Southern California Sign Blog

Learn How To Create Your Own Logo For Your Sign - Sign Studio, LA

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Mon, Sep 16, 2013 @ 06:09 AM

Learn How To Create Your Own Logo For Your Sign From Sign Studio, LA
By - Bill Bates, Art Director - The Sign Studio

Creating a logo can be a pretty daunting task because of how important a logo is.  I have helped a lot of people over the years create their logos and they have learned that intimidation ends up being fun.  Easy for me to say right?  I am a graphic designer and artistic things
come naturally to me right?  Not true.  Even I get stuck from time to time and sometimes I don’t know how or where to start. There have been plenty of times when I get stuck on an idea or concept and can’t think my way through it.  As I am staring down a deadline I have to come up with something and quick. 

Unfortunately, I can’t just sit around and wait for inspiration to strike but I’ve come up with a few ways to help design that logo.

Now I realize you are coming to me to design it for you so I don’t need to go into every nitty gritty detail in the design process but here are some tips to help a graphic designer out when designing your logo.  I tell people all the time that all I am is the midwife that will help you bring your logo or brand into the world.  What you do with it after that is up to you because it is your logo. 

So here are a few things that will with the entire process of logo creation.

First of all, don’t hold back.  AT ALL . Jot down every idea you have no matter stupid you might think it might be.  Take notes, draw them, write about them, sketch them, describe them.  Just let everything flow out of your head.  Don’t stop and don’t even try to filter seemingly unrelated thoughts or ideas. Most  importantly it doesn’t have to be fine art.  The graphic designer will be trying to read your mind so even a napkin with scribbles in lips stick would be better than nothing.  Start sketching and just get every idea you have on paper. 

Think about this… What is the logo’s message?  Who is it trying to reach?  Does it directly refer to groceries? Does it easily convey fresh food?  Then sketch it out very simply thinking about
content.  Only worry about content. Keep in mind that a passerby only will look at it for a few seconds so it has to draw their attention.  It also has to be quickly recognizable so it can be spotted in a crowd.

So you are opening a grocery market.  How on earth do you start?  Grocery is where you
start at.  What kind of grocery is next.  Fresh food you say?  Well what represents fresh food to
people.  Fruits?  Vegetables? Etc etc...  Start writing these ideas down, choose the most significant and most relatable and continue tinkering with it.  What symbol or symbols would you associate the name to? What will people think of when they hear the company name?

Logo Design Image

What colors do you associate with grocery? Specifically, “fresh” grocery.  Colors, whether you realize it or not evoke emotions when viewing the logo, are crucial.  For instance, I myself
would be hard pressed to pay much attention to a “Fresh Market Logo” if it were dark brown or black. 

Take the color RED.  It is one of the most passionate colors.  It can represent action, adventure, fire.  Quickly seen and strong.

BLUE stands for security, trust, productivity and calmness of mind.  Think of the the insurance company that wants you to feel you are in good hands.

ORANGE is a color that suggests value and for centuries, PURPLE symbolized nobility and wealth.  Its attachment to luxury can also be traced back to the fact purple dye was very costly to manufacture back then. It allegedly took over ten thousand mollusks to make one gram.

GREEN represents freshness. Green is also about revitalization, and it wants to be
the place where you can renew yourself. Green is the color of choice for companies associated with health and wellness, and eco-friendly products. 

Hmmmm, sounds like green is the way to go.

Take a look around and see what the “other” guys are up to.   Look at your competition’s logo and think about other relevant companies logos. You’re not planning to steal their ideas but you get an idea of what they are up to and what works and what doesn’t. Just take a look around.  There are great books and sites with all sorts of logos and ideas out there.  All of these things go into your sketches.

Logo Design Image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I know what you are thinking… I don’t have the software to properly design the logo.  You don’t need to have the knowledge in design programs and software at all.  That’s what I’m for.   All you need for any design is an idea with a solid foundation. Without it, you’ll run in circles with no clear focus on what you are looking for in a logo.

