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No Comments Essential Steps For Branding And Rebranding With Signs – Kindred Credit Union
Begin Branding Your Business With Signs
When it comes to creating a business brand the best place to start is within your local community and once your brand is recognizable expand it from there. Make sure you find a way to make your mark and stay top of mind with potential customers with your business signs. They are often the first impression for your business so it is important to connect with a full service sign shop that can cover all of your signage needs.
When To Rebrand
When your business decides to rebrand it could be for various reasons. One being to refocus a company. In the case of Kindred Credit Union they decided to focus on growth when they changed their branding from Mennonite Savings and Credit Union to Kindred Credit Union. It is important when rebranding that you take the necessary steps to ensure your new branding is known to all. According to the article 7 Steps to a Successful Rebrand
“once you have established who and what you want to be, do not change it except for tweaks and slight adjustments. It takes 10 to 12 ‘touches’ for a customer to even notice you. Keep going long after you think everyone must have seen the new brand. Trust me—they haven’t”
This is where rebranding with signs plays an important role.
4 Steps For Rebranding With Signs
Just as Kindred Credit Union did we suggest you follow these steps when rebranding a business.
Begin with banners. Do not keep referring to your old messaging once you have decided to rebrand. Let your current clients know that changes are coming by removing existing signs and logos and replacing them with temporary banners during the switch over.
Make sure your new branding stands out. In the case of Kindred Credit Union this is a literal statement. With their choice of vibrant colours and 3 dimensional signs, their new branding made a bright and bold impact in relation to their surroundings. 
Bring The Outdoors In. Kindred Credit Union ensured that their rebrand was consistent from the time you walked up to their location, and continued it throughout your experience inside their building. Their exterior signs were created to be highly visible from a distance and once entering their establishment, the installation of focal point reception signs made to match the exterior signage, continued the visual flow for the clients arriving for their banking needs.
Get The Word Out. Once they finished rebranding an establishment they invited the community to come and see the locations new look. This assists in educating the public on all they have to offer.
Join us at one of our branches on Oct. 20 for our Member Appreciation Day & Community Open House. #localfood #Prizedraws #bankingwithpurpose pic.twitter.com/hsXYgBHCLU
— Kindred Credit Union (@KindredCU) October 11, 2016
Is your business looking to become a well known brand or ready for a rebranding refresh? The expert sign-makers at The Sign Depot are here to help. Just visit the CONTACT US page to get the process started.
Custom Sign Letters For Velocity
Creating A New Custom Sign For Velocity
While many of you are familiar with the custom sign we created for Velocity Garage in 2012, they decided to rebrand their technology incubator to encompass all of their facilities. Their original sign was created with individual cutout high density urethane letters (otherwise know as HDU or sign foam),
so it HDU was the logical choice when it came to choosing material for this new batch of custom signs.
The custom sign letters were cut on our CNC router table but this time they were finished in black to give them a sleek and sophisticated look. The letters were prepped for pin mounting and different wording was used for each location.
Velocity Four Ways
Even though University of Waterloo’s Velocity had a different focus for each area, it was important to show that Velocity Garage, Velocity Residence, Velocity Science and Velocity Foundry are all connected and they used signage to establish this connection. You can see the similarities in the posts below. Each image shows the signs as focal points but lets the text speak for the space.
It's packed in the Velocity Science Open Lab! Don't worry, everyone will get a chance to see/hear about the new lab. pic.twitter.com/uqHpythejb
— Velocity (@UWvelocity) May 27, 2014Custom Signs Are Great Ways To Grab Attention
Velocity understands the importance of standing out in the startup community. Grabbing the attention of entrepreneurial leaders is always an important factor when it comes to creating a new business. Finding what makes you unique from others in your industry can get you well on your way to success. We specialize in attention grabbing custom signs. We want ensure your business stands out. Our custom signs create impact without looking intrusive or out of place. When you are opening a new establishment or rebranding an existing business always look for ways to grab attention in a pleasing manor.
Velocity managed to grab our attention by including The Sign Depot installers at the end of this video. They have certainly made an impact!
Custom Vintage Look Wood Signs – Truth Beauty’s Business Sign Solutions
The Beauty Of A Distressed Wood Sign
When it comes to Business Sign Solutions we have lots of options to suit a company’s branding. Finding that perfect fit may take more than one type of material to make the establishment recognizable in busy areas. When the The Truth Beauty Company moved from their Olivier location, they took the opportunity to create custom business signs for this new business.
Their store front sign and reception sign was fabricated from repurposed wood to give the signs a vintage look. To add dimension to the custom signs, High Density Urethane (sign foam) letters and designs were CNC cut on our Router table. Those HDU pieces were given custom finishes and then attached to the distressed wood and framed. This gave the Truth Beauty sign 3 dimensional sign elements while keeping with the antique look of the wood.
