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No Comments The Pantone Colour to Start The Next Decade is Classic Blue
We always get excited at this time of year. Not only for the seasonal celebrations and Christmas holidays, we also anticipate the arrival of the the trends for the new year. Pantone’s Colour of the Year is something we have blogged about for several years and this time it will be the colour that kicks off the next decade.
Classic Blue
The time has arrived for this year’s announcement. Pantone has released that the 2020 Colour of the Year is Classic Blue
Blue Skies
Whether it is for a Exterior sign, interior wayfinding or a cottage sign, blue brings a sense of calm. Being a cool tone it almost represents the saying “cool and collective”.
According to Pantone’s website they describe the colour as
Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.
If that is something you want conveyed, then it would be a great selection for you. It could relay your message as a trustworthy brand, as per Pantone’s messaging above.
Blue tones are often used in business signs and logos.
You can also see them in the skylines and bodies of water in our custom cottage signs.
We use the Pantone matching system for many of clients, and according to Pantone the matching system chip is
PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM™ –
Best Cross-Reference PANTONE 2154 C
Get Set for 2020
Now is the time to think about your 2020 messaging. In order to start off the decade with a great sign and visual marketing strategy, visit our CONTACT US page and connect with our expert sign designers. We want you to be thinking of the blue skies coming your way.
What do you think of this year’s choice? Let us know in the comments.
Signs of Summer 2019 – Beertown Oakville
While many chart toppers want to be known as the one of the Songs of Summer, we want to tell you all about the Signs of Summer 2019.
The summer of 2019 will be forever marked with song Old Town Road, but this summer we want to introduce to you “Beertown near Trafalgar Road”. While that may not roll off the tongue as easily as the title for the song of the summer, it is sure to be hit this summertime in Oakville Ontario Canada.
Since their first Beertown Public House location in 2012, the Charcoal Group of Restaurants has expanded their Beertown Public House Restaurants across Southwestern Ontario. Now that Beertown has entered the Greater Toronto Area, they are making their mark with updated exterior signs. With a variety of signage surrounding Beertown Oakville, it is sure to be one of the biggest sign projects we will be part of the this summer. These custom restaurant signs will make people take notice and may even create instagram-worthy moments outside of their new location. Whether it is the view from the street, from the sidewalk or those looking for the patio, Beertown Oakville is clearly marked an marketed a place for the public to gather.
Custom Pub Signs for Beertown
The signage project for the Beertown signs included a variety of signs. The individual Public House letters were fabricated using high density urethane, otherwise know as HDU. Then they were given a matte black finish for high visibility against the light brick exterior, and as you can see in the picture below, it creates dimension through the use of natural daylight and shadows.
The word BEERTOWN was created with aluminum channel letters that were fit with LEDs to replicate red neon. This is a process we are getting known for. The look says neon, but it is much better for the environment. It requires less electricity to run and has a greater longevity then the glass tubing used for neon.
The last sign technique was the painting of a mural. Much like the one we created for the Beertown Cambridge location, we expect it to become an noticeable landmark for the area. This is where the contrasting colours of red and green are just the right mix to make it a great photo opp spot at the location.
If you take photos by the mural, be sure to tag @TheSignDepot and we will do our best to share them on our social feeds.
The Beertown Publich House – Oakville sign project made summer of 2019 memorable for us. If you have great memories of any of the Beertown Public House locations, we want to hear about it. Leave us a comment below.
This Custom Wood Sign Will Have You Wanting to Climb Every Mountain
When it comes to sandblasted cedar signs we have created a many custom wood signs with a variety of images. There have been beach scenes, cottage and lake views, wild birds, family pets and farms just to name a few, but this request for mountains was truly special. We were contacted through our facebook page about creating a mountain and water scene with an address number and a family name. In addition, the mountains were to be snow capped as that is how the back drop of their vacation home looks in spring. We wanted to climb every mountain to make this happen.
Our expert sign designers created a sign design to match the required expectations and our sign-makers went to work on crafting the western red cedar sign for them.
Sandblasted Western Red Cedar Signs
For those not familiar with western red cedar, it is also known as thuja plicata, a rot-resistant wood. This makes it the best choice for our custom wood signs.
All of our cedar signs are created to handle all kinds of weather. Knowing it would be going to an area that has snow covered mountains had everyone here thrilled to know that one of our signs would be going to such a different climate. The process began with a cedar blank that was cnc router cut to the requested shape. Then it a sandblast stencil overlay was applied prior to sandblasting. After the sign was prepped it was ready for the sandblasting. The process of sandblasting wood involves sandblast grit carving the wood through the use of a pressure hose. After the sign is carved to the preferred depth, the sign was sanded to create a smooth surface for finishing. The exterior grade paint finish was then applied to sign to complete the project.
Rocky Mountain High
After the sign was shipped, the customer installed it at their vacation property and sent us this image.
