Archive for the ‘custom sign’ Category
No Comments Celebrating Canada’s Agriculture Day With Custom Signs
Canada’s Agriculture Day
The local food movement grows bigger and bigger each year which is why today is a great day to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day. Being a custom sign company located in Kitchener Waterloo Ontario Canada, we know the impact local farmer’s make on the food industry.
Farm To Table In The Region Of Waterloo
When most think of Kitchener-Waterloo they think of the technology sector, but the area has so much more to offer. Kitchener-Waterloo is part of a much bigger municipality known as The Region Of Waterloo. The Region of Waterloo consists of the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge as well as Wilmot, Wellesley, Woolwich and North Dumfries townships. This mix of urban and rural communities is what gives this area of Ontario Canada a uniqueness and appeal to tourists.
The farming community in this area is vibrant. With the shift to locally grown food, this area has so much to offer. The Buy Local Buy Fresh initiative that originated in this area was well intact before anyone had heard of the 100 Mile Diet. Here in our community there are several options for those seeking to support local farmers.
Here’s a list of a few popular places to support local food
- Kitchener Market – A year round Farmers’ Market
- St. Jacobs Farmers Market – A year round market and local tourist attraction
- Barries Asparagus – A country market that also supplies other stores with their products
- Stemmler’s Meats – Farm products and store made items produced locally
- Wellesley Gourmet – A mix of local items can be found in their store
- Eating Well Organically – Features local organic food
- Little Mushroom Catering – A full service catering company with a focus on fresh local ingredients
Shout out from the LMC kitchen warehouse to @TheSignDepot and @VictoriaStarMB for our awesome branded fleet with AC! pic.twitter.com/I1BFsZDUXm
— LittleMushroom (@CateringFungi) May 31, 2016
Over the years we have been chosen by each of the above establishments to create custom signs for them. Each one has unique signage to reflect their brand. If you are looking to support local agriculture, be sure to visit the links for the businesses listed above. If you are looking to brand your food based business be sure to contact THE SIGN DEPOT.
Custom Sign Design With Hygge In Mind
What Is Hygge?
Are you wondering what’s with all the hype around hygge? In last month’s post we talked about the Norweign technique of Rosemaling. This month we thought we would try to explain the idea of Danish Hygge Design. According to VisitDenmark.com “The high season of hygge is Christmas, when Danes pull out all the hygge stops. Danish winters are long and dark, and so the Danes fight the darkness with their best weapon: hygge”, but it also goes on to explain that you that you can still experience hygge in the summer. “Picnics in the park, barbeques with friends, outdoor concerts, street festivals and bike rides can all be very hygge”. The concept of hygge is best explained in the video below.
Custom Sign Design With Hygge In Mind
Hygge is a state of mind and incorporating hygge into and establishment can start with a custom sign design. Just like the video shown above, the idea of bicycles, comfort and coffee became a great recipe for the Berlin Bicycle Cafe. The custom sign and rooftop bicycle structure outside let you know about the inviting atmosphere you will find inside their cafe. Extending the concept from the exterior to the interior makes for cohesive design conditions and gives the people an idea of what to expect while they spend time in that space.
Bring Hygge To Your Home Or Home Away From Home
According to the website Psychologies, Scandinavian interior design is inspired by hygge through the use of tea lights and cosy throws draped over a sofa, but in an interview on Wired, it states that because of the severe weather in the area, they create very nice surroundings for their interiors. This is also why they create high end furniture and lighting. Finding the right mix for both inside and outside your home or cottage can create an inviting environment for your family and friends.
The Importance Of Custom Signs – Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week Information
Mid November means the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week. This is a week for entrepreneurs world wide to celebrate their accomplishments and tackle new goals. It is also a time for governments to look how to assist businesses from a political point of view. Here at Sign Depot we recognize Global Entrepreneurship Week as a time for companies to look towards the new year and see how their custom signs can be refreshed to increase brand awareness and push sales.
How Custom Signs Assist Entrepreneurs
Whether you are a startup, an expanding business, a family run business or a business to business company, the right kind of custom signs can elevate your company in the marketplace. Below are a few examples of businesses that use custom signs as part of their marketing strategy.
Supporting Startups With Custom Signs
Thamlic Labs is a great example of a company that began as a startup in the Communitech Tannery building an has gone from tech startup to an Internet of Things business.