Add Some Artistic Signage
In addition to the exterior entranceway sign and interior sign and additional artistic fabric wall hanging was created to further showcase the business’s logo. A stencil was cut to match the design and applied to the fabric. Next the design was airbrushed on the material and after the stencil was removed the result was an artistic sign in the form of custom piece of drapery for their location.
To read more about The Truth Beauty Company make sure to check out their article in the Waterloo Chronicle aptly named The Truth About Beauty.
Source: waterloochronicle.ca via Lisa on Pinterest
To learn more about The Sign Depot’s custom signs and business sign solutions take a look at our portfolio page and be sure to contact us.
Looking for more engaging ways to connect with Sign Depot? Make sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter that highlights our recent sign projects and upcoming sign features. You can also follow us on Facebook, check out our Sign Depot Pinterest page or send us a tweet! Have an inquiry specific to this post? Make sure to leave it in the comment section and we will make sure to act swiftly to answer it for you.
Have Your Custom Business Sign Made From Wood Or High Density Urethane
Using 3 Dimensional Signs To Stand Out From Other Businesses
Have you ever thought of your business sign as a landmark? When people give directions is your business often mentioned as part of the mix? These are signs that your business sign stands out from the rest. Your business is noticeable and recognizable to passers-by which means you are memorable to many. Dimensional signs are great eye-catchers and with the choice of Sandblasted Wood Signs or High Density Urethane (HDU), dimensional signs and structures can create a distinctive look for your brand.
Dimensional Cedar Signs
Custom western red cedar signs are a great choice when looking to create dimensional look. There are a couple of ways which wood can achieve the desired look.
- V-Cut Grove signs are carved by a router to sink the letters/graphics into the wood
- Sandblasted signs create dimension by blasting away the cedar to raise the wooden text and logos to make them the prominent part of the sign
Both the techniques are great ways to use wood for your business signs.
Dimensional High Density Urethane Signs (HDU)
High Density Urethane otherwise known as Sign Foam or HDU signs are becoming more and more popular in the business industry. Finding a Sign Company that can easily manipulate that material is the key to having the sign look amazing. By using a CNC machine and well designed sign file, High Density Urethane can be transformed into almost anything.
Either sign substrate choice will make your business sign stand out, and make your business look outstanding! Need more info on how dimensional signs and structural signage can fit into your business? Then contact The Sign Depot and one of our Award Winning Sign Experts will be pleased to help. Looking for more examples of dimensional business signs? Visit our photo gallery on our website and our facebook page.
Communitech HYPERDRIVE Hits Lightspeed With the Help Of High Density Urethane – HDU
What is Hyperdrive?
Well according to George Lucas’s 1977 movie STAR WARS Hyperdrive propulsion systems were vital starship components that allowed starships to enter hyperspace to traverse the vast distances of space at faster-than-lightspeed.
There is one issue, as you can see, without a properly functioning hyperdrive motivator the hyperdrive can break down.
Enter Communitech Hyperdrive
As listed on their website Communitech helps technology companies start, grow and succeed. Earlier this week Communitech launched Communitech HYPERDRIVE. This is truly the motivator requirement that many startup companies need. This functioning motivator helps new tech business owners gain access to industry investors and mentors. They find ways to make their companies grow quickly, or more appropriately send them into lightspeed.
Launch Party
Because of our long standing relationship with Communitech, Peter from Sign Depot was invited to the HYPERDRIVE launch. When asked about the event he has this to say
“The room had lots of energy with a young and vibrant crowd. The introduction of each selected company showed the diversity and unique business opportunities supported by HYPERDRIVE. The idea and mission of HYPERDRIVE is exactly what will continue to fuel a strong, continuum of start up companies, which in turn will be good for the economy.”
Sounds impressive indeed. Finding a way to impress the occupants of the already buzzing Communitch Hub was Sign Depot’s task. Their sign needed to be futuristic and edgy, while maintaining a professional look. The sign was constructed by CNC routering letters made from HDU (High Density Urethane) and creating a halo light effect with LED lights.
Being included in Communitech’s post was the nod of approval we were happy to receive.
To find more info about the next round of Communitech HYPERDRIVE applications, keep watch of the HYPERDRIVE blog. In the meantime we will the first round of recipients the best on their upcoming endevours. We’d also like to recognize that today July 13th is Harrison Ford’s birthday. Without Han Solo, we would never know what a hyperdrive was for.
Think Outside The (Cake) Box
Making The Move With A Little HDU – High Density Urethane
When The Cake Box changed locations it was an opportunity to create a look and feel that matched what they do. The Cake Box prides themselves on high standard cakes and their signage needed to reflect that. Being that they are set back from the street with a parking lot in front, the sign needed to be eye-catching to grab the attention of those travelling in that high traffic area. The inspiration for this sign came from decorative picture frames. Framing a sign is a way to make your info noticeable without it looking out of place. The key is to make it reflect the business it represents. In this case a gingerbread style frame fit the bill.
