hand.  The applications are widespread and when executed properly it can attract customers by creating user experiences.  Augmented Reality is changing the 2D signage landscape into a 3 dimensional land where a smartphone or tablet can take a product and bring it life.  It will give consumers the feeling of fast forwarding into the future.  Augmented Reality will bring signage to the forefront of this cutting edge application.

What do you think is next for Augmented Reality and Signs?

 

What Does Heritage Sign Making Have To Do With Disney?

Timeline of Signs

Sign making is a craft that originated in ancient times according to Wikipedia.  Fast forward to the modern day where the function of signage is described as a means of…

 communication, to convey information such that its receiver can make cognitive decisions based on the information provided. In general, signage can be classified into the following functions: (a)Information: signs giving information about services and facilities, e.g., maps, directories, instructions for use, etc. (b)Direction: signs leading to services, facilities, functional spaces and key areas, e.g., sign posts, directional arrows, etc. (c)Identification: signs indicating services and facilities, e.g., room names & numbers, toilet signs, number of floors, etc. (d)Safety and Regulatory: signs giving warning or safety instructions, e.g., warning signs, traffic signs, exit signs, rules & regulations, etc.

This description makes signage sound like a rather dull concept.  We think the contrary.  Making noticeably unique signs are tasks that professional sign makers tackle every day.  Using heritage sign making techniques like hand painting, carving, routering, blasting, and guilding (gold leaf applications) are just some of the ways that the sign crafters of today create bold looks and eye catching signs.

Behind The Scenes

Finding the best technique to suit what the sign represents can be challenging, but through different methods of design and construction the desired look will be achieved.  Take a look at this behind the scenes video of the Disney Sign Shop

They use several of the same processes we do.  Both traditional heritage looks and modern style sign making processes (and sometimes a mix of the two) make the signage industry a far more interesting concept, while still making signage functional.

Signs of a Great Sign Maker

Choosing a sign maker that has expertise in a variety of of sign making techniques ensures you have the signage that meets your requirements and exceeds your expectations.  The art of sign making requires high attention to detail as well the ability to produce outstanding results.  Make sure your sign maker of choice provides you with the choices you need to suit your needs as well as your sign budget. Taking the time to listen to your preferences and consider the options that will make your sign stand up and stand out is what makes for great sign maker.

 

Mother’s Day Custom Engraved Signs – Personalized Gifts

Custom Signs Made for Mom

We wouldn’t want you to stress over the gift for the THE BEST MOM EVER, so here’s an early reminder that Mother’s Day is May 13, 2012 and we have a few gift suggestions for the Moms in your life.

Signs for the garden

Do you know a Mom who spends her spring days in the Garden? Custom Granite signs area a great choice for her.  They can be customized with sandblasted text, graphics and even colour to add some flair.  These signs are durable and look fantastic in flower beds, near slate or interlocking brick.

An artistic sign is a welcome addition

A cheery warm engraved wood welcome sign will compliment any entrance-way.  These wood signs have a simple elegance that will show just how thoughtful you are.  The neutral tones were chosen to match several different decor schemes and the sign’s size is perfect for a front door of a home or cottage.

Customized creative cedar signs

 A little creativity can go a long way!  Choosing a custom designed sandblasted cedar wood sign for her gift will make it a Mother’s Day to remember!  Why not get Mom something that best represents her?  Choose the size, shape, colours, text and graphics to customize the look of a residential sign.  These custom engraved wood signs are great as gifts for homes, cottages and vacation properties.

  

Need something altogether different? We have lots of unique ways to customize a sign for you. Need some inspiration? Take a look at our Sign Depot Pinterest Boards.  They have been known to ignite the creative spark in all of us.

With Mother’s Day less than a month away, make sure to contact us today.  The Sign Depot has lots of options to suit you budget, and we’ll make sure you’re still Mom’s Favorite!