Do your homework and bring your graphic designer the ingredients for your logo.   Leave the cooking to the designer and give them what you have. Let them cook a bit and see what happens.  The hardest part is the initial step but once the initial design is done then it is a matter of fine tuning.  Add a little salt, add a little pepper but the graphic designer will cook things up for you to your liking.

I always tell people that “If you really want your pizza with pepperoni I will add it for you. All I can do is to warn you that you might get heartburn.”  At the end of the day it is your logo, yours to succeed or yours to fail so communication is key.  That communication comes from your homework of predevelopment will help your designer to create the logo of your dreams.  Good luck!

 I Need Help

If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, please give us a call at The
Sign Studio
(818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com. From Concept to Finish The Sign Studio is here for you – On time and on budget!

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Topics: Logo Design, Sign Design with Logo, Create Your Own Logo

Burbank Sign Company | Sign & Banner Color Chart

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Wed, Dec 19, 2012 @ 06:12 AM

Different colors and fonts appeal to different personalities, and if you really want signs that attract, you'll make an effort to understand to whom what color goes with your personality. Here are the most common examples and top 3 colors used:

The Sign Studio in Burbank CA - Sign Color Chart

Red: Red is exciting and active - it suggests boldness and efficiency, and is appetite-inspiring, hence McDonald's use of red (as well as yellows and oranges). As you can see, red especially appeals to "Emulators," or people who are sales-oriented and talkative. Red implies urgency.

Blue: Blue is the most widely used color in appealing to businesspeople and entrepreneurs called "Achievers." Blue is serene, suggesting wisdom, dignity, and stability, hence the wide use of blue by banks. Men prefer blue to red and are supposed to prefer blue to red because it is more restful to the eye. Blue is businesslike.

Green: Green and other earth-tone colors appeal to the vast group called "Belongers." These people are the "middle America" people - usually employees, family people, and definitely relationship-oriented. They enjoy green, browns and golds. Earth-tones are friendly.

For further information see our -LETTER VISIBILITY AND COLOR CHART

If you are interested in more color analysis or color combinations, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com

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Topics: Burbank Sign Company, Logo Design, Sign & Banner Design

Burbank Sign Company | All About You and Your Logo Design........

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Mon, Sep 10, 2012 @ 06:09 AM

Burbank Sign Company | All About You and Your Logo Design........
Looking for a Company Logo Design?
Logos can be considered the first step of branding, and it is essential for a business to create a memorable and positive impression through the visual representation of your brand. The logo design process is often time consuming and cluttered with obstacles.

Selecting your company's logo is an immensely important process. Your logo should be an attempt to market your business to potential customers and business partners in a clear and powerful way.

You can now streamline your logo design efforts by partnering with The Sign Studio and our experts. The Sign Studio is a veritable one stop shop for companies in need of logo and signage help.

The Sign Studio is a sign company in Los Angeles County that develops signs for display in your business, as well as signs to use for marketing. We can help design a logo, as well as strategize the best ways to utilize your company's logo in terms of marketing efforts. For many businesses, eye catching signage is an untapped way to draw in foot traffic or add a strong visual component to a marketing campaign.

The Sign Studio is the leading sign company in Los Angeles County because we offer our customers a fully customized experience. We cater to your business' needs and our staff has the experience necessary to offer useful advice. The Sign Studio is a great resource for emerging businesses as well as those looking to revitalize their image.

If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, please give us a call at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.

Logo Design Image

 

 


Topics: Burbank Sign Company, Logo Design, Graphic Artist Logo Design

Los Angeles County | Important Information About Logo Design

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Wed, May 23, 2012 @ 06:05 AM

Los Angeles County | Important Information About Logo Design

Looking for a Company Logo Design?
Logos can be considered the first step of branding, and it is essential for a business to create a memorable and positive impression through the visual representation of your brand. The logo design process is often time consuming and cluttered with obstacles.

Selecting your company's logo is an immensely important process. Your logo should be an attempt to market your business to potential customers and business partners in a clear and powerful way.