Frame and Fortune
When creating this dimensional sign we chose to work with High Density Urethane otherwise known as HDU. The design was carved on the CNC router table then given a high gloss UV finish. The Cake Box individual letters were pin mounted to a backer and we gave Sweet Indulgences portion of the sign the golden touch by finishing it in 23K gold leaf.
Final Finishing Touches
As you can see, the sign was installed and the project shows very well from a distance.
Creating ways to catch the eye of those already walking through the plaza was also considered. Using window frosting vinyl The Cake Box specialties were displayed and a bright banner brought attention to the corner window.
Finding ways to think out of the box are normal occurrences here at The Sign Depot. We hope they have encouraged you to get inside The Cake Box.
If you’re looking for ways to change the look of your business signage, or if you’re planning an upcoming move to a new establishment, make sure to contact us and we’ll help create something creative for you.
High Density Urethane Letters – VeloCity Garage
HDU And What It Can Do
High Density Urethane, often referred to as HDU is a material that we use quite often when creating dimensional signs. It can be manipulated in many ways to create the look you want to achieve. In the past we have made it look like wood, brick, stone and even fudge. HDU is a versatile substrate that can be routered, sanded and painted just like wood. You can be equally creative with the finish on a High Density Urethane sign. That is what VeloCity Garage decided to do with their space in The Communitech Hub. The idea was for a sleek look with a bit of an edge. The way that was accomplished was by using two different finishes on the same project.
Step By Step
The HDU sign letters were cut out on the CNC router table. Then after sanding and priming the letters, pins were attached with epoxy. These would be used for installation. Then they were ready for the paint finishes.
the GARAGE portion of the sign was given a rust finish while the VELOCITY part was painted to a high gloss look.
After the VeloCity Garage signs were installed, the two very different looks came together to capture the feel of this High Tech shared space inside a re-purposed Tannery. Finding the right mix of old and new was the key to artstic look of this uniquely crafted sign project. The result was a “best of both worlds” sign that tips the hat to the building’s historic past and fast forwards occupents to the bright future.
If you happen to be visiting VeloCity Garage we would love to hear what you think of the sign. Tweet a pic to @TheSignDepot with your thoughts or find us on Facebook to see more of our projects.
CNC Router Table Cutting For Dimension
Designing Dimesion
Have you ever looked at the logo on your business card and wondered what it would look like if it wasn’t flat?
By using a CNC router process we can give your logo/lettering the dimension it deserves. Take a peek at our CNC router table in action
This demo is just the base of the object. After the HDU (High Density Urethane) otherwise know as outdoor use foam, has been cut and stacked it will then it will primed and painted to give it that extra punch to make it stand out! Using a router table to CNC cut the HDU creates a custom carved sign that makes a impact. Dimensional signs that are created by CNC routering spark curiosity and often an grab the attention of prospective customers. These 3D signs are a great way to get your business noticed and they often serve as a memorable landmark that literally stands out from your competitors. You want your business to be easily recognized and CNC routered signs give you the opportunity create logo into a unique advertising opportunity. The next time you are in a busy downtown area, take note of what grabbing your attention. Is it because it is different from everything else around it? Is it dimensional? Would you like something like that for your business? If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, then perhaps you are ready to make the leap to a custom carved sign. If you foresee a CNC sign in your future, make sure to contact The Sign Depot and we can walk you through our dimensional sign making process and find what fits for your business. You will be sure to carve out a niche with a High Density Urethane carved sign from our CNC router table.
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.
HDU Signs – Making A Daisy Blossom
Delighted to Decorate the Daisy
We reside in the Access Storage/Doon Twines building and were delighted when our friends from The Frugal Decorator told us that they were moving into the building as well.
The showpiece of their logo is a Daisy & they wanted to make it the standout item of their front entrance-way as well. It was created using HDU otherwise known as High Density Urethane. HDU is a sign substrate that is cut in layers on a CNC router table and pieced together to create a dimensional sign. With the addition of LEDs the custom HDU sign will be visible from busy intersection in both daylight and night time hours. This makes The Frugal Decorator sign noticeably predominant on that side of the building which will increase walk-in traffic, something that everyone wants. Once people notice something new they often will stop by to see what you offer.
Now that they have a great logo adorning their front entrance it was time to add some final touches to their custom business sign.
The business name was made to match, vinyl graphics were added to the windows and the address post sign from the last location was re-purposed as a projection sign for this building.
Stay tuned for pictures of it lit up after dark
To see more examples of our Artistic Structural Signage make sure to pop in to 51 Borden Ave S. Kitchener or give us a call at 519-894-0890 or visit our gallery page and make sure to stop by the OPEN HOUSE at The Frugal Decorator happening Thursday July 28/11 at Noon! 50 Ottawa St. S Kitchener
Let us know what you would do with a brand new entrance-way to attract passers-by in the comment section. We love hearing your input and knowing what you think looks great!
