class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘sign design’
No Comments Collaborative Sign Design – Cambridge Pallet
From Networking To Collaboration
Networking has always been a focus for The Sign Depot. Through networking we build great business relationships within our community. This is how the Cambridge Pallet reception sign came about. Through connecting with Jorge Meneses we were able to refer business back and forth between our companies and learn more about our interests outside of our companies as well. In fact we are now committee members for Movember KW, swap vacation stories and assist each other with community involvement fundraising events. Because we have gotten to know each other well throughout the years, when it came to creating a sign for Cambridge Pallet, it became a collaborative effort.
Sharing Sign Design Ideas
Jorge had let us know that Cambridge Pallet was looking for an interior sign for their office area. He envisioned steel letters in the reception area. We suggested to take it one step further and have a replica wood pallet added to the sign design. These sign ideas were put together to create a sign that reflects their company and their brand. While this might not be the exact definition of collaborative design, we feel that this was a great way to work together to create a unique 3 dimensional sign.
Building A Pallet Sign
To create the pallet sign we began with MDF board, which is a great material for interior signage. It was cut and assembled to replicate a wood pallet.
It was then finished to match the colour they use for their pallets. After the paint finish was complete, the text portion was added to the sign project. The brushed metal letters were pin mounted to the sign to create dimension.
Once the sign was fully assembled, our installers placed in the reception area of Cambridge Pallet. Since its arrival both staff and clients have remarked with how much they like the new sign and that it is a great representation of the company.
Build A Sign Around Your Brand
Whether you connect with in person at networking events or online through our social channels, we want to collaborate with you to create a sign that reflects your company and brand. Visit our CONTACT US page to get the process started.
The Building Blocks of Sign Design
Setting Up Sign Design Partners
Readers of The Sign Depot blog know that our expert sign-makers are able to assist with sign design, but did you know we work many others in the design industry as well? One of those designer partnerships we have formed is with Bradshaw Design. Bradshaw Design is the firm responsible for our well-designed and very functional website. They understand our esthetic, and in turn they came to us to build a cedar wood sign project for a client.
Bring On The Building Blocks
When I first noticed the structure pictured above, I immediately thought of the wooden toy blocks that I had a child.
When I looked closer at the item and read the text, it does show that they are using the concept of building a harmonious project by concentrating on each step (or block) that will get you there.
This is how we think of our sign projects as well. We focus on the details to ensure that it will make the designed sign come together flawlessly. We consider everything from size, style, material, font, text and colour when it comes to creating signage. We believe it is difference between meeting our clients’ expectations and exceeding them. Exceeding expectations is something we pride ourselves on. Everything we produce is a reflection of our clients’ professionalism as well as a reflection on The Sign Depot. In this case, the sign structure we created for one of Bradshaw Design’s client impressed them so much that they sent a testimonial to them and included our craftsmanship in their note.
We received the original ‘Carleton House’ yesterday and the entire Compass team absolutely loved it! Please pass our sincere thanks and congratulations to your wood working partner as he created a truly beautifully designed ‘Carleton House.’ I love the cedar wood he used throughout. The base truly looks like an award podium with each additional block so intricately designed and created. I know that took a significant amount of talent! Well done to you both!!!
Building On Your Business
In our last blog post we spoke about finding the right fit for your business. Once you have found the signage concept that works for you, then your next step (or building block) is to find a sign company that can bring your design from the computer screen to a 3 dimensional object. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your next sign project with our signage team. Just visit our CONTACT US page to get the process started. We want to help you build your business with our custom signs.
Artistic Sign Design – Radiant Orchid Is The 2014 Pantone Colour Of The Year
Passionate For Purple
When Pantone announced the 2014 Colour Of The Year would be Radiant Orchid, it was described as an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones. This a very fresh and young colour which often see in Florals, Easter Jelly Beans, and suprisingly enough Celebrity Hairstyles.
Out With The Old
Last year Emerald made a impact as the 2013 Colour Of The Year with it’s bold jewel tones and striking vibrancy. With a much paler tone being added to the Pantone’s yearly collection, it will interesting to see if designers will take an understated artistic approach to including Radiant Orchid into their upcoming design projects.
Artistic Sign Design
Our expert sign makers have already found a way to incorporate shades of purple into their artistic sign designs. They chose to lighten up a 3 dimensional Christmas display this year with a lavender colour that looks very close to Radiant Orchid.
Adding pops of colour can give signs and designs an extra punch that can aid with visibilty and make it memorable. Adding too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect. You want to avoid your artistic designs from becoming eye-sores. Remember that less is more when it comes to logos and signs. Think of the message you want to convey and how colours and fonts can give you the results you are looking for. All of these choices are a representation of your brand.
If you’re not sure of the colour scheme for your custom sign? Then talk to one of our expert sign makers. Visit our Contact Us page and while you’re there be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be sure you are up to date with the lastest trends in sign design and get a behind the scenes look at what happens in a custom sign workshop.
Artistic Sign Design – Finding The Font
Find The Font That Fits
There are so many factors when it comes to artistic sign design. Logo colours, graphics and text are all important elements of custom sign creation. With all these variables it is often the choice of font that helps unify the overall look of the sign. When it comes to displaying company names and branding messages it is important to find a font that fits.
Favorite Fonts For Designers
We took to twitter and asked our followers what their favorite fonts are.
What is your favorite #Font ? #design — The Sign Depot Inc (@TheSignDepot) June 26, 2013
As you can tell by typography fan responses there are lots of great fonts to choose from. We were then asked about the favourite fonts of The Sign Depot. Below are choices from our experts in sign design.
Peter’s Picks
Peter is the Owner/President of The Sign Depot Inc. If you come by our workshop many of the signs and artistic sculptures on display were created by Peter.
- Fute Bold
- Garamond
- Snell Bold
Ben’s Picks
Ben is the head of our vinyl department and also goes by the nickname of the Vinyl Master. He know how to best display all your window graphics, vehicle decals, and temporary signage
- Euro
- Flash
- Aura
Adam’s Picks
Adam is our Lead Designer. If you are looking for custom business signs, logo design and/or sign package consultations, Adam is your guy. Watch for upcoming posts about Adam’s design work.
- Geared Slab
- Lobster
- Duke
Custom Designed Signs Set In Stone
Making Things Permanent with a Custom Designed Sign
Although here at The Sign Depot we specialize in sandblasted cedar signs, we create products using many other materials as well. Wood signs can be fully customized in terms of shape, colour, text and graphics but wood is not the only base that can be Sandblasted. A custom designed stone sign is also a great way to display your name/logo/address or any other text/design.
Custom stone signs are unique looking and long lasting. They are very versatile, whether it be as an address marker (like a farm sign), a corporate gift (a restaurant sign) or personalized present, a stone creation can be matched to fit a variety of surroundings and sandblasted to reflect the personality and/or branding of the recipient.
Custom designed stone signs work great on pathways, gardens and near sidewalks. The weather will not be a factor when it comes to the longevity of your custom sandblasted stone sign. In fact the outdoor elements will help create character and give it many unique qualities. Sandblasting the stone is the only beginning of the etched look. Once the stone has been engraved with the text and graphic in the etched areas, it is then painted to show the highlights of the now personalized stone sign.
Take a look on your gift list. How many of your friends and family would enjoy having their name set in stone? Sandblasted signs make great wedding gifts, corporate gifts, and a great present for that hard to buy for person at Christmas. If a few names come to mind, make sure to contact us and we can help you create a one of a kind custom designed stone sign. Once designed your custom sign can begin the production process and finishing process and soon your unique stone sign will in your hands.
Signs That Good Neighbours Make Good Neighbourhoods And Can Create An Artistic Community
Creating A Design Community
When Karl & Amy of Cutegecko Inc. first arrived in Kitchener Waterloo, we were ecstatic to find another company that is just as artistic and detail oriented as we are here at The Sign Depot. Waterloo Region is full of excellent design talent and we are so happy that creative people and companies are calling this community home. Over the past few years we have colaberated on projects with Cutegecko and became “almost” neighbours as they moved into their office further down on Charles St. in The Tannery Building. We love working with designers in all industries whether it be graphic design, web design, building design or interior design. Anyone who appreciates good design is alright in our books. We are always happy to help designers create custom artistic signs for their clients, and in the case of Cutegecko Inc we have created items for their own company’s use. Reception signs and vinyl car graphics are just a few ways we help designers turn their creations into branding tools and business advertising elements. Great design and professional sign makers can give companies a big advantage over their competition when it comes to visibility and recognition. They are just a few ways to be top of mind to potential customers. Cutegecko knew that and that is why they came to use to create a dimensional reception sign featuring their logo.
As Seen On TV
One year after moving into their office Karl and Amy became local stars by appearing in a televison commercial and talking about their business, their backgrounds and their life together. The add really captures what they are all about, but there was one stand out moment for us here at The Sign Depot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4OE9nIRg3k&featureImagine our surprise when the custom logo sign we constructed from their design made an appearance at the 34 second mark! It was a thrill to see their multi-material Cutegecko reception sign on the television screen and being shared across the web.
But that’s what Good Neighbours do! They look out for one another.
Custom Wood Signs – Fitting Different Logos Under One Business Brand
Three Very Different Logos Get One Uniformed Look
Recently here at The Sign Depot we had the opportunity to test our branding matching skills. The UPI Energy office requested new reception area signage. It involved taking three very different logos and making them fit together as one business brand.
Custom Wood Signs
In order for these logos to “work” together in the same space the sign solution was simple. Creating custom wood signs for each of the business logos would give them a clean uniform look.
These custom crafted reception signs were resized and by using the same wood stain finish they were able to change their differences into similarities. Taking a client’s marketing dilema and finding the right sign solution is something that the sign experts here at The Sign Depot are quite acquainted with. With their professional sign making techniques and custom sign finishes they are able to acheive and exceed the expectations of our customers.
Finished Sign Project
As you can see in the pictures below, UPI Energy will have a warm welcoming reception area thanks to the use of custom wood signs. The use of artistic signs brought the three company logos together to fit under one brand. If you wood like more information on how custom wood signs and reception signs work together to make exceptional interior signs, make sure to visit The Sign Depot Contact Us page and get in touch with our sign experts. One of our professional sign designers will gladly offer you suggestions on how to upgrade your reception sign while ensuring to design a custom business sign in your budget range. Providing creative sign projects for companies is what we are known for, and we would love to have the opportunity to quote a custom artistic sign for your company that showcases everything your business has to offer.
Re-purposed Doon Twines Business Building And The Sign Depot, A Good Move For Custom Signs
