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Archive for the ‘artistics signs’ Category

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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…..

 Seagrams Heritage Signs - The Sign Depot

Might Have Been The Gin.

Could have been the three….

 Brick Brewery - Wood Sign - The Sign Depot

Or Four….

 Lion Brewery Signs - Historic Signs - The Sign Depot

Six Packs….

 Molson Canadian Sign Air Canada Centre ACC - The Sign Depot

I don’t know but look at the mess I’m in.

 My head is like a football….

 Mike's Hard Lemonade sign - The Sign Depot

I think I’m going to die.  Tell me oh me or my……

Wasn’t that a party?

 Lamb's Nation Rum Sign - The Sign Depot

Now that we have you humming a merry tune, how about joining in a sing-a-long with the band?

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International Sign Association Competition and Sign Depot’s Artistic Signs

Sign Depot Entries

In previous years we have entered and been rewarded in sign competitions, hence the name of our facebook page.  We are very proud of our Award Winning Artistic Signs! This year we have several entries in the International Sign Association Competition.  This competition is not a judged panel, but instead it is being turned over to the website viewer.

Because Sign Depot offers many types of signs solutions, we are able to fit into many categories for ISA Competition

Here are the signs we entered

Building Signage – Gusto 101 as well as Jacob’s Grill (although you can only vote for 1 sign per category, we liked them both so much, we had to enter them both)

Electronic Message Centre – STS Mortgage Pros

Free Standing Electric – Blackshop Restaurant and Sole Restaurant (again we couldn’t decide between these two wonderful landmark signs)

Free Standing Non Electric– Molson Canadian Brewhouse

So if you think we STAND OUT from the competition, have your say by casting your vote here

 http://www.signs.org/EducationEvents/SignDesignCompetition/VoteforyourFavoriteSign.aspx

   

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Valentine’s Sign

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us The Sign Depot.  To learn more Valentines Signs please take a look here

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De – VINYL Intervention Using Vinyl Graphics and Decals

The Change-Up

Sometimes the simplest items can be transformed with just a few additions.  A great example of this is a stainless steel bar fridge becoming a collector’s item by adding a few artistic extras to the front of it.

This hum-drum, run of the mill appliance came in looking like this

and with the addition of some digitally printed vinyl graphics, will be leaving as the showpiece for upcoming Super Bowl giveaway at a local establishment.  The  artistic sign decals transformed the bar fridge into a promotional product, branded to advertise the business doing the giveaway.

Vinyl Graphics and Decals - The Sign Depot

Changing the outside of the refrigerator door, did not change how the appliance works, but gave it a unique look and changed it into a “collectible”

All it takes is a little inspiration to change everyday items into “must have” and “one of kind” items.  The use of vinyl decals and digitally printed vinyl graphics can transform the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Simple Steps To Using Vinyls

  • Know what type of surface you’re applying your vinyl to
  • Make sure to measure (& then measure again)
  • Take time to consider the colour scheme surrounding the object
  • Ensure your vinyls are applied by a professional

Somethings Are Better Left To The Imagination

Not every surface should be left untouched.  The Jennifer Brouwer Design Blog featured chalkboard paint as a design element.  Chalkboard paint can be messy if not applied to a properly sanded surface.  Why not try it vinyl form?  Chalkboard vinyl is the newest addition to our vinyl lineup.  Now it has me pinning what projects would look great in our new Chalkboard Vinyl.   Check out our Pinterest Board USES FOR CHALKBOARD VINYL .

So whether you need window graphics, vehicle branding or just looking to spruce things up, think about how you can implement some vinyl into your next project and stage your own De – vinyl intervention.

 

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Does Your Branding Travel With You? Try Artistic Signs In The Form Of Vinyl Vehicle Graphics

On The Road Again

If you run a business there is a good chance you are also running to meetings, and by running I mean driving.  How much time does your vehicle spend on the road each day?  How many different streets to do you travel on?  How many people do you pass by?

Those are all questions to consider when thinking of extending your branding to your vehicle.  When you stop and think about it, your vehicle is more than your mode of transportation, it’s an extension of your business.  Choosing the graphics for your motor vehicle is just as important as selecting a the right size of car/truck/van to meet your needs.

What Do You Want To Be Remembered By?

Here are 5 things that you should think about when deciding on your vehicle graphics

  1. Will it stand out on a moving vehicle?
  2. Is it designed to look appealing when parked?
  3. Does it have quick contact info? (IE website, social networks, and/or phone number)
  4. Is the logo memorable?
  5. Are the graphics a good reflection of what you specialize in?

Other things to consider are colours, durability and placement.  There are also options of auto-body or car window graphics.  Small details such as using reflective lettering can make a difference in your vehicle’s visibility to the public.

Where would Lightning McQueen be without his Rust-eze logo?

How else would you know to hide out from the Stride Gum Advertising Team?

and what makes this car look so familiar?

http://youtu.be/w1b4jnHJo4Q

Make sure to consider how your vinyl vehicle graphics will be displayed.  If you are using the vehicle for promotional purposes it is important that you choose eye-catching brand design.  Artistic signs in the form of vehicle graphics are a great way to grab attention and display what your business specialty is.