You can see the snow covered mountain range in the background which are highlighted on the sign. We were over the moon, or should we say mountain, when we received this picture. You might say we were on a Rocky Mountain High!
If you need a custom wood sign made, please visit our CONTACT US page.
Connecting In The Community
3 Community Events Within 7 Days
Community Involvement has always been a priority here at The Sign Depot. Whether it’s being involved in a community project, or learning about Social Enterprise, we want to take part.
Being connected to the community is a big part of my role here. I am present at most Chamber of Commerce meetings, I attend networking events, participate in Peer2Peer groups and do my best to support our clients with their endeavours.
This week is no exception. I attended the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery #CultureTalks last Thursday. I went to the D2L Night School #LearningCulture event last night and tonight I will be at the Shopify #ShopClass19 session.
Each event I attend is inspiring and I appreciate the information that is given and do my best to absorb it all and bring it back to implement here.
Here’s the recap of the week.
Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery #CultureTalks took place at the historic Walper Hotel and Caroline Robbie of Quadrangle presented about the “hub” culture that is happening in Toronto at The City of The Arts Launchpad. It is a space dedicated to creating synergy between different art forms. Learning about the design of the building and the projects that are emerging from it was very motivating. So much so, that I plan to head there this summer to tour the building and meet many of the creators that base their work there.
The D2L Night School #LearningCulture discussion was a fantastic event where John Baker-President-CEO of D2L, Nick Oddson-Chief Technology Officer and Chantal Thorn-Director of Learning and Leadership Development spoke about incorporating learning into the workplace as the labour force changes over the course of the next decade. It was conversation between the panelists and the attendees and everyone’s knowledge of the culture surrounding learning evolved. I also enjoyed the office tour given by D2L’s Dan Congdon (who also took my picture with their Moose Mascot). I have witnessed many of their signs being created in our workshop, but seeing them installed in their space at the Tannery brings it full circle for me.
Tonight I will be at the Shopify #ShopClass19. We are clients of Shopify for our cottage signs website and I am enthusiastic about tonight’s class. I have attended their info sessions before and which provide great networking opportunities and lots of valuable marketing information that I implement into our online advertising. Tonight’s topic is email marketing, so be sure sign up for our monthly newsletter and see first hand the knowledge I gained from attending.
Want to connect with us? Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheSignDepot or connect with us in person at our upcoming Open House by registering at https://guestlist.co/events/609114
Sign Depot New Production Facility OPEN HOUSE and BBQ June 13th Noon to 6PM
Time To RSVP!
The Sign Depot Inc. has a new production facility! Come see our new space during our OPEN HOUSE and FREE BBQ on June 13th from Noon to 6pm.
Find us at
8519 Wellington Rd. Line 86
Listowel, Wellington County
Ont. N4W 3G8
519-894-0890
accounting@sign-depot.on.ca to register or RSVP at https://guestlist.co/events/609114
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If you are coming from the KW Expressway head in direction of Waterloo and keep going. UPDATE DUE TO CONSTRUCTION – Keep going into Elmira on Arthur St. (the expressway becomes Arthur St in Elmira). Turn left at Church St. which is the intersection with the Shoppers Drug Mart (so when you see that turn left) that road becomes LINE 86 so continue on that road (its a bit of a winding road for the first bit so be aware).
You will drive through several small towns, and we will be on your right side of the road.
NOTE: Some GPS systems list it as PERTH COUNTY RD (which is across the street from us).
Feel free to call 519-894-0890 or email accounting@sign-depot.on.ca for specific directions from your location.
Make the trip fun too and carpool with your friends!
For updates stay tuned on SOCIAL! @TheSignDepot #SDbbq2019
We’re also collecting items for our prize table. Let us know if you have a something you wish to donate for it by emailing accounting@sign-depot.on.ca
Pantone Gets Lively as it Introduces Living Coral as the 2019 Colour of the Year
Living Coral in Living Colour
In a stark contrast from last year’s Ultra Violet, this year Pantone has chosen Living Coral as their 2019 Colour of the Year. They describe it as
An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge
The video above shows how well it can flow into living world under the sea.
They go on to say
PANTONE Living Coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of color
This makes the colour easy to implement into colour schemes and designs. If you are looking to mix this trend into your branding, then signage is a great place to start. As mentioned in our earlier post, 2019 will be the year to #StepUpYourSignage and choosing this lively colour is great way to refresh your brand in the coming year. Here at The Sign Depot we are thinking of it as a mix of 2012’s Tangerine Tango and 2015’s Marsala. This makes Living Coral the perfect cross section of orange tones to add vibrancy to your signage.
Ways To Add Living Coral To Your Signage Mix
There are two ways to go about adding new colours to your signs. You can either start subtle by changing some of your window graphics, vehicle decals and/or A-frame signs then changing the rest as you see fit, or you can be bold and rebrand your company signs all at once. The first choice makes for a smooth transition, while the second choice makes a big impact. When you decide the choice that best suits your business we are hear to help. All it takes is a visit to our CONTACT US page to connect with one of our sign experts. They can provide you with a free quote and get your company on trend for the upcoming year. Want to know what else we think is trending? Follow our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest feeds to find out.
