Directional signs might not be top-of-mind when contemplating creative signage, but an immense amount of consideration goes into their design. That’s because they’re integral to navigating through our environment efficiently. While good design can help create a seamless, enjoyable journey through a nature park, bad design can lead to someone missing their flight or, worse, the turn-off to the hospital. As a result, it’s important for transportation services, municipalities and businesses to get it right when developing their directional signage.
Advantages of good directional signs include:
Reduced travel time.
Increased accessibility.
Improved user experience.
Boosted revenue due to improved user experience.
Enhanced brand awareness.
When designing directional signs, remember:
Consult design best practices. We’ve discussed general design guidelines on previous blogs, but what sets directional signs apart is their focus on clarity and consistency. For example, directional signs at airports or subways stations often use fonts that have a steady thickness throughout. These fonts are easier to read at smaller sizes than ones that have thick and thin areas. Overall, you want users to be able to glance at your sign and glean information from it quickly.
Keep it simple. Only include information that is necessary, and do so in short sentences. Avoid insider terminology or confusing jargon if your signs will be used by the general public. In addition, if you have a digital sign system, avoid excessive animations as they can be distracting and hard on the eyes.
A picture’s worth a thousand words. Universally understood symbols allow us to communicate visually in a way that transcends language and cultural barriers. Symbols can also be seen from a distance, which is helpful in emergencies.
There’s strength in consistency. Take time to decide on imagery, colors, fonts and a visual hierarchy that will be used on your directional signs. (And make sure these choices are adhered to when ordering new signs). This serves a couple of purposes:
It’s an opportunity to carry your branding into your signage.
It demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
Most importantly, standardization ensures that once the user understands how information on your sign is structured and represented, they’ll be able to quickly decipher additional signs. Constantly changing these “rules,” however, can lead to confusion and frustration as their expectations are not met.
Use logical placement. Ideally, a directional sign will be unobstructed and isolated from any “visual noise” created by other signs in the environment. They should be as easy to spot as they are to read.
Choose the correct materials. There are different priorities depending on a sign’s purpose. Outdoor directional signs need to resist glare. They also have to be durable, whether to withstand the pummeling of the elements or a busy sidewalk. In comparison, if the sign is to be installed inside a hospital then the ability to clean it easily is a major concern.
Even in the age of portable and in-phone GPS apps, we still rely heavily on signs in our environment. That means it’s critical to convey directional information in a way that’s easy to understand. Have any further questions about directional signs? Give us a call here at Topmade. We offer expert signage consulting to help you through the design process.
As a pedestrian, you may experience one of these scenarios (usually while window shopping on a day off):
Getting caught suddenly in a downpour.
Or, walking under the blazing sun for too long.
In both cases, you might be lucky enough to spot the awning or canopy of a nearby business as a temporary solution to your plight. And, perhaps, while standing there, your curiosity is piqued and you decide to go into the shop.
These two examples illustrate just one of the ways awnings can create organic moments that benefit the customer and the business owner. Awnings and canopies also offer a number of other, more overt, advantages:
Marketing your message. Awnings and canopies are commonly used over entrances, walkways, patios, terraces and windows. Your company’s logo or contact info can easily be displayed, and lit from above or below, so it continues to capture attention well into the evening. If you have a free standing store with multiple windows, for instance, you can potentially advertise in all directions.
Reinforcing your visual identity. Instead of using a logo, you can also rely on fabric patterns, awning shape, and/or graphics to support the tone of your brand in a subtler way. This extra touch adds to the character of your business, demonstrates your attention to detail, and, literally, helps you stand out from your neighbours.
For example, a business that desires a vintage look might use the classic white-and-red striped awning with a scalloped trim. To the potential customer, this is a familiar image that conjures up warm feelings associated with an idealized past. In comparison, a company that caters to an audience that appreciates modern design aesthetics might decide on black canvas and clean edges.
