Blog

Our Artistic Signs Featured In Client Campaigns – Sign Solutions

Make It Memorable

We always strive to give our clients that affective first impression that they are looking for.  Making them stand out from everything else is what we want to accomplish.  At the same time we want it to be aesthetically pleasing, never an eye sore.  We want their artistic signage to be remembered for its style, not for being an obtrusive object. We want our artistic sign solutions to show off  what the client’s company has to offer their customers and help  bring new customers to them.  Here at The Sign Depot we create signs to fit each individual business, that way each custom sign is unique and memorable.

Found In The Photos

Below are  examples of  three of our clients that created three different webshots/photos using sign solutions by The Sign Depot.   It represented their business but did not take away from the purpose of the shot.

Family Photo

When Deb from IronKids Gummy Vitamins came to us for a banner to be used at running events they sponsor, we had no idea it end up being their Ultimate Family Photo

Facebook Promo

Local business owner Rebecca from Gloss came to us for storefront signage that would be visible to both traffic and walk-bys, we were thrilled to see it was also part of their latest Facebook Campaign

Website Focal Point

Brand new restaurant Gusto 101 wanted a sign that would blend in with it surroundings.  Creating a look they wanted used several techniques to achieve a weathered look.  They were very pleased with the end result.  So much so that they featured it on their website.

Producing an artistic sign that impresses the client is what we set out to do each and every time.  Knowing that our clients are creating campaigns around the business signs we made for them means that they had a lasting impression. 

 

Wood Sign Making Compliments of Italy – From Custom To Wholesale We Are Always Here To Help

You Never Know What You Have Inspired

Earlier this week, we received an email from a person overseas, saying that they came across an article in Sign Craft Magazine from March/April 2009 with a sign we had made.  We often partake in sign publications asking for step by step articles about how we manufacture custom and wholesale wood signs.  It is a great way to connect with other manufacturers in the sign making profession.

The email explained that in Italy they don’t have all the materials that we have here in North America but building wood signs was a hobby and our step by step plan was useful.  With a bit of subsitution they were able to make a wood sign for friend of theirs.

Below is a pic of the sign that was built based on an article from 2 years ago

Had the hobbiest never emailed us, we would have never known what that article inspired.  You just never know who you’re making an impact on.  That is why we encourage our audience to converse with us.  There are several ways to reach The Sign Depot. 

1. Send us an email on the Contact Us page
2. Leave a message at Facebook.com/TheSignDepot
3. Tweet with us on Twitter.com/TheSignDepot
4. Comment on our  Blog Posts
5. Tell us what these Pins inspired you to make
6. Stop by The Sign Depot Workshop and check-in

 We’re happy to answer your questions about business, retail, custom and wholesale signs.  Anything from How big should my sign be? to How is a wood sign made?  We get inquiries every day about how signs are made, what kind of sign permits are required, what materials work in each environment and many more.  Being a full service sign shop we are able to help you decide on what signs will work best.  Whether it is a vinyl vehicle graphic or a custom wood cottage sign our sign experts will point you in the right direction (oh yes that means we do wayfinding signs too). 

Five Hot Trends To Watch In 2012 – See How They Can Impact Your Business

Start The Year Off Ahead Of The Curve

Want to get a jump on the latest trends before they take off?  We’ve gathered a great list for you to start from.  See if any of these trends make an impact on your business.

Gardening Trends

According to The Vancouver Sun this year’s trend will be plants that require less water, but bring birds, butterflies and insects back to gardens.  As well plants that thrive well in small spaces and on a trellis will be quite popular this year.  What ever you decide to plant make sure it ads to your curb appeal.  Take a look at your surroundings.  A little upkeep can go a long way.

Car Trends

USA Today lets us know that emphasis is still on safety but environmental has not taken a back seat.  Vehicles that shut off at stop lights, powerful small engines that are fuel efficient are just a couple of the latest car features we’ll see in 2012.

Font Trends

Ready challenge yourself, while out-performing the rest? It sounds like you have the Olympic Spirt.  With that comes a Colossal FONT to match.  Keep the London Olympics 2012 Font  in mind before it starts popping up everywhere this summer.

Colour Trends

As mentioned in a previous post, TANGERINE TANGO is the 2012 Pantone Colour of the Year.  Make sure to include this vibrant splash of colour to your home, marketing materials and fashions to let others see just how trendy you are!

