Southern California Sign Blog

Engineering

Our team of engineers will ensure that the best structural design is implemented. This includes design and specification for all sign components, including face decoration, lighting, structure, metal fabrication and painting. We will offer help with manufacturing suggestions, valued engineering and installation methods. We will find a solution for any technical issue.

Permits

Our company is aware of local municipal codes and city ordinances and will not fabricate or install any project until all the necessary permits have been issued. The Sign Studio Inc. will prepare and manage all paperwork involved in the permitting process. All costs associated with the permits (i.e. man-hours, city fees, etc.) will be added in the estimate upon request.

Survey

After a thorough examination of the property and surroundings we can determine where signs are needed at the site for identification and directional purposes. We will take accurate measurements, photos, determine if there is electrical access and local code information. Our goal is to find the most visibility & access of your sign to increase the volume of traffic that passes your location every 24 hours.

Design

At The Sign Studio Inc. we understand that a creative and marketable sign is necessary to attract the targeted audience. Our company's award winning design team incorporates all logos and related material into the sign it builds for the prospective client. They work close together with our engineers and production managers to assure a satisfactory and effective sign design.

If you have any questions, please call The Sign Studio at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

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If you are looking for signage or even thinking of adding or replacing new or old signage, prepare a checklist after reviewing our "Letter Visibility Chart?"

Have you ever wondered what the readable distance for maximum impact is? Have you ever wondered what the maximum readable distance is? Is the maximum impact of reading time important to you (length of time letters are readable when moving?) Have you looked over or discussed color combinations that have proven the most effective and the easiest to read?

Remember, a good color selection can dramatically increase readability, especially when at a distance.

Before you make any decisions, please review our "Letter Visibility Chart" and if you are confused or have any questions, please give us a call at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200.

Parking Lot and Traffic Safety Directions Signs

PARKING AND TRAFFIC SIGNS - For Safety and Direction........a must have!

Traffic signs provide proper safety messaging and direction throughout your roadways and parking lots. Parking Signs maintain an organized and regulated parking lot. Parking Signs make it easy to provide specific directions and eliminate confusion. Traffic signs and Parking signs improve safety, prevent accidents and post your policies. Depending on what your needs are, you may want to consider reflective, high-intensity or engineer-grade made out of aluminum, steel or polyethylene.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR TRAFFIC SIGN LAST LONGER -

All traffic and parking signs from all manufacturers are basically made from the same materials - steel, aluminum or plastic. These materials are susceptible to:

- Fading from sun damage
- Rust from rain and mist
- Cracking from the cold winds
- Graffiti from vandals

This can be prevented with a special, unique topcoat called Duroshield. Duroshield is a tedlar laminate on top of the vinyl sign face which is adhered to the sign's raw material. This special laminate is so tough that it is able to stand up to the harshest weather conditions and chemicals. The topcoat is graffiti-resistant blocking solvents and chemicals, allowing graffiti to clean right off and never damage the sign face.

For more information or questions, please e-mail thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net or give us a call at (818) 843-9200.

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Here are a few helpful items. Some of LED illumination's potential advantages over neon are:
• LED is less fragile. Neon tubes are much more susceptible to breakage both in transit and during installation.
• LED can mean a lower utility bill for you. LED is a more efficient light source, and the electrical transformer is smaller.
• LED is a more focused light source. An LED module produces a "cone" of light, where neon illumination is emitted from all sides of the neon tube (this can also be a disadvantage for LED, as noted below.)
• Installation of an LED channel letter signs can be easier, as it does not always require conduit on the secondary side.
• LED is a more environmentally friendly product. Neon tubes often contain mercury.
• LED is safer to install, service and maintain. LED is typically powered by 12 volts DC, where neon is powered by 4,000 - 15,000 volts AC. The high voltages required by neon present a significantly higher electrical hazard potential.
However, with all of these differences, neon still has its place. Here is where neon illumination can be better:
• Neon illumination has a certain warm glow that many think LED has yet to match. This is particularly true for reverse and front/back lit channel letter signs. Neon's 360 degree illumination is very easy on the eyes when used with front/back lit letters. LED's focused "light cone" is not as good with these letter types.
• Some custom colors can be better matched with neon. If your client is concerned about a specific color match (such as a logo color), neon may be a better choice.
• Open face channel letter signs still require neon - LED is not yet a viable option.
So, the short answer to "which illumination source is better?" is that it all depends on the project at hand. LED and neon are completely different illumination sources, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.


If you have any questions or for further information, please contact The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or info@signstudiola.com.

What style channel letter are you looking for? Here are some examples of the most common channel letters for your information.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or email us at info@signstudiola.com.

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Need custom signs?

The Sign Studio is located in Burbank, and services Los Angeles area locations that include Glendale, Studio City, West Hollywood, Century City, Los Angeles, and more! Businesses depend on us for custom signs and we are here to help you find solutions.

"We use state-of-the-art, computer-assisted signmaking systems and techniques to create high-impact, cost-effective signs that get results. Best of all, we make the whole process simple." ~ The Sign Studio Marketing specialist Julie Ramirez

When you work with The Sign Studio, you're hiring a team of experts:

• Owner: Chris Ramirez
• Marketing Specialist: Julie Ramirez
• Art Director: Bill Bates

Working as a team, we assist our clients by providing an assessment that will identify your needs and developing cost-effective design solutions that produce results for you.