Generating savings. In a report by the U.S. Department of Energy, Cooling Your Home Naturally, they found that awnings “can reduce heat gain up to 65% in south facing windows and up to 77% on windows facing east.” Furthermore, their ability to act as a natural climate control system takes some of the pressure off of mechanical air conditioning thereby reducing the cost for cooling a building by 25%. And the savings don’t stop there! Direct sunlight on your windows can cause glare or can fade products in your displays. Awnings assist in preserving your wares, so they look good longer, while allowing people to do their browsing.
Guarding against weather. As we talked about in the intro, awnings and canopies are not just “fair-weather friends.” During sunny days they provide precious shade and, when its snowing or raining, they’re a temporary escape from the wet and cold. Moreover, they facilitate keeping walkways clear of debris.
Over time, awnings need professional maintenance. Not sure what services are available? Check out our blog post on “Awning Refurbishing.”
Building community. Perhaps the most surprising benefit is the potential to develop welcoming gathering spaces. Awnings and canopies accomplish this by permitting public spaces to remain usable throughout the year. In fact, most area redevelopment plans, and urban design experts, encourage businesses to invest in awnings and canopies because they promote walkability which, in turn, helps commercial areas and neighbourhoods thrive.
Thinking about an awning or canopy for your business? Give us here at Topmade a call. We offer expert signage consulting to help you through the process – from sign permits to final installation.
Banner signs can be used indoors and outdoors, at a variety of locations, and for a number of different event types. This means that a lot of thought goes into maximizing the impact of your banner for its specific use. For example, the design requirements for an indoor banner at an exhibit, where the audience has time to linger and learn, is very different than an outdoor banner that will be glanced at by passing drivers.
You can find banners used for a number of events, such as:
Promotions and sales
Festivals, concerts, fundraisers and sporting events
Tradeshows and exhibits
Grand openings/public business announcements
As “fence covers,” to mask construction sites from view
Some advantages of banner signs include:
Offering novelty. Permanently installed signs, and even sandwich boards, can start to blend into the landscape during daily commutes. Temporary eye-catching banners can help your business keep the attention of potential customers. Banners can also be used in a variety of places other signs can’t. For example, your company might sponsor a team and advertise via a banner at a stadium. Or, if you’re a non-profit or a public event, you might invest in an overpass sign as a prime opportunity to boost awareness (http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/Roads/Pages/Traffic/Permits/Advertising-banner-permits.aspx).
Low maintenance and simple to store. Signs can be kept clean with the occasional wipe down with a cloth dampened in warm water. When you’re ready to put your banner signs away, simply roll them up tight and stash them in a cool and dry area. Avoid placing anything on top of them, or else creases might form.
When designing your banner, here are a few things to consider:
1. Less is more. It’s best to keep text and imagery at a minimum. A focal point, such as a single interesting image or large bright text, can be used to draw the eye. Because your audience, most likely, won’t have much time to spend on your sign, you need to impart only crucial information as succinctly as possible. This could be an image of a product, its name, your business logo and a clear call to action. It’s about creating interest and presenting a way to find out more, rather than explaining everything upfront.
2. Easy to read. Fonts should be the correct size, which will depend on the viewing distance of the potential audience from the banner, and avoid decorative embellishes. “Slab” fonts, like you would see with transportation signs, are ideal for their clarity. Effective color contrast, and ample space between text and images, can also help words stand out against the background.
3. Mood and message. Tailor design elements based on its purpose. For instance, a banner informing viewers about safety concerns in the area should be more reserved and emphasize comprehension. It may also contain more text or diagrams than other types of banners. In comparison, a banner on an upcoming music festival would be more focused on encouraging excitement through vibrant visuals. Their text may only include the name, dates and website.
4. Environment preparation. Vinyl is a very durable material that can hold up well to the weather and the ink used when printing banners is specially formulated to resist fading due to sunlight. All the same, to get the longest life out of your banner, it is beneficial to install it in an area that limits the amount of direct sunlight and wind. Strong winds, in particular, can cause damage. However, this threat can be largely alleviated by proper mounting techniques that give the sign slight flexibility of movement.
