class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘artistic’
1 Comment Sculptural Signs – Taverna Mercatto Restaurant Toronto
Ornamental Exterior Sign
Next time you are between two Toronto landmarks, Rogers Centre (formerly known as Skydome) and the Air Canada Centre, be on the look out for our latest work at Taverna Mercatto. Working with the design firm Office Bureau the restaurant exterior signage was manufactured to replicate ornamental metal. Unlike the mystery tunnel builder in Toronto, we know that you require permission and permits before you can begin building anything.
After approval from the Toronto Sign Bylaw Unit, the sign design for Taverna Mercatto was finalized and manufacturing of this ornamental sign began. Sculptural signs are eye-catching for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic and it was decided that a free standing sign would be a great focal point for this high traffic area.
3 Dimensional Projection Sign
The Taverna Mercatto sign was finished in black with 23K gold leaf highlights on this 3 dimensional sign and LED lit so it would shine both day and night.
Projecting off a lamp post, it is a very unique sign on the street. Choosing sculptural signs as a way to differentiate a business from other companies is a great choice especially in an area where there are several restaurants to choose from. It is very inviting looking and that is important when attracting customers to a restaurant in a central tourist area.
Be On The Look Out For Additional Mercatto Signage
In addition the Taverna Mercatto sign we have been involved in other design elements for that location as well as some of their other locations.
Window graphics and interior signage upgrades are also part of their signage package, all with the artistic look to match their current architecture.
Choosing to work with a custom sign shop for both your interior and/or exterior signs allows for a lot of choice. From size to materials to paint colours your business signs are a great way to take your branding to the next level. For more information on how we can elevate your brand visit our CONTACT US page to connect with one of our expert signmakers.
Gold Leaf Gilding Gilt
Although the above terms are the same by definition according to Wikipedia
The term gilding covers a number of decorative techniques for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces such as wood, stone, or metal to give a thin coating of gold. A gilded object is described as “gilt”.
Here at The Sign Depot it meant we would be Gilding a Sign for Gilt Restaurant with Gold Leaf.
Getting Ready To Glisten
The dimensional sign for Gilt Restaurant began with CNC cutting the structure for the custom sign
and then the gilded finish was applied to the sign give it the shine that can only be acheived by 23 karat gold leaf.
Not only does gold leaf attract the attention of passers-by, it is an finish that withstand the elements which makes it a great choice for an outdoor sign.
Additionally the custom sign for Gilt Restaurant was equiped with LEDs to ensure that the sign would glisten both day an night.
Once assembled the exterior sign was prepped for installation
After the sign was affixed to the building exterior, temporary signage was displayed in the window to build buzz about the restaurant for downtown core.
For more examples of the types of signs we make for dining establishements, be sure to visit our Restaurant Signs gallery. If you are looking for gold leaf sign then contact us first! I think you’ll take a shine to us!
Thanks @TheSignDepot we absolutely love our sign! #amazing #kwawesome #openingsoon pic.twitter.com/zxbavv6mVq
— Gilt Restaurant (@giltrestaurant) August 26, 2014Adding Chalkboard Vinyl To Custom Signs And Other Custom Interior Items
Heading Back To School
With feeling of fall in the air and the children heading back to school to work on their ABC’s, we thought we would take this opportunity to give you a few lessons on adding chalkboard to your custom interior signs and other items.
Chalkboard Signs
Here at The Sign Depot we are quite familiar with chalkboard paint and how it can be used for custom sign applications. Using chalkboard paint to create an artistic sign in can be very labour intensive. There are many quick at home do it yourself chalkboard paint tutorials, but is a lot of sanding, priming and painting required in order to give a custom interior sign a professional look.
If you don’t require an actual board we have second option to help customize your signs and other custom interior items. We have added Chalkboard Vinyl to our lineup of vinyl products. Chalkboard vinyl is quick way to add an artistic element to your custom signs decor items. It is especially handy for those that are constantly changing their specials on for their business. It gives you the flexibility to change menu items, add some quick messaging and add daily deals without creating a new sign each day.