You can now streamline your logo design efforts by partnering with The Sign Studio and our experts. The Sign Studio is a veritable one stop shop for companies in need of logo and signage help.

The Sign Studio is a sign company in Los Angeles County that develops signs for display in your business, as well as signs to use for marketing. We can help design a logo, as well as strategize the best ways to utilize your company's logo in terms of marketing efforts. For many businesses, eye catching signage is an untapped way to draw in foot traffic or add a strong visual component to a marketing campaign.

The Sign Studio is the leading sign company in Los Angeles County because we offer our customers a fully customized experience. We cater to your business' needs and our staff has the experience necessary to offer useful advice. The Sign Studio is a great resource for emerging businesses as well as those looking to revitalize their image.

If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, please give us a call at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.

Logo Design Image

 

 

 

 

 

Topics: Artwork Logo Design, Sign Design, Logo Design

Los Angeles Signs | Looking for a Logo Design?

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Fri, Aug 19, 2011 @ 06:08 AM

Looking for a Company Logo Design?

Logos can be considered the first step of branding, and it is essential for a business to create a memorable and positive impression through the visual representation of your brand. The logo design process is often time consuming and cluttered with obstacles.

Selecting your company's logo is an immensely important process. Your logo should be an attempt to market your business to potential customers and business partners in a clear and powerful way.

You can now streamline your logo design efforts by partnering with The Sign Studio and our experts. The Sign Studio is a veritable one stop shop for companies in need of logo and signage help.

The Sign Studio is a sign company in Los Angeles County that develops signs for display in your business, as well as signs to use for marketing. We can help design a logo, as well as strategize the best ways to utilize your company's logo in terms of marketing efforts. For many businesses, eye catching signage is an untapped way to draw in foot traffic or add a strong visual component to a marketing campaign.

The Sign Studio is the leading sign company in Los Angeles County because we offer our customers a fully customized experience. We cater to your business' needs and our staff has the experience necessary to offer useful advice. The Sign Studio is a great resource for emerging businesses as well as those looking to revitalize their image.

If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, please give us a call at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.

Logo Design Image

Topics: Logo Design, Company Logo Design, Design Artwork

Los Angeles Signs | Let's Talk.....Logo Concept and Design

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Fri, Mar 11, 2011 @ 07:03 AM

LOGO CONCEPT AND DESIGN

Creating a logo for a business or company is a critical aspect of communicating a first impression to the right audience. The design must convey the correct feel of the company and should be direct and immediate, by translating and simplifying the essence of the business into the simplest of terms. If a logo concept seems weak or cheap, people may have that same association with the company.

How The Sign Studio Creates a Strong Logo Design?

There are many schools of thinking in the approach to logo design and creation. We strongly believe you will first have to know the business that you are designing for and the audience that they want to attract. Research, research, research!

We like to stay away from visual clichés. Example, a musical note as an icon for a piano store is a bit too obvious, but sometimes this cannot be avoided (or is the best solution altogether) and needs to be accepted and dealt with creatively.

Example:
mcdnlds_bking_logos
McDonald's logo could have went with a juicy burger next to the name, but instead they took the first initial "M" and created an icon that was both simple and visually pleasing to look at as an asymmetrical element. Burger King, conversely, took the other route and put their number one product right into the logo, a stylized hamburger. The design is sharp and immediate. Without any gradients, it utilizes the boldness and contrast of flat colors to stand out and be noticed in a professional yet fun way.

Once a concept is preliminarily talked about and research has been done, we sketch out the designs and create pencil sketches. We then design in a vector-based illustration program, typically Adobe Illustrator or FLEXI. The initial layouts are created in black and white and once approved, color designs/samples are produced for Customer review and approval.

Creating an effective logo from concept to finish is always a challenge that we like to take on with new and interesting clients.