Compared to other sign options, that might require the installation of complicated mounting or electrical systems, banner advertisements seem simple. In fact, ease of production allows for banners to be made quickly and cost-effectively. However, it’s the pre-production phase where the nuances of banner design become apparent.
For more information on banner options and design ideas, give us here at Topmade a call. We offer professional input to help you decide what sign is best for you.
We’ve already discussed how important an outdoor business sign is to gain the attention of a potential customer. But, if you’re a restaurant owner, how do you impact whether a customer makes a purchase once they’re in your establishment? Or, how do you turn a one-time customer into a loyal patron?
For many, the menu board is a key tool for creating a positive customer experience that leads to increased sales and efficiency during the order process.
Certain menu board types, such as back-lit menu signs, allow you to customize the entire piece to align strongly with your brand. Others, like chalkboard signs, are ideal for making quick changes. Digital signs offer these previous benefits, along with the potential for interesting animation.
In general, to create a winning menu board, you should determine a strategy and then a design.
Stage 1: Strategy
Consider your layout options. For example, should your menu board be a series of portrait oriented boards or one big horizontal board? This decision may be determined by space requirements but also by how you want to structure your information.
Give your stars top billing.Research on tracking eye movements indicates that certain areas of a menu are prioritized over others. For indoor use, the center of a menu board is prime real estate. Therefore, you should dedicate this space to best-sellers or new promotions.
Organize content into categories. While creativity is part of the process, certain conventions are essential to ensure readability. For instance, foods should be grouped by type and clearly defined columns and rows allow for related information to be presented in a logical fashion.
Prepare the space. Make sure ample lighting is provided and that the menu board is placed in an ideal location. If a customer can only see the menu board when they’re at the till, a lineup bottleneck can occur as they try to figure out what they want.
Stage 2: Design
Set the stage. Unless the customer is already a regular, you’re pretty much guaranteed that they will be checking out your menu board. This is your opportunity to communicate the tone of your restaurant. Through the consistent use of colours, imagery and fonts, you can create a strong impression on your customers, so they want to come back.
Some common design elements to keep in mind are:
Hierarchy: High level information, such as categories or special promotions, should stand out to help customers find the information quickly. This can be done by using different fonts or colours or by making the text larger or bolder. Borders, images and icons are another way to highlight certain areas.
It’s important that any images used reliably reflect your product, and are of good quality, so the customer walks away happy with their purchase.
Balance: While you may want to prioritize one section over another, you also don’t want any part of your sign to be ignored. If you’re using images, for example, place them carefully throughout your menu board, so the customer’s eye is drawn across the layout.
Readability: If the letter-size is too small, or there isn’t enough space between text or visual elements, your customers will have a difficult time reading your sign. At best, this can slow down the line and, at worst, the the customer can get frustrated and leave. Either way, there is a negative consequence for your business. For tips on improving sign visibility, check out our previous blog.
A menu board is an integral part of a restaurant’s sales strategy. If you’d like expert guidance on how to create a design that will help you meet your business goals, give us here at Topmade a call.
A little while back we discussed bold and beautiful neon signs. One of neon’s key benefits is its historical significance and how its iconic style can be used to influence a viewer’s perception of a business. Today, we’re turning our gaze to a very different, but equally memorable, sign type – wood signs.
Wood signs, unsurprisingly, have been around for a long time. However, the technology used to create these pieces of art have changed remarkably. While artisans continue to hand carve wood, laser engraving and CNC machines are also used by sign makers to help make your design a reality. Letters and graphics can be engraved, embossed, distressed, painted or left bare. You also have a variety of wood types and finishes to choose from, to find the perfect look.
Finished signs are sealed against the elements and last a long time with few maintenance requirements. No bulbs to replace. No metal to rust. If your wood sign is for outdoor use, it should last a couple years before it needs a paint touch-up.
Along with their natural charm, wood signs have a lot of design versatility. Sure, they can be rustic. They can also be elegant, modern, charming and bold. A number of business types – including beautiful mountain resorts, busy downtown restaurants and neighbourhood shops – use wood signs effectively to attract customers.