It would be great for signs in
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Car dealerships
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Anyone looking to re-use their signs while frequently changing up the items they offer
Unique Ways To Use Chalkboard Vinyl
Looking for other unique uses for Chalkboard Vinyl? We created a Pinterest Board to give you some inspiration! The board shows many projects created with chalkboard paint, but we think they would look just as great if chalkboard vinyl was used for these items. Head over to Uses For Chalkboard Vinyl Pinterest Board and see what inspires you!
How To Get A Chalkboard Vinyl Sign Designed?
Wondering how to get a custom Chalkboard Vinyl sign designed? Contact our Ben our Vinyl Master by emailing Ben@sign-depot.on.ca and he will be able to prepare your custom quote and let you know all the options you have when it comes to temporary custom signs created with vinyl!
Do You Run A High End Business? Do Your Signs Reflect That?
We Have The Solution
Do You Run A High End Business? Do Your Signs Reflect That? Do You Have a Lowest Price Promise? Is That Part of Your Slogan? We Have Several Business Sign Solutions To Show Your Best Attributes!
The best way to show off your best attributes is to figure out what they are. Not sure where to start? Use the comparison chart below to figure out how you want to represent your business.
There is nothing wrong with any of these terms. They are all great descriptive words but if your business falls more to one side than the other, then know that the terms on that side highlight what your business does best. Find ways to use some of these words in your text slogans or choose graphics that represent these terms in your logo. If you think your business represents terms from both sides then a great mix of text and graphics from both sections can work as well. These are the beginnings of a custom business sign solution for your business.
Other things to consider when it comes to creating business signage for your company are
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Colour scheme to be used
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Choice of font
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Visibility from traffic areas
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Competition awareness
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Budget for the sign package
Perhaps you need some assistance with the items listed above. That’s where The Sign Depot comes in. Our expert sign designers and sign manufactures have the knowledge to guide you through the custom sign creation process. They can help with everything from Sign Permits to Sign Completion. They find ways to incorporate your estblishment’s message into a custom artistic sign that best represents your business and all that your company stands for. Whether you are marketing to an upscale clientelle or the best bargain hunters make sure your potential clients take note of everything you have to offer. Make sure they “Notice The Signs“
Restaurant Industry And The Sign Depot – Custom Business Signs
The Sign Depot Returns To The CRFA Show
Right away we knew our Custom Signs For The Restaurant Industry would be a good fit for the Canadian Restaurant and Food Service Association (CRFA) Show. We are always looking for ways to show our unique signs. We find that they fit well with a variety of establishments. Getting in front of Restaurant Professionals is always top of mind for us, and what we want is for Sign Depot to be top of mind for them.
Restaurant signs that are stand out are great ways for companies to get noticed and our expert sign makers always find ways to add artistic styles that incorporate company branding. These signs become find-ability solutions that work for businesses.
Award Winning Beertown Public House Sign
We wanted to ensure that we were able to stand out at the CRFA Show as well, so were able to secure a spot directly across from the Chef’s Cooking Stage. Here’s a look at our surroundings.
This was a highly visible area with lots of traffic travelling by our booth. We even had some familiar faces stop by. We had the fine folks from Baden Coffee and Herrles Market pop by our CRFA booth.
Then we had our own Artistic Flair Bartending demonstration happen at our Sign Depot booth.
How Much Would It Cost To Create A Sign For My Business?
That was only one of the many questions we answered at our booth. We had our slide show running through the trade show to exhibit the variety of custom 3 dimensional signs we have created. Many of these sign projects would have been too big for our display booth, but we knew it was important to cover all the types of signs we can create. The reactions we varied from “I recognize that sign” to “How much would it cost to create a sign like that for my business?” We always have time to answer those questions. Requesting a quote is easy to do. Just head over to our Contact Us page and let us know the following
- How big should your sign be? Including measurements streamlines the process
- What is your budget for the sign project?
- Do you have any logo, text or graphics that should be incorporated into the sign?