Another way we custom signs have been used is by startup incubators such as Velocity. They have changed their branding as their involvement with startups changes.
Custom Signs For An Ever Expanding Business
If you are a fan of Dragon’s Den then you will recognize Balzac’s Coffee Roasters as one of their ongoing success stories. As they continue to open locations their custom signs reflect the surrounding area of each location.
Finding A Way For Family Run Business To Stand Out From The Surroundings
Robin’s Goldsmithing is a locally run family business that is known well in the community. To make their customers aware of a location change they used a mix of temporary and permanent custom signs to ensure they kept their current clientele and attract new customers to their establishment.
Help Build Your Business To Business Company With Custom Signs
Some businesses are not retail based, but rather business to business based otherwise known as B2B. Little Mushroom Catering was known to many in Southern Ontario as the go to catering company for their business. Their focus on B2B, brand recognition and word of mouth referral has since brought them into the wedding catering space as well. This opens a brand new sector of clientele to their company and thus and increase in sales.
Do you know an entrepreneur that uses custom signs as part of their sales and marketing strategy? We would like to learn more about them during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Let us know their story in the comments.
As always, feel free to CONTACT US for any custom signs you require.
Custom Campground Signs For Tim Horton Children’s Foundation Memorial Camp
Time To Sign Up For Camp
This is the time of year when many families are spending summer their vacation time at cottages and campgrounds. It may be for fun in the sun, canoeing in lake or cooking over a campfire. To ensure that children that may not have an opportunity to experience the outdoors in that way get a chance to, the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation sends kids to camp through sponsorship and the funds raised at their annual CAMP DAY.
Custom Signs For Campground Operations
Running a summer camp has many challenges and often custom signs can assist with some organizational logistics. Whether it be for wayfinding on the grounds or organizing cabin groups, signage can help simplify tasks for camp administrators. The Tim Horton Memorial Camp decided that their signs needed to be a mix of bright and bold signage to clarify what needed to be where for their camp. Below are a few examples of signs that the expert sign-makers here at The Sign Depot created for the campground.
Creating Summer Memories
We think that camping is a great way to create lasting summer memories. It also teaches responsibility, how to problem solve and it creates a co-operative atmosphere among the campers. Developing these skills through fun and team work will help kids function in today’s world, and it helps create the confident, motivated leaders of tomorrow. We hope you take the opportunity to get outdoors this summer. It can help you stay active, enjoy the what nature has to offer and may just change your perspective on things. Do you have a summer camp experience that you want to share with us? We would love to hear it. All you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this post.
For more information on how you can help send kids to Tim Horton Children’s Foundation Memorial Camp be sure to visit their donation page.
Custom Signs To Celebrate National Coffee Day
Creating Custom Coffee Signs
September 29th marks National Coffee Day. A day where coffee lovers rejoice in celebration of their caffeinated beverages. Coffee comes in a multitude of flavours and several unique brewing styles. This is why we are celebrating with the different types of custom signs we have created for coffee establishments.
Listed AlphabeticallyBaden Coffee Company
The Baden Coffee Company provides coffee to many local businesses but wanted to bring attention to their retail space. In order to create visibility a custom signage package was created to heighten brand awareness.
For more information see our CUSTOM 3 DIMENSIONAL SIGNS CAN BE BIG FOR BUSINESS post.
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters is a Canadian franchise that was featured on Dragon’s Den. Their signage packages have included exterior signs and vinyl window graphics.
You can see who their Dragon investors are by reading our SIGNMAKER TO THE STARS blog post.
Death Valley’s Little Brother
If you find yourself in a coffee shop where the flavour shots include whiskey, then you have found yourself at DVLB. Their barn board sign created quite a buzz and a trend.
Find out WHY BARN BOARD IS HOT IN ARTISTIC SIGN DESIGN.
Tim Hortons
Being that Tim Hortons is Canada’s largest fast food establishment they have been able to create a foundation for their philanthropic efforts.
See their logo for their foundation at INCREDIBLY CANADIAN CUSTOM SIGNS.
XTEA CO
You may be wondering why we are mentioning a tea shop on a National Coffee Day post, but this tea shop includes a custom blend of tea that includes coffee.
See how XTEA CO, a downtown district business, stands out with the use of vinyl window decals in our BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT post.