What are the benefits of wood signs?
Creates an established presence. When you think of trees, sturdiness and timelessness are words that often come to mind. Wood signs, due to the material they are made from, hold similar connotations. It’s an affordable way to demonstrate that your business has been around for a long time or plans to last.
For example, if you wanted your sign to include when your business was established, having a wood sign can give the date more weight. The sign, (or business!), could have been created yesterday, but visually it looks like its an original fixture of the building.
Shows down-home appeal. While neon or LED signs are also made by highly trained professionals, it’s much easier to see the craftsmanship of wood signs. Like custom chalk art on a sandwich board, it’s a personal and handmade touch that your customer will appreciate.
There’s a natural connection. The warmth inherent in wood helps create a welcoming and relaxing space for your customer. It’s no coincidence why signs at mountain resorts and yoga retreats are often wood signs. Wood signs complement nature. They remain visually interesting without removing the viewer from the setting’s atmosphere.
Not just for corporate. Indoors or outdoors. Big or small. Wood signs aren’t just ideal for companies; they can be used for many purposes. For instance, they work just as well as custom directional signage, guiding walkers on a garden path, or as décor for the home, serving as a dining room conversation piece.
Want to learn more about the potential of a wood sign for your business? Give us here at Topmade a call. We have the equipment and expertise to bring your design to life.
Vinyl signs and graphics prove that you don’t always need bright lights for your sign to stand out and get your customers’ attention. It is its versatility and affordability that makes vinyl a powerful advertising tool for your business.
What are the benefits of vinyl signs and graphics?
Maximize your advertising space. Other sign types can have limitations regarding where they can be hung due to framework or power needs. In comparison, vinyl can be adhered to many different surfaces, including doors and windows. Vinyl signs and graphics can also be designed to fit spaces that are large, small, curved or angular as long as the surface is relatively smooth.
You have probably noticed many kinds of vinyl advertisements on your daily commute. For instance, on stair risers at the train station or emblazoned on the side of passing cars. Vinyl signs allow you to take your company’s message to areas that cannot be reached by a fixed LED or neon sign.
Showcase engaging graphics that elevate your brand’s personality. Custom designs and photos can be printed directly onto high quality vinyl at a number of sizes. If your business has a physical storefront, vinyl graphics can be used to build ambiance or complement your brand’s message.
For example, if you run an outdoor sporting goods company, you could:
Install a vinyl wall mural of a majestic nature scene. This helps your customers imagine your products in proper context.
Display a meaningful quote. This can inspire your customer’s sense of adventure as they shop.
Augment your display. Help draw the eye of pedestrians to your window or store display with the subtle addition of graphics or directional cues.
Create temporary and affordable advertising. Have a seasonal sale coming up? The creation of box signs or banners can be a substantial investment and take time. Vinyl signs and graphics can be installed and removed quickly and easily, won’t damage the surface of your wall or window, and will be easier on your budget. This makes it an excellent choice for long-term use and for short-term business events.
Choose from a variety of options. There are many types and colors of vinyl available that can be used inside and outside. For instance, vinyl for outdoor use is resistant to bad weather and vinyl for floor use is slip-resistant. And, in general, vinyl is simple to clean and maintain.
For more information on vinyl types and design ideas, give us here at Topmade a call. We offer expert signage consulting to help you decide what option is best for you.
As a business owner, you have to think long term in order to achieve your targets and stay on budget. When it comes to choosing your sign, the same rules apply. That’s why signs using LED (light-emitting diode) lighting are becoming increasingly popular. Because business owners realize that LED-lit signs look sharp and boast energy efficient technology.
LED-lit signs are characterized by a clear, even and bright light. They can be used outdoors, as they offer great visibility for changing weather conditions, and indoors, as they give off less heat than other light sources. Overall, they are easy to install, maintain and clean.
LEDs have been around since the 1960’s. However, it wasn’t until the invention of the blue LED in the 1990s, that the white LEDs that we use today became a possibility. For a quick explanation on why this discovery was so significant, check out this video on “How Blue LED Lights Changed the World!” by Discovery News.
