You’ve gone ahead and budgeted for a new outdoor building sign, great!
Now what?
Find inspiration by building a portfolio of design features you like, it’s more encouraging than staring at a blank page. Include selections of signs you find online, of course. But also take photos whenever you see something you like in real life to show your designer what you are looking for in terms of style, build, location, size, lighting, etc. Snap photos even if you can’t explain what it is you like about the sign, or how that feature could translate to your space or logo, your sign designer can fit the puzzle together for you.
Next, collect data from your current signage. Bring photos to your consultation so that your designer can see how it has worn, and to provide them with ideas for placement. Make a list of what you like and dislike about it. Ask customers for feedback when they stop in to help you gauge how effective your current sign is, and whether you need to make drastic design changes.
Or maybe you just want to make drastic changes! Your building sign is as much a part of your marketing strategy as your social media posts and special events. In many ways, you’re starting from scratch, but you’ve got at least one sign’s worth of experience, so use it as a launching pad rather than a benchmark.
So far we’ve assumed that you’re hiring a designer rather than drawing up the concept yourself, and here’s why: Those signs you see that are arresting and memorable? If you ask around you’ll find out that a designer was given free reign. With a professional sign designer you get artisanal engineered design – they know what sign technology can handle and how best to use it to your advantage. Come to your consultation with ideas, but allow your designer the freedom to combine their experience and talent with your branding and space.
Don’t get stuck on imaginary restrictions. Rather than comparing your concept to organizations in your industry, think in terms of your location, because whether your operation is an SMB or a multinational, your customers have to be able to quickly see your building or unit wherever it is. If your business hours are 9 to 5, it’s tempting to choose an unlit sign, but think of the attraction an illuminated sign could get at night while potential customers are running errands or commuting, especially during the early evening darkness of winter. And while simple is often best, “simple” isn’t restricted to block letters large enough to be seen from across the street; colour, size, placement, shadow, and light can make a variety of fonts and logos highly visible, spectacular, and easily legible. The only limits are space and creativity.
Contact Grand River Sign Design for customized stunning building signage. No storefront too big, no business too small! Book your consultation by calling us at (519) 740-7272 or stop by our showroom at 25 Struck Court Unit 5 in Cambridge, Ontario.