Restaurant Trends

In 2011 many restaurants focused on the importance of local food.  That trend will carry on into 2012 with the additions of food sensitivities and allergies being addressed.  Gluten-free being one of the top trends in the food service and restaurant industry right now.

What steps will you be taking to follow these trends, or will you be creating trends of your own?

Make Marketing Matter And Start The Year Off Right For Your Business

Get Your Goals In Place

The best way to start off the new year is to get your goals in place.  Where does marketing fit into it all? Many think that Marketing and Sales are the same thing.  They definitely are not.  Marketing is about using tools to attract customers, which in turn may lead to sales.

Last year Sign Depot posted this on the WaterlooMIN site

You may want your website to be a good representation of your products, but did you strive for a GREAT representation your business? Your website must catch the eye of someone who is unfamiliar with your business.  Just like the tale of the Three Pigs your solid based website may take a lot more effort, but in the long run you will outlast the quick setup ones.

The word “marketing” can easily be substituted for “website” in the statement above.  You want to market your business well and show potential clients that you represent the answer for what they are looking for.  If your You want to market your business well and show potential clients that you represent the answer for what they are looking for. .  Make sure you stand out from the rest and really think about what best represents what you do.  If you’re in the service industry make sure your marketing reflects that the potential client is in good hands by choosing your company.  Make sure your whole team is on board with the marketing goals you have set and lead by example.

Get Some Advice

Not sure how to start your marketing goals this year?  Look to your local organizations to see what presentations/meetings/groups are available to you.  If you are in the Greater Kitchener Waterloo area and a Chamber of Commerce member several new Peer2Peer groups are starting in 2012.  The Sign Depot is heading up the Marketing Peer2Peer group as the business lead and if you are a Chamber Member it may be a great place for you to start.

If updating your logo, entrance-way or reception area is part of your Marketing Plan Goals, we’d love to help.  If you have other suggestions about ways to Market yourself we would love to hear them too.  Just leave a comment, send a tweet or post a message on the facebook page.

 

Merry Christmas from Everyone At The Sign Depot

Last year we had enough snow to go tobogganing, but this year we don’t have that option. So instead we recruited the JOLLY OLD ELF HIMSELF to help us wish you the best of the season Merry Christmas from Santa Claus and Everyone Here! http://youtu.be/PpVyspqbs8I

Community Companies Collaborative Christmas Contest

Countdown Christmas Contest

Through a collaborative effort created by Spike Mobileand a few community minded businesses we are now partof the COUNTDOWN CHRISTMAS CONTEST starting today Dec 19th 2011.

It’s fun online scavenger hunt & you have a chance at some great prizes including a Sign Depot welcome sign.

Just read the daily questions and submit your answers and you will be entered in the draw.

By choosing to take part in the contest we’re not eligble to win so watch our twitter for clues.  You can also join in the convo by using the hashtag #spikemobileCCC

So make sure to enter by clicking the poster below

Let us know what you think of the contest and most of all make sure you and your loved ones

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Custom Designed Signs Set In Stone

Making Things Permanent with a Custom Designed Sign

Although here at The Sign Depot we specialize in sandblasted cedar signs, we create products using many other materials as well. Wood signs can be fully customized in terms of shape, colour, text and graphics but wood is not the only base that can be Sandblasted.  A custom designed stone sign is also a great way to display your name/logo/address or any other text/design.

Custom stone signs are unique looking and long lasting.  They are very versatile, whether it be as an address marker (like a farm sign), a corporate gift (a restaurant sign) or personalized present, a stone creation can be matched to fit a variety of surroundings and sandblasted to reflect the personality and/or branding of the recipient.

Custom designed stone signs work great on pathways, gardens and near sidewalks.  The weather will not be a factor when it comes to the longevity of your custom sandblasted stone sign.  In fact the outdoor elements will help create character and give it many unique qualities.   Sandblasting the stone is the only beginning of the etched look.  Once the stone has been engraved with the text and graphic in the etched areas, it is then painted to show the highlights of the now personalized stone sign.

Take a look on your gift list.  How many of your friends and family would enjoy having their name set in stone?  Sandblasted signs make great wedding gifts, corporate gifts, and a great present for that hard to buy for person at Christmas.   If a few names come to mind, make sure to contact us and we can help you create a one of a kind custom designed stone sign.  Once designed your custom sign can begin the production process and finishing process and soon your unique stone sign will in your hands.