What are the benefits of LED signs?
Energy efficiency. Incandescent bulbs produce light by heating a filament. Compact fluorescent bulbs create light through heating a gas. During these processes, a lot of energy is wasted through the heat that the bulb gives off. In comparison, light in an LED is generated more directly by electrons moving through a semiconductor material. This means that LEDs can produce light with significantly less energy.
Longevity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs can last 25x longer than traditional light bulbs. Why are they so long lasting? With traditional bulbs, a filament can burn out or gas might evaporate over time. With neon lights, a tube might break and need to be replaced. In comparison, LED bulbs are sturdy and encased in plastic.
Environmentally friendly. Because they use less power and they don’t need to be replaced as often, LEDs can reduce your business’s energy use. But the gains don’t stop there. LEDs don’t contain mercury so, when a light is replaced, disposing of the materials has less of an impact on the environment. From a sign-making standpoint, the small size of an LED translates to design flexibility for the customer. For instance, designs can be thinner and require fewer materials.
Aren’t LEDs more expensive upfront compared to traditional light bulbs? As LED technology, and its production process, continues improving, the initial cost keeps decreasing. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy noted a price decrease of around 40% in the 60-watt equivalent LED bulb between 2011 and 2012. In addition, this difference in cost is recuperated and surpassed over time through energy and maintenance cost savings.
Do you have a question about LED-lit signs? Are you curious if an LED retro-fit of your sign is right for your business? Give us here at Topmade a call, we offer expert signage consulting to help you decide what kind of sign is right for you.
The Italian Centre Shop is a marketplace for specialty imports, grocery and fresh produce but, more than that, it’s a business committed to fostering community. Its founder, Frank Spinelli, had left Italy in 1951 in search of new opportunities. In 1959, he had opened the first Italian Centre Shop in Edmonton with his business partner Remiro Zalunardo. Originally, the store offered Italian magazines, pop and chocolate – a way to share a piece of home with their new community. Soon it became just as well-known as a gathering place for friends and family. And, thanks to Frank’s active role in the neighbourhood, Edmonton’s “Little Italy” quickly built itself around the establishment.
Interested in learning more about the history behind the Italian Centre Shop? Check out their “Heritage” page!
Today, the Italian Centre Shop continues its tradition of bringing the tastes and ambiance of Italy to its customers. With the tagline, “where the language of love is great food,” customers are encouraged to gather over a table and experience delicious homegrown Italian favourites. It’s a place where you’re considered part of a big family (whose passion is amazing food and quality ingredients!). Unsurprisingly, the store has become a landmark – not just to locals but for customers across Alberta.
In fact, many customers refer to the Italian Centre Shop affectionately as “Spinelli’s” in tribute to the founder who was so well-known and well-loved.
Much to the delight of non-local fans, in July 2015 the Italian Centre Shop opened a fourth location in Calgary. In addition, they seized this as a chance to rebrand. The winning logo redesign, seen above, captures the essence of this proud family business. An old world heritage feel with a lasting, modern look; it honors their deep roots while looking forward to the future. The two colours featured in the logo, brown and cream, represent chocolate, milk, coffee, and earth – crucial elements to the production of their delicious food.
The Italian Centre Shop was expecting quite the crowd for their soft opening in Calgary. Not only was it their first location in the city but they were also showcasing their brand new logo! Therefore, it was essential for their signs to be installed on time. Topmade was able to complete the work three days in advance, so the Italian Centre Shop family was able to focus on important business – welcoming their customers and being welcomed into their new community.
With so many types of signs, how do you choose the right one for your business?
Over the next few months, we’ll take a closer look at the different sign types and their benefits. Today, it’s all about Neon Signs.
Neon signs are iconic, durable and tailor-made to meet your design needs. George Claude, a French engineer, chemist and inventor, created the first neon lamp in 1902. He found that when electricity was applied to a sealed glass tube filled with a specific gas, such as neon, a brilliant light was emitted.