Looking for ways to create a buzz about your coffee shop or restaurant business? Visit our CONTACT US page to connect with one of our expert sign designers!
Signs Of Fall With Custom Signs
Notice The Signs Of Fall All Around You
While the leaves begin to change colour, that is not the only sign of the autumn season arriving. We have a few other tell-tale signs that the summer season is coming to an end. Take a look at how custom signs can hint at fall’s arrival.
Toronto International Film Festival Time
September brings a lot of buzz to Toronto, otherwise known as Hollywood North. The Toronto International Film Festival brings some of the biggest names in the film industry to the year festival. Last year we crafted a custom sign for Ivan Reitman’s Montecito Restaurant and this year the establishment is still a TIFF hotspot.
Fall Farm Markets Are Celebrating The Harvest
As the fall season starts, the harvesting time for many local farmers begins. This means many local farm markets will be celebrating Ontario Food Week with local Harvest Festivals. Read about the most recent Farm Market signs that we created for St. Jacobs.
Trade Shows Starting
Soon arenas and conference centres will be filled with the fall trade shows and seasonal consumer events. Make sure your booth stands out from your competitors by using custom signage.
Time To Close Up The Cottage
As the air begins to chill it means it is time to close the family cottage for the season. There are lots of steps to closing up a cottage, but when it comes to your custom cottage sign we suggest applying some spray turtle wax to protect your sign from the winter weather.
Get A Jump On The Christmas Shopping Season
While you still have time on your side, now is a great time to get your personalized sign orders in. They make great gifts and with many customized options you are sure to find a style that fits perfectly.
Looking for a fall refresh for your business? Be sure to visit our CONTACT US page. Our expert signmakers can assist you with your upcoming custom signage needs and get your prepared for the season.
Custom Signs For Ontario Tourist Attractions
Ontario Tourist Attractions With A Custom Sign From The Sign Depot
Summer travel season is upon us. Whether you enjoy day trips, or multi-day road trips, there are lots of places to see the sites of Ontario. These destinations understand how important it is to be found by tourists and that is why they came to the expert signmakers at The Sign Depot for their custom sign.
Here in the Region of Waterloo the St Jacobs Farmers’ Market is stop for travellers and bus trip tourists. Learn more about the custom sign created them on our post about the new St Jacobs Market Building.
In addition to the landmark signs featured above, recently The Sign Depot created an indoor LED colour changing sign for the Grand Buffet located inside the Fallsview Casino Resort. Be sure to read more about the 3 dimension sign we created for Fallsview Casino Resort on our Grand Buffet post.
Exploring The Landmarks Of Ontario
We are fans of all kinds of landmark signs! We encourage you to visit Ontario landmarks and be sure to tweet us your pics with their custom signs! Who knows you may just end up on our Roadside Attraction Pinterest board!
Incredibly Canadian Custom Signs
Being a Canadian Sign Company we thought we would pay tribute to Canada by showcasing our incredibly Canadian Custom Signs. We think these custom signs we have created represent some of the great signs and symbols of Canada.
14 Incredibly Canadian Custom Signs
1. Cottage Country
Canada has several destinations known as cottage country. To hear what our readers think when they hear the word cottage be sure to read our post Custom Wood Cottage Signs And Making Memories.
2. Canadian Beer
This Molson Canadian Brewhouse sign is a montage of Canada. Not only it it all about beer, the brew’s name is Canadian, and it is surrounded by a maple leaf and is situated in the Air Canada Centre.
3. Canadian Moose
One of the many recognized Canadian symbols is the moose. Because it is very recognizable this moose made a great landmark in terms of a findabilty and wayfinding sign.
4. Mounties
In Canada the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. otherwise known as the RCMP or the Mounties have always been a respected symbol of Canada.
5. The Great One
Wayne Gretzky is known as the Greatest NHL Player of all time, so this Dimensional Restaurant Sign pays homage to his jersey number 99
6. Canada Goose
Although Eddie Bauer is an American company, they choose to represent their outdoor apparel company with a Canada Goose.
7. Harvey’s Hamburger Chain
If you live in Canada then there is a good chance you have the slogan “Harvey’s Makes Your Hamburger A Beautiful Thing” in the back of your mind at all times.
8. The Beaver
As many of you are aware the beaver is a popular Canadian wildlife symbol. Enough said.
9. The Polar Bear
As another Canadian symbol, the polar bear represents The Great White North.