Out With The Old – All About Artistic Colour Choices

 

Colours of The Year

During 2011 you may have notice a lot of bright pink around you.  You may not have taken note but Honeysuckle was named colour of the year for 2011 at the end of 2010.  To help you get a jump on your look for 2012 make sure to invest in fashions and fabrics in Tangerine Tango which is the 2012 PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR.

What is a Pantone?

A pantone is a colour matching system used by many designers/stylists/painters etc. Each individual pantone colour has a standard code number to be matched to ensure a seamless look.

What does that mean for your business?

This means your pantone colour choice for fabric/paint/vinyl can co-ordinate exactly with your business logo and you have a uniform look across the board for your company and its branding.

Now  TANGERINE TANGO might not be the colour of choice for you and your business, but knowing the pantone colours in your logo can definitely help when ordering business related items such as signs, graphics, stationary, decor items etc and it will help find complimenting colours to match your logo.

When it comes the colours in your logo, you should always choose to consult with a designer.  Professional designers are educated in colour matching and know the best for fit for the look you hope to achieve for your company.  Consulting a professional is always best when it comes to designing the advertising for your business.  You want your company’s branding to look top notch.  Picking the colours to best represent your business is what designers are trained to do.  They have the artistic eye to bring your brand to life and show off what best highlights what your company is all about. To find consult with one of our award winning sign designers make sure to contact us here at The Sign Depot

What Does Sign Making Have To Do With Movember? Community Involvement Is Just Part Of It

How The Sign Depot Made It Through MOVEMBER

 

Actually here at The Sign Depot, we think Movember has a lot in common with us!  Have you taken a good look at our logo?   Our brand is all about the moustache! Other similarities include our commitment to community involvement and finding ways to give back to a community that supports our business.  Perhaps the last thing that Sign Depot has in common with Movember is the appreciation for fine craftsmanship, whether it be in the form of a well crafted custom sign or well groomed moustache.  We see value and take pride in both art forms.

December 1st has now arrived, which means the end of Movember 2011.  This year the top fundraising (or should it be hair-raising) country for this year’s  Movember campaign is Canada.  Take a look at what all the Canadian MoBros and MoSistas accomplished.

• Canada raised $36,901,445.00 from the 246,126 registered CITIZENS OF MOVEMBER Canada
• In Ontario 107,074 people signed up  raising $14,892,613.37 in funds for Prostate Cancer Canada
• Locally here in Kitchener Waterloo there were 4365 Movember particpants that together raised $394,746.70 & Counting!

As mentioned a month ago Sign Depot was ready for the Challenge! Peter grew a moustach inspired by the shop sandblasted logo sign.  In under 10 days he had a filled in moustache, so the challenge had been met.  By day 15 many of our clients dropping by commented on his participation and lots of great convos spurred from that.  When day 25 came around he was hoping the end would be near because he mentioned it was becoming irritaitingly itchy & then it happened.  Dec 1st the last day to wear the Mo’

This may be the last glimpse of it before he shaves the evidence.  I’m thinking for next year’s campaign we should re-name ourselves the The Sign DepMO’

 

How Going For The Gusto Can Become Deeply Distressed

Aging Something Brand New

This project reminded me of the technique to age paper items.  Something as simple as dabbing a damp tea bag on a paper surface can suddenly change that sheet of copy paper into a ancient scroll, a treasure map or an antique photo.

We’ve created that distressed look on many of our larger projects through a  specialty paint process.  By rusting some High Density Urethane (otherwise known as HDU or sign foam) letters we were able to create the distressed look the client wanted to achieve.

We created the custom look with an  “instant rust” look created with a Modern Masters  reactive paint that contains flecks of metal in the paint, and then activated the paint with the solution that creates the rust effect.  Within a few hours the project took on the look a reclaimed sign.

The letters were then attached to a hand painted backer, again created to match the look of aged sign.

Next LED lights were inserted behind the letters to create a halo effect around the restaurant name. This added extra dimension to the sign while making it a practical choice for the restaurant’s visibility.  LED lights are economical to run and have a long lifespan.  This makes them a great choice for any type of lit sign.

To finish it off the sign was attached to a custom made welded bracket that also went through the quick rusting process.  All that was left was the assembly and installation of the sign.

When the sign was fully assembled it found it’s final resting place at the Gusto101 restaurant, which can be found at 101 Portland St. Toronto Ont.

 

 

We can hardly wait to see the how the Gusto101 sign looks once it’s lit up! If you’re passing by please take a pic & tweet it to us or upload it to our facebook page.