While we use the term “neon,” sign makers use a number of different inert gases (such as helium, carbon or argon), along with special coatings, to create the wide array of colors available.
Widely considered a form of art, neon signs often bring to mind memorabilia from 50s diner culture and the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip.
The process is fascinating! First, the design is created using computer software and all the different pieces are isolated and mapped out. Then it’s time for some hands-on craftsmanship. Using the computer generated design as a guide, the glass tube pieces are shaped over a flame by a highly trained professional. Once that’s done, different quantities of gas and coatings are tested in the tubes to achieve the perfect color.
If you’d like to see the full process in action, the Discovery Channel’s “How Do They Do It?” video is very informative.
What are the benefits of neon signs?
Eye-catching and inviting. The light from neon signs is considered “warmer” than other types of light. This gives you a dual advantage. You stand out against your neighbours while also appealing to customers.
Make a statement indoors or outdoors. Over the past few years, style blogs have been raving about a resurgence in neon signs. They are a great way to attract attention with a bold design choice, whether it’s for a storefront or an interior design project!
Tug on the heartstrings. The timeless, nostalgic appeal of the neon sign can be a great way to cultivate a more personal or established image of your business.
Long-lasting. Neon sign lights can last for 10 years and often much longer. There’s a reason you see so many historic neon signs still going strong!
Do you have a question about neon signs? Need professional insight on the pros and cons of the many sign types available? Give us here at Topmade a call, we offer expert signage consulting to help you decide what kind of sign is right for you.
If your store is located in a pedestrian-heavy area, or if you’re budget-conscience but want to increase your business’ advertising strategy, a sidewalk sign or sandwich board (also known as an A-frame sign) might be the perfect choice for you. Easily moved, stored and quickly changed to reflect different messages, they also give you the opportunity to show off your wares in a public space, directly in the line-of-sight of foot traffic, and in two directions! When space is at a premium, a sidewalk sign can make a huge difference for visibility of your brand.
Sidewalk signs come in a variety of styles to cater to any specific need.
Chalkboard or Dry Erase Signs:
Show off your personal style and make quick changes. Armed with markers or chalk, the design possibilities are limited only by your imagination! The best part is, you can tailor each message to be perfectly in sync with your brand and, as an added bonus, customers often appreciate the personal touch.
Chalkboard Sign
Panel Boards:
Branded to you and available for multi-use. Panel boards allow for posters to be displayed and changed out. In this case, there is simply a protective, weather-protective case for your paper poster graphic to slide into. This grants a lot of design flexibility, as the posters can be created with any design to reflect your company’s brand.
Sandwich Board with a Permanent Graphic:
No fuss and designed for general-purpose. Non-customizable signs are for information that will, most likely, not change. For instance, it could show your store logo, hours of business and location. Or you can have a collection of different signs you pull out as needed, for example, when you’re open, having a sale, or ready to hire.
Sandwich Board with Permanent Graphic
Swinger Boards (Hanging Sign)
Traditional storefront sign alternative. Swinger boards (also known as hanging signs or “shingle signs”) are different from the other sidewalk signs discussed because they’re placed above the sidewalk. However, they have identical benefits and come in the same styles. Furthermore, if your business is unable to accommodate a larger storefront sign, whether it’s due to cost, zoning laws or lack of room, a swinger board can give you the sharp look you need while directing traffic to your store.
Important Considerations:
Cleaning: Being close to street traffic, it’s easy for your sidewalk signs to get covered in cast-off muck. Make sure to keep your signs clean of debris in order to give possible customers a professional impression of your store.
Wind: If you are concerned about weather conditions, such as strong winds, there are sidewalk sign frames that can be weighted on the bottom with rocks or sand.
Portability: If ease of movement is more important to you, you can purchase a sidewalk sign with wheels or one that uses a light-weight collapsible frame.
But are sidewalk signs allowed in my area? While they may be a great solution to your advertising conundrum, there may be local zoning laws that prohibit or limit their use or position on the sidewalk. Before making any final decisions, contact your municipality, or us here at Topmade, and we’ll guide you through.