Remember: "A Business with No Sign is a Sign of No Business".

What can we do for you?

• Banners
• Vehicle and Window Graphics
• Site Signs
• Monument Signs
• Architectural/Directional
• Sandblasted Signs
• Dimensional Letters
• Illuminated Signs
• Graphic Design
• Car, Truck and Boat Wraps
• Channel Letters
• Need Neon? Download our guide to neon signs
• And Much More!

Where are we? Everywhere!

• Come see us: 831 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank CA 91505
• Give us a call: 818-843-9200
• Email us: thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net
• Visit our Website: www.thesignstudioonline.com
• Read our Blog
• Follow us on Twitter
• Connect with us on Facebook
• Add us to your LinkedIn network

Ready for a quote? Click here.

At The Sign Studio, we do it all and we’re committed to filling your need for custom signs!

Business, Church and School Signage of all kinds!

Over many years, The Sign Studio has provided signage systems for many public, private and parochial schools, as well as conference centers and corporate training facilities.

Campus (or multi-campus) signage for all levels of facilities - elementary, middle, high school; community, junior, and four-year colleges - must facilitate the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, both inside buildings and on the grounds. Buildings and rooms must be identified, often by their generic (functional) name as well as their proper name.

With our vast experience in this type environment, The Sign Studio can assist in the design, wayfinding, and implementation of campus-wide systems. Solutions must recognize the need for durability, flexibility, consistency, and economy of scale, while also sending an underlying message of institutional identity compatible with the organization's values.

Drawing from a wide selection of signage materials and manufacturing methods, The Sign Studio can help plan and design solutions to meet practically any budget.

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

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Is the World of Vehicle Wraps complicated? Is this something you want to get into or would you rather hire an experienced professional Sign Company to do your vehicle advertising for you?

Vehicle Wraps Outline

PARTIAL & FULL VEHICLE WRAPS/GRAPHICS HAVE BECOME A COST-EFFECTIVE MEANS OF ADVERTISING:

• Full and partial vehicle wraps have become a cost-effective means of advertising. Vehicle wraps can be a creative business endeavor with a Vehicle Wraps Summary.

• Vehicle wraps can be a creative business endeavor with a reasonable potential for profit.

• Establishing a wraps business requires investments in equipment, supplies, shop space, education and time.

• Wraps production process involves design, print and installation.

• The learning curve is significantly less with a background in graphic arts, web design, wide-format printing or advertising.

• Specific wraps training is available at various locations and industry trade shows, as well as from equipment and vinyl manufacturers and experienced professionals. Training involves design and layout, basic procedures and various methods and approaches of the installation process, followed by practice and individual experimentation.

• Equipment:
• Computer
• Suitable graphics software
• Inkjet printer
• Laminator
• Squeegee and miscellaneous hand tools

• Supplies

• Media (predominantly vinyl, but advances are being made in other materials)

• Laminate

• Ink

• Popular installed digital inkjet printing equipment:

• Roland VP-540 54"

• Mimaki JV33-160 64"

• Mutoh ValueJet 64"

• HP 9000s 64"

• Roland SP-540V

• Mimaki JV3 54"

• Laminator Choices

• Laminator should be at least the same size as the printer to completely laminate the vinyl.

• Laminator manufacturers:

• AGL

• Neschen/Seal

• LEDCO

• GBC

• Ink Choices

• Solvent inks

• Mild solvent inks

• UV-curable inks

• Vinyl Choices

• Specialized products are manufactured for wrap applications

• Evaluate consistency, quality, durability, performance, cost, compatibility and removability.

• Check reports and reviews about issues with bubbling, printing and cracking.

• Evaluate vinyl manufacturer’s warranty

• Avoid calendared vinyl

• Experiment with matte or reflective vinyl.

• Manufacturers of vinyl wrap media:

• 3M

• Arlon

• Avery

• LG Hausys

• Mactac

• Oracal

• Pricing Guidelines

• Costs of equipment and materials as well as rent, labor, taxes and insurance expenses must be factored into the overall pricing method.

• Other pricing factors: square footage of material; design and production time; installation time; customer’s budget.

• Price wraps to be competitive, yet profitable.

• Market pricing largely dictates prices

• Key is to run the operation efficiently.

• Consider overhead costs.

• The design setup is a separate charge.

• Print setup may be a separate charge.

• Installation may be a separate charge.

• Pricing software helps automate estimating, but it’s important to account for vehicle square footage, material type and other variables.

• Educate customers and potential customers regarding:

• What is the wrap going to advertise?

• Investment cost per month and comparative value to billboard or Yellow Pages

• Work within a realistic customer budget.

• Consider partial wrap alternatives for smaller budgets.

• Inform customer about the expected life of the media and your company's policies about the wrap media warranty.

• Present your customer with a wrap “care sheet”

• Wrap Production Workflows:

• Evaluate the vehicle

• Inspect the paint

• Assess body contours and accessories

• Photograph and measure the vehicle

• Take direct shots (not at angles) to help accurately scale the graphics

• Photograph each side, hood, rear, roof and bumpers

• Measure exact height and width of sides, hood, rear, roof and bumpers

• Determine installation requirements. Consider extreme curves, rivets, door handles and other protruding parts that impact the amount of materials involved in printing and installation time.

• Design around extreme