The Sign Studio is a full service design team with an on-site Art Director for all your needs. Feel free to call us (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail with any questions at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

NEED QUOTE

Topics: Logo Concept, Sign Design & Layout, Logo Design

Los Angeles Signs | Vehicle Magnets - Care & Maintenance

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Sun, Dec 5, 2010 @ 22:12 PM

Magnetic Signs

Instructions for Magnetic Sign Installation and Maintenance

THE SIGN STUDIO uses the finest magnetic material to bring you the best in mobile magnetic advertising. Correct preparation, installation, maintenance, and storage procedures should be followed, see (Sections 1 – 4.) Following these instructions will help to ensure your satisfaction and to safeguard the long life of your signs and vehicle.  Due to the many variables and complex nature of automotive finishes, special care must be taken to protect your vehicle: check the area behind the magnetic material weekly and move the sign as necessary to prevent any discoloration or clouding of the automotive clear coat.

Care4Mags resized 600

  1. PREPARATION: Wash and dry vehicle. To protect your signs and vehicle, wax vehicle surface and the brown magnetic side of the sign prior to applying.
  2. INSTALLATION: Magnetic signs can only be used on smooth steel surfaces. They CANNOT be used on simulated wood-grain panels, fiberglass panels, panels that have been repaired with a non-steel filler (such as ―Bondo), or on any corrugated or other irregular surfaces. If necessary, magnetic signs can easily be cut with a razor or X-Acto knife to work around body molding or other obstructions on the vehicle. Apply one edge of the sign to the vehicle surface in the desired location then roll the sign onto the vehicle surface until the entire sign is installed flat onto the vehicle surface. If the magnetic sign is not placed in the desired position, carefully remove by reversing the installation steps and then repeat the process. (Do not try to rearrange the sign by pulling when it is stuck magnetically onto the vehicle. This might stretch the magnetic as well as scratch the vehicle paint!)

*** Note: A magnetic sign should never be applied to a newly painted vehicle. Allow at least 60 days for fresh paint to cure.

3.    REMOVAL & MAINTENANCE: Remove the signs from your vehicle weekly. Always remove the sign by lifting from the center of the two opposite sides—never start at the corners, as this may stretch the sign material. In cold weather, preheat the sign with warm water before removal, if necessary. Once the signs are removed, wash and dry the vehicle and all sign surfaces. This keeps moisture from collecting between the signs and the vehicle surface, which can potentially damage a vehicle’s finish. To clean the signs, use a sponge and a mild soapy water solution. Never immerse the signs in water, steam clean, or take them through a car wash. A generous coat of wax on the surface where the sign is placed and on the back of the sign itself will help prevent damage. After rain or snowfall, remove signs and wipe dry.

4.    STORAGE: Magnetic signs should be stored either on a flat, even surface, or rolled up (lettering to the outside) around a cylinder with a diameter of at least 3”. Never store magnetic signs in a hot vehicle, as they may permanently warp. Do not damage signs by folding, creasing , or placing any heavy objects on top of them. This type of treatment will prevent the signs from retaining their full magnetic power. If a sign does get bent out of shape, you can try to straighten it by placing it on a flat metal surface, such as a file cabinet or refrigerator. If you cannot straighten the sign, it will need to be replaced. WARNING: Automotive finishes and protectants vary by manufacturer; changes in color, shade, and surface appearance can occur with time, daily usage, and exposure to direct, intense sunlight. For care of your automotive finish, please refer to your vehicles Owner’s Manual.

Please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com if you have any further questions.

Topics: Los Angeles Signs | Vehicle Magnets - Care & Maint, vehicle signs, business identification signs, Logo Design, Vehicle Advertising

Los Angeles Signs / THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR SIGN

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Sun, Sep 5, 2010 @ 22:09 PM

Whether it is illuminated channel letters, neon signs, a lighted sign cabinet, an LED message center, a pole sign, a
pylon sign, or a monument sign that lights, an outdoor custom electric sign on the front of your business is the least
costly means of advertising available to you over time.

It is the most targeted advertising you can do according to the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which also
states that 85% of a businesses sales usually come from within a 5 mile radius. Your sign constantly advertises your
business to a potential customer who frequents the area where your business is located.