These three questions are great ways to get your sign quote started. After approval, your signs will be handcrafted here in our workshop to your specifications. As your sign supplier, our goal is to exceed your expectations. Professional looking signs are expected from high end industries. We are always looking for different ways to connect with Industry Professionals.
The CRFA Show was a great way show our custom business sign solutions to Restaurant Owners, Chefs and Marketing Executives.
Custom Wood And 3 Dimensional Sign Questions And Answers
Q & A From Conestoga College Graphic Design Students
We are always happy to welcome the Graphic Design Students from Conestoga College into our Sign Workshop. This year a group of thirty first year design students came by to learn about the sign design process. They will be creating their first sign project shortly and had a lot of great questions for Peter. Running a custom sign shop for almost 20 years, Peter has a lot of insight about sign design and how it compliments the graphic design field. Below is a list of some of the questions the design students asked along with the answers Peter provided to help them with their first custom sign project.
Q: How did you get into the sign industry
A: I worked at a sign shop in my teens. Then I went on to get a degree in Fine Arts at University Of Guelph and then decided to start The Sign Depot
Q: What type of sign work do you prefer
A: Something that is challenging, often large scale 3 dimensional signs require a bit of problem solving, so I enjoy creating signs that get me thinking about how it can be created.
Q: How do you decide how on how big a sign should be?
A: I take photos of the building and put them into my software. When I design a custom business sign I can see what it will look like on the building. Trust your eye. You know what looks best.
Q: Any recommendations for an on site sign versus a highway sign?
A: When designing a sign for a high traffic area think of the message you want to get across while traffic is going by quickly. Less is more. Make the sign memorable not messy. For on site signs such as the restaurant signs we do, it is about relaying the message of experience you will have when you visit that establishment.
Q: I noticed that you have won an award for the 3 Dimensional Sign for Beertown, can you tell us a bit about that sign?
A: We wanted the look of the retro sign but wanted give it a modern feel. We used LED lights as a stand in for marquee light bulbs, as for the mural there was a template made that was spray painted on the building followed by artistic hand painting on the sign.
Q: What if you didn’t agree with client’s sign idea? Do you let them know?
A: I believe it is my responsibility as a designer to let them know about what makes for good sign design and I would make recommendations. Let them know that a good sign is a good investment for their business. So many customers have let me know that their sales increased because of their new sign. Additionally I think all of our signs stand as a business card for Sign Depot, we always think of how it will reflect on this business.
Q: When it comes to your gold leaf signs why do you choose 23K gold leaf?
A: We are very familiar with this type of gold leaf and know the kind of shine it can bring to our custom signs.
Q: How big is your customer base?
A: We are well established here in our community, as well as nationwide and have shipped our signs in the USA market too.
Q: Have you ever made a sign that was too big for your shop?
A: No, that goes back to our problem solving and business sign solutions that we design for our clients and why we have such a big sign workshop.
Q: Have you ever been approached by a show like Restaurant Makeover?
A: Not yet, you can go ahead and set that up though! We are involved in a lot of restaurant design builds and some of the experiences we have come across would make for some great reality tv!
Advice For Young Designers
Peter also had some parting words for these aspiring graphic designers
Always strive to be the best in class. When you’re out looking for jobs you want to let people know you are the best of the best.
Artistic Singer, Artistic Design and What they Have in Common With Signs
Signs, Designs and How Bob Dylan Brought it All Together
Bob Dylan is often referred to as artist of a generation. His unique sound and thought provoking lyrics have been heard by many but what brought Dylan to the mainstream audience was the clip of his song Subterranean Homesick Blues in the film Don’t Look Back. During the clip Bob Dylan uses several of rudimentary signs to grab attention to the messages in his song.
Flash forward to present day. Film and video are still ways to express a message and Bob Dylan is still influencing others. Take a look at how his lyrics influenced one designer to re-create the signs and messages from the original film clip, using several styles of artistic typography.
http://vimeo.com/49556689The video is a great representation of how fonts play into relaying a message. Finding a lettering style that matches what you want to convey is something that designers do very well. They choose the font that best tells your story and fits your brand. Here’s a great example of the word scary displayed in two different fonts.