10. Tobogganing
While we are on the topic of snow, we love our outdoor winter activities here in Canada. Tobogganing is tops here at The Sign Depot.
11. Niagara Falls
A natural wonder located here in Canada, Niagara Falls Ontario is tourist destination. It’s a place where everyone is looking to have a Barrel Of Fun.
12. The Loon
The loon is another Canadian bird that symbolizes Canada. So much so that we have it on our Canadian dollar which is otherwise known as “the loonie”
13. Tim Horton
Whether it you are talking about the man, the hockey player, the coffee shop or the campgrounds, the name Tim Horton is known coast to coast.
14. The Maple Leaf
This sign located in The Sign Depot showroom is another combination of Canadian symbols. It is all about the Maple Leaf and Maple Syrup. Both items are definitely signs you are in Canada!
While these are custom signs are incredibly Canadian, we make so many other types as well. Need more information about aquiring a custom sign from The Sign Depot? Then visit our CONTACT US PAGE.
HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!
How To Spring Clean Your Exterior Custom Signs
Curb Appeal
If you had a custom sign made, you want it to always look its best. Spring is a good time to walk across the street from your sign and see if it adds to the curb appeal. If there are some tweaks to be made be sure to give us a call.
What To Check When Evaluating Your Custom Sign
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Damage – Whether it be ice damage, wind damage, sun damage (fading) or vandalism, if your sign has been damaged in any way it is best to get it fixed before further damage occurs.
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Repair – If your lit sign has burnt out bulbs or malfunctioning LEDs then it is not serving it purpose to its full capacity. If you wood sign is showing checks (splits in the wood) then it requires immediate repair.
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Surroundings – Has the area where your sign has been place changed at all, example new buildings added or a new landscaping design. This could hinder your sign’s ability to stand out from its surroundings. This may be a good time to think about rebranding if you decide a new sign is in order.
How To Keep Your Custom Sign In Great Condition
By following these simple steps you can extend the life of your sign.
If you have a plastic/acrylic blade sign
Give it a once over with some window cleaner or mild soap and water to remove any debris. If it is lit have an electrician remove the sign from its casing first.
If you have a dimensional HDU foam sign
A light blasting from an air hose should blow off any dust buildup.
If you have a wood sign
- Twice a year wash and wax your sign. Use a mild dish soap and soft brissle brush (paint brush) to gently loosen surface dirt – follow with a though rinse with clean water. A light coat and buff with typical spray on car wax will help repell water and keep your sign looking good.
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Remove any weeds or vines that are crawling up your cedar sign posts. They may look interesting, but they can do quiet a bit of damage to the finish
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After about 7 years (depending on sun exposure) bring it into The Sign Depot workshop for refurbishing. It will leave looking brand new.
We also suggest refraining from using a power washer to clean any of your custom signs. The pressure could end up removing any paint or vinyl that is applied the to sign and could damage the sign material.
The Advantages Of A Custom Sign Shop
Working With A Custom Sign Shop
When it comes to creating custom signs, choosing to work with a custom sign shop has many advantages. Below we have many reasons why custom sign shops are a great choice when selecting a sign service. Here at The Sign Depot our expert designers and sign makers are here to help with all your signage needs.
The Top 10 Advantages Of Custom Sign Shops
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No Minimums – If you just need one sign made, we are happy to create a custom sign for you
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Mass Sign Lots – If you need several signs created we are thrilled to do that as well
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Designers On Site – Our sign designers can take your idea and design the sign around it
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Supplied Artwork – Already have your design ready? We can work with that too!
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Variety Of Materials – We can work with wood, metal, acrylic, and high density urethane. We work with the substrates that fit your needs and your budget.
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Various Finishes – Our custom finishes involve paint and vinyl with lots of colours to choose from
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Sign Permits – We are able to prepare the sign permit documents you require upon request
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Free Quotes – Supplying our clients with free quotes with different price points helps them know their signage costs upfront
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Refurbishing – Have a custom wood sign that needs sprucing up? We do that as well
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Located In Canada – If you have additional questions we can be reached by phone, email or in person at our office in Kitchener Ontario
Whether for commerical or residential, architectural or artistic, personalized or company branded, their are several advantages when you choose to work with a custom sign shop. Here at The Sign Depot we pride ourselves on being a full service sign provider, ready to assist you with all of your signage needs. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