If a sign costs you money it is not doing its job. It should effectively advertise your company and earn you money.
Good signs incorporate design and marketing decisions creating the message, look, colors, sign types, sizes, quantities, etc. to create the required impact.

As an example, how important would a free-standing pylon sign be to your business? McDonald’s says that on average simply changing a monument sign in front of one of their stores to a pylon sign increases their store’s
business 15%. A Whataburger that was unhappy with their new store’s volume removed their brand-new pylon sign and installed one 40% larger and taller. The store’s volume immediately increased 23%.

Again quoting Small Business Administration research, 89% of businesses that fail do so because of improper signage!

Stated differently, good signage gives a business an almost 90% probability of success.

The SBA says that an LED Message Center increases store volume 15 - 150%.

Purchasing the right signs for the job helps a business survive by bringing higher returns.

We can help, so long as your landlord and the City understand the importance of good signage and allow you to
install signs that will help your business. Unfortunately this isn't always true. Choose your location(s) wisely (and
receive your landlord's approval of your signage package BEFORE you sign your lease.)

And remember the axiom “Location, Location, Location!” The supreme importance of “location” is the numbers of
potential customers that will see your sign...and be able to read and understand it. Very important design and
marketing considerations.

Surprisingly 30% of traffic on almost all business streets occurs when it is dark; people see your sign only if it is
lighted when it is dark out, including on dark days when everyone else's sign is lighted.

With 18.6% of the entire US population moving each year, your sign will be constantly seen by MANY potentially new customers.

Your sign forms that very important “first impression” your potential customer has of your business. Your sign must always look nearly as good as it looked the day it was installed so that you don’t give potential customers a worsening
impression of your business as your sign ages.

Later you will discover how we make each sign to last; including the use of rust-proof metal, high-end automotive paint, high-impact plastics, and most importantly, sophisticated Protective Coatings. .)

If you have any questions or need any help with your signage needs, please contact us at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net or (818) 843-9200. 

 

Topics: Sign Design, The Sign Studio, Signs, Logo Design, Commercial Signs, Burbank Signs, Outdoor Signs, sign info, sign information, sign help

Los Angeles Signs | COLOR BRINGS CUSTOMERS THROUGH THE DOOR

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Wed, Aug 11, 2010 @ 00:08 AM

Put yourself in the position of the customers you are trying to attract to your business. Think about walking through the mall and the stores that you’re likely to stop and shop in. There are the regular stops, those places where you normally purchase an item or two, and there are stores you’ve been to before, had a horrible experience in, and will never go back to. Somewhere in between, there are a few dozen places that you’ve never frequented and you only have time to visit one or two of them. Sound familiar?

How do you decide which of the unexplored establishments will be blessed with your presence? You probably don’t know much about them, so you’re making your decision based on the outside appearance. In other words, you’re going to pick the sign and store front that you like the best and walk through that door. That’s how powerful colorful signage is. It will bring in new customers who know absolutely nothing about you.

If you are the type of business that survives on foot traffic, your sign is perhaps the most important advertising you do. You can advertise with print media, television, radio, internet, coupon books, and direct mail, but nothing is more powerful than a colorful custom sign with great graphics. If you’re a service or retail business that needs people to come in and shop to be successful, there is no better investment than a new sign. Look at the outside of your shop and put yourself back in the position of the consumer again. Would you walk through your door?

Competition is fierce today and pool of paying customers is a lot smaller in many industries. Disposable income has been scarce for the past two years. Even as spending begins to pick up again, the average consumer is much more intelligent and careful about where they invest their hard-earned dollars. Your edge over your competitors could be something as simple as your sign graphics. Think back to that trip to the mall. You need those first-time browsers to choose your door when they only have time for one or two more stops. Do you think they will?

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done.  Contact The Sign Studio for a Quote or give The Sign Studio  (818) 843-9200 a call and we will send our Consultant out to meet with you or come to our Studio Showroom for samples located at 831 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505. You can also send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

Topics: Sign Design, Signs, Sign, Signs Burbank, Logo Design