The choice of font makes a bigger impact in the lower photo because it also displays the feeling that goes along with the word. Your artistic font choice gives your text a voice. Make sure to consider what your text says when picking a font. It can put emphasis on the message you want others to read and understand.
Finding Fonts Fascinating?
Then join us at the screening of the TYPEFACE Film. Happening October 12 2012 at 7pm in Waterloo Ontario’s Princess Cinema.
Watch the trailer on our post The Sign Depot Presents Typeface and purchase your tickets.
Becoming a fan of fonts? See how to use them in artistic sign design from both a signage point of view in the links in this posts and look for upcoming blogs on the topic.
Where Web Design and Custom Signs Meet
The Founding of #FontFanFriday
Connecting with designers is something we always do regularly here. We enjoy seeing the works from Building Designers, Interior Designers, Web Designers, Graphic Designers or anyone that loves artistic design. Over the past few months we have been conversing with Amanda Wood Web Design over our mutual love of Retro Sign Design. Soon after when The Sign Depot and The Princess Cinema announced we would be partnering to present the TYPEFACE film, we realized we also had the same fondness as Amanda for fonts.
Finding the right font that fits your needs is something that many individuals struggle with. Choosing a script that suits your brand identity is something best left to a professional. Although your personal preference is always considered, a great designer will know what best represents your business. They will find font to incorporate you and your company that is complementary to the style of your logo.
After a quick poll on the facebook page it was apparent that everyone has a different favorite font. The font that few did agree on was Futura Bold.
The description of the Futura Bold font from Adobe is as follows
Designed by Paul Renner in 1927, Futura is the classic example of a geometric sans serif type. Its original concept was based on the Bauhaus design philosophy that “form follows function.” Futura uses basic geometric proportions with no weight stresses, serifs, or frills, with long ascenders and descenders that give it more elegance than most sans serif typefaces. The wide range of weights plus condensed faces provide a variety of ways to set short text blocks and display copy with a strong, no-nonsense appearance.
Looking to find a favorite font? This is where we come in. Today marks the beginning of the #FontFanFriday. Every Friday follow @AmandaHWood and our twitter @TheSignDepot to see what design fonts we’re chatting about. Join the converstation and let us know what fonts tickle your fancy. Need some inspiration? Check out our You’re So Fonty Pinterest Page. Who knows perhaps your favorite font may already be on one of our custom wood signs.
What artistic fonts would you design with? Let us know by tweeting with #FontFanFriday hashtag, repinning a font that you’re a fan of, or leave a comment below about your font of choice.
Signs That The Olympics Are Near and What They Share With Artistic Signs
London 2012 Olympic Games
Friday July 27, 2012 is the official start to the London England Olympic Games. In an earlier post it was mentioned that the London Olympic Games Design Font would be a trend for 2012. Now that we have reached the beginning of this year’s games there are a few more items that should be noted when speaking about the upcoming Olympics. Many of the ideas behind this year’s event are along the same lines as best practices for custom signs.
Design
The London Olympic build was custom designed with sustainability in mind. Permanent venues were sites that were refurbished to accommodate the games. Temporary venues were custom designed so that once removed there would be very little disruption to the area where they were constructed. Knowing what you want your design to accomplish is something the designers at The Sign Depot always have in mind
Be Memorable
Structure is one thing, but you need to be memorable as well. Art In The Park area near the Olympic Park will be noticeable to everyone attending the games. This area will surely find it’s way into many pictures/tweets/status updates in what is deemed as the most “social” Olympics yet. Creating a buzz and being noticed will be things to watch for during the 2012 Olympic events. Those will be the memories that will live on after the torch has been put out.
Make A Bold Statement
Being a Canadian company we definitely endorse this video! Finding ways to stand out from your competition is always the way to rise to the top. Choosing unique and artistic ways to convey messages through signs is something we defintely have in common with the London 2012 Olympic Games. Finding ways to be bold with sophisticated style is not and easy task but taking risks and stepping up to challenges are traits that we find commendable.
We even wonder if our post on Findabilty inspired the Canadian Olympic Team
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