2019 Will Be The Year to #StepUpYourSignage
Start Planning For 2019 Now
One month from now we will already be into 2019 which makes it the best time to start planning your signage for the new year. The City of Kitchener has already posted that their sign permit regulations will change effective January 1, 2019 so you will want to get your sign permit application in within the next few weeks in order to adhere to today’s standards. We think this makes it a perfect time to #StepUpYourSignage. Our expert sign designers and sign fabricators are here to help you through the process. Whether you need interior wayfinding signs or exterior business signage we can help with sign permits, sign design and all of your OOH advertising.
What’s The Buzz Around OOH Advertising
The term OOH Advertising has had quite the buzz recently. The meaning of OOH advertising is Out of Home Advertising. In other words it is advertising that reaches people after they leave their houses each day. Signs play a big role in the OOH advertising mix. They are a critical part of your business branding and are a necessary component of your marketing plan. In a recent article by THE DRUM it was mentioned that brands that chose to spend 15% of their marketing budget on OOH advertising had a significant increase in their social media channels and improved brand trust.
Crafting unique signs that leave a lasting impression is what The Sign Depot is known for. We can create memorable signs that will keep your brand top of mind with potential clients. Your exterior business sign serves as a 24 hour advertisement for your establishment and is often the public’s first impression of your company.
Start 2019 Off Right
The best way to start off 2019 right is to visit our CONTACT US page and let our expert sign-makers know that you want to STEP UP YOUR SIGNAGE with a custom sign from The Sign Depot in 2019!
Crafting Custom Cedar Wood Signs For Christmas
Cottage Signs For Christmas
When the weather starts to get chilly and everyone heads indoors to Hygge, we start preparing our cedar signs for the Christmas season. Every year we receive requests for Cottage Signs for Christmas Gifts. They make a unique gift and each cedar cottage sign can be personalized to an individual’s taste. This means they become a timeless gift that can be displayed with pride all year long.
Wood Signs That Weather Well
While there are several types of wood signs, we prefer to use Canadian Western Red Cedar for our cottage signs because of the longevity of the wood. Cedar holds up against the elements and with our 4 seasons ranging from heat and humidity in the summer to the freezing temperatures and moisture in the winter it is the best choice for custom signage.
We Make What Works For You
Our custom sign designers keep your budget in mind when it comes to creating a cottage sign that meets your specifications. You are able to select the size, shape, text and image for your sign. You can also decide if the sign is to be a single sided or a double sided sandblasted wood sign. You even has the option of having a custom post created to match your sign. With all of this choice, you are sure to find a mix that works for you.
What You Need To Provide When Ordering A Sign For Christmas
Because you want to ensure you receive your quote in a timely fashion, follow these steps
- Know your budget
- Decide on a size
- Figure out the shape you want the sign to be
- Provide the text to be on the sign
- Think of an image that would suit the sign
Once you have prepared these five items, send an email to sales@sign-depot.on.ca to receive your quote. Please note that taxes, shipping and/or installation are extra. Be aware the earlier you get your order in the better, as there will be time required to prepare and custom finish your sign.
LED Lights Save Lit Sign Costs For Our Customers and Create Great Christmas Shows
LED Lights Make Signs Functional And Fun
LEDs otherwise known as Light Emitting Diodes are brightening up everything, including the sign industry. Wondering why? There are so many advantages to LEDs. One of those advantages is longevity. As quoted from Wikipedia’s LED lights post
Many of the LEDs made in the 1970s and 1980s are still in service today. Typical lifetimes quoted are 25,000 to 100,000 hours That is just one of the many reasons why we here at The Sign Depot choose LEDs to light signs. They are also economical, very visable from long distances and environmentally friendly Even some of our “retro-look” signs are powered by LEDs. The Light Emitting Diodes help us achieve the look we want and the low cost sign maintenance that our clients are looking for with their lit signs. LED signs also give you lot of of choice. They come in several different colours and well as ones that can be programmed to rotate colours constantly. Giving our clients unique options for their business signs is something we choose to do. No one wants to look like all the rest. Finding ways to get noticed is what can give you an edge over your competition, while making sure it is affordable for your company. Take a look at one company did to attract customers with an LED Christmas Display. It’s Gangnam Style all the way! On their YouTube Channel they wroteSTATS: 41,000 bulbs, 2,000 light channels, 2kms of cable & 200 hours to set up. My past displays have raised more than $90k for community projects. And what does it cost in power? An extra $10/week
Reading further on their channel you will see that this display for 3 hours every night. Chances are your LED needs won’t even come close to the amount of bulbs they used so doesn’t that make you think about savings for your energy costs? Want more info about LED lit signs? Make sure to Contact Us