Whether you find yourself on the Lost Highway, Route 66 or The Freeway Of Love make sure that you are getting  the most out of your transportation investment by making your mobile branding memorable.

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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

Promotional Banners - The Sign Depot

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

Exterior Signs - The Sign Depot

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.

Restaurant Signs - Gusto101 - The Sign Depot

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. 

 

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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

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How The Sign Depot Artistic Sign Makers Get Inspired At An Art Gallery

Paradigms of Perception

 

 

 

 It’s amazing what you can find in your own back yard just by looking a little bit harder.

Here at The Sign Depot we believe in investing in our Company Culture and work hard to have a harmonious environment for our artistic staff.  We always look for ways to inspire their craft while supporting the community we are situated in.  We find that the mix of inspiration and giving back sparks creativity. Friday we took a look at the newest art gallery exhibit at Jennifer Gough‘s Mindseye Studio in Kitchener. PARADIGMS OF PERCEPTION It definately made us look deeper. It may be difficult to see here but many of the pieces were created through the use of texture, light & shadows & even QR codes! Only in Kitchener Waterloo can art & tech blend together seamlessly. Did I mention that Jennifer is also raising funds for the CNIB with this show?  We were supporting Arts and Culture, Company Culture and Community Charity all in this one trip to a gallery. That’s why we are so glad she invited us to come on board as sponsors.  Creating & collaborating are things we know very well.  We provided the sign banner shown above and created vinyl graphics to post the artists’ names by their artistic pieces in the show, and made sure to make a donation to the CNIB as well.  Make sure to support your local arts community and visit a local art gallery. Keep culture alive where you live.  Find ways to be creative and use your talents to help others in your community, especially when it comes to charitable efforts.  We had a great time and it made for great conversations back at The Sign Depot workspace.  It was great to experience the art studio show with my co-workers and see everyone’s take on the pieces displayed. If nothing else, I hope you know Seeing Is Believing

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Top Five Signs of Halloween

Top Five Signs of Halloween

As fall sets in you’ll notice many decorating their yards to celebrate Halloween.  Want some inspiration on signs to compliment your spooky decor?

Here’s our Top 5 Faves

 

No we didn’t make any of these, BUT WE COULD.

How To Customize The Look Of Your Halloween Display

 Finding a good mix of spooky and goofy will make sure that each trick or treater has a favorite item in your Halloween display.  It shows signs of artistic talent and a bit of Halloween spirit at the same time.  Finding ways to shock and delight on Halloween might just make you the toast of the neighbourhood, or the most feared on the street.

Other Halloween Display Considerations

Always make sure your display can be easily navigated and well lit.  Remember the little ones will be trying to get around in costumes and masks and obstacles can cause tripping hazards if there isn’t a well laid path.

Look for ways to differentiate your yard from your neighbours.  Give it a personalized touch you will be sure to be memorable.

Be generous.  No one looks forward to visiting the house that gives out one lollipop.  After all it’s supposed to be all in the spirit of fun.

Find out what people liked most in your display.  It is always a good idea to get an outside opinion

Start planning next year’s Halloween display.  A well thought out design can last for years, but it is always a good idea to tweak things along the way.

Whatever you decide make sure you enjoy the process.  Planning, creating and displaying a fantastic Halloween display should delight those who stop by as well as well as yourself.   If you need a little assistance with your custom Halloween signs, make sure to contact us in early fall to be sure your items are ready in time for Oct 31st.

 

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Custom Business Signs – UPDATING DOWNTOWN

Custom Business Signs – UPDATING DOWNTOWN

Façade Grant Program For The City Of Kitchener’s Downtown Core

For the past few years The City Of Kitchener has been making changes to create a new streetscape.  Wider sidewalks, and better lighting are just a couple of ways they are creating a new look for the downtown core.  Many business owners are taking notice and relocating their shops to the area.  Others are upgrading existing buildings to match the surroundings.  The City Of Kitchener has created a Façade Grant Program to assist business owners with this transition.

We’ve been involved with three of these Grant recipients GLOSS, THE SILVER SPOON, and THE SPORTSLINK.  Each of these store changed their entrances to best reflect their unique businesses, and people are taking notice of their custom business signs.

The Feedback

Judy Horn,  of Silverspoon Chocolates, had this to say

Just wanted to let you know we love the teapot. There isn’t a day that  goes by without someone commenting on it. It has really made a  difference to our visibility on the street. Thanks again to Amos and  Peter and everyone else who worked on the sign and tea pot. We are  really pleased with the way it turned out.

Now her Artistic Feature Teapot is featured in the news where they had this to say about her business storefront

Bright red paint, big windows and the hanging teapot sign make it one of the most inviting spaces along the main street.

Teapot Sign - Custom Business Sign - The Sign Depot

That’s what it’s all about.  Inviting people to the area, welcoming them into the shops and creating a pleasant place to be. To find out more about how to start planning your custom business sign updates, take a look at our post on Sign Permits, Sign Regulations and Variances then contact us to get started on your company’s new custom business signs.

 

 

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