There’s A New Kid In Town – Beertown Arrives In Waterloo Region

Exterior Signs For An Extraordinary Restaurant Concept

As mentioned on the Beertown website….

Beertown – our newest concept – is a fusion of a retro public house and a modern beer bar, built around a ‘chef driven’ kitchen.

….the newest Charcoal Group Restaurant was going to change the local eatery landscape in Waterloo Region.  With their unique approach to culinary masterpieces, we knew that this sign project needed “WOW” factor.

Since Beertown Cambridge is situated on the busy Highway 24, Hespler Rd there would be a lot of vehicle traffic passing by, and there would need to be a way to catch their attention.  It was important to have Beertown’s exterior business sign be noticed by passers-by.

The Beertown main logo was only part of the focus for this sign.  In addition the PUBLIC HOUSE part of the sign was to be a feature as well.

We used several techniques to create the outdoor signs. The “Beertown” portion was created from channel letters finished to match the brand logo.  The “PUBLIC HOUSE” was also created with channel letters, but with a few additions.  That element of the sign was to resemble a marquee sign with an aged look.  Most marquee signs are created with traditional light bulbs, but to keep the sign eco-friendly the light bulbs are actually powered by LED lights, which are low energy and have a much longer bulb life.  The paint finish on the letters gave the sign a distressed look that would catch attention to those driving by.

You can see some of our behind the scenes photo on the Beertown Facebook Page.  In addition to the main exterior sign a mural was created on the side of the building.  The mural resembled a bottle cap with a weathered look.  It was created with stencils, spray paint and our resident graffiti artist/sign creator David Hoover.  The finished mural   quickly changed a plain white wall into a work of art.

When the project was completed Beertown included The Sign Depot in their announcement of opening video.  The video below catches the installation portion of their signage.

Did you Spot Sign Depot @TedxWaterloo ?

Signs and Screens and all the Wonderful Things

Here at The Sign Depot we were thrilled to be invited back to the extremely well attended TedxWaterloo for the 2nd year.

We happily welcomed everyone to the event

and found our place in the finale

Were you at TedxWaterloo? Did you Spot The Sign Depot? 

Do you spot us in other places too?  We would love to hear how you find us!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our Four Favorite Heritage Look Pub Signs

A Pub’s Presentation

Pubs come in all shapes and sizes.  From the little pub on the corner to the big restaurant/sports bar style establishments.  Signs for pubs need to be just as unique.  The entrance-way to any pub needs to be inviting and reflect the atmosphere inside.

In choosing a design style for a pub here are some factors to think about

• Will the pub want the traditional Irish feel?
• Will customers be looking to it for a fun time with friends?
• Will the choices of ale be a deciding factor for passers by?
• Will there be a selection of Irish fare on the menu that should be highlighted?
• Will the pub’s name or logo be the feature of the sign?

Location, Location, Location

As mentioned in an earlier post, where you plan on putting your sign is just as important as what you are putting on it.  Make sure your sign is visible by displaying it where the majority of traffic will see it.   Find a location where your sign can stand out from the rest, but still look pleasing in its surroundings.

Pot of Gold?

Ways you can make your sign be very noticeable are through choices of materials and fine art finishes.  The luster of a 23K gold leaf sign is unparalleled and adding that touch of shine is a decision that might just bring you the Luck of the Irish!

Size Matters

 It won’t hurt to put a big sign on a small pub, but it doesn’t work the other way around.  Make sure that the size of your sign works with the size of your building.  Proportion is key when deciding how large you want to make your pub sign.  Also make sure your sign can display all the messaging you wish to have on it, without the sign looking overcrowded.  There is collation between pleasing to the eye = pleasing to mind = pleasing to the pallet, and when you are in the restaurant business those factors are very important.

Four Favorites Styles of Pub Signs

Take a look at the examples of four very different heritage look pub signs we have constructed.  Each highlighting a different aspect of their pub

1. Food
2. Fare
3. Family Tradition
4. Fun