Sign Design

What Makes a Great Sign Design?

A good sign will have a purpose.   It is important in the sign design to determine what your purpose is and design accordingly.  A good sign is well-balanced in size and shape.  This is an important step in sign design.  Proportions and spacing is what makes a sign look professional and appealing.  There are many different kinds of signs that your business may need, and for each, they should be carefully planned and designed according to your mission and purpose with the sign.  If you are running a banner ad campaign in an attempt to brand your company, your signs will be different than someone advertising for a concert or seminar.  Once your purpose and needs have been determined, the kind of sign you need should be clear.  Outdoor signs and indoor signs differ greatly in materials used; font size and color, but some design steps will remain the same.  There are 4 primary components of a great sign design.

Size and Shape

A great sign is well-balanced in size and shape.  The right proportions and spacing is what makes a sign look professional and appealing.  Be sure that you determine what you are trying to accomplish by creating your sign.  If your sign is a statement, make it a statement by sizing the font as such.  Small, delicate font would not be chosen to make a statement.  If your sign is selling something, or trying to brand a service or product, a memorable shape or layout should be the top priority in your sign design.

Simple Sign Design

Simplicity is the key.  When people see a cluttered, busy sign, it takes away from the message that you are trying to convey.  A sign that has a lot of graphics, or many words is too distracting and busy, and is not nearly as memorable as a sign that just clearly states what you are trying to say.  The fonts you choose should be easy to read and clear.  Any graphics used should be minimal and very simple.  If your sign design has complicated graphics, the graphics may be memorable, but your message will not be.  Simple signs are professional.

Color

You should use font colors that are true to the type of business that you have.  Using the colors in your logo or product will also help brand your company.  Using bright and vibrant colors is effective in drawing attention.  An outdoor sign, with yellow writing would not be effective in capturing an audience and sticking in the minds of all who see it.  Although bright colors are easy to see, you want to be sure that your sign still looks professional and is true to the industry you are in.  Bright colors can often look cheap and unprofessional, so choose colors that are vibrant, but that suit your business and objectives.  You should also choose a background that is simple, but clear for your sign design.  Your sign must reflect exactly what you are trying to accomplish.  The font color should not blend in with the background, or even the surrounding area in which it is placed.

Materials Used

Be sure that the materials used are durable for outdoor signs.  Vinyl banner signs are often used for events such as weddings, festivals, social gatherings, tradeshows, seminars, sporting events, etc.   Vinyl signs are appealing because they are mobile and can be changed and moved around easily.  Vinyl banner signs are a great option for many businesses.  Vinyl banners are not as durable and would not be able to withstand bad weather, without looking weathered and torn.  Remember, your sign is reflective of who you are, so choose a sign design that will best represent you and your company.  It is important to keep a professional, clean and simple look to your business.  A battered sign representing your business would not be appealing to customers.  Vinyl banners are best used in a temporary setting or changed out often, if they are getting weathered.  If you are looking for a more permanent sign for your business, alumalite , plastic, aluminum or ARMOUR-wood would be a better and more durable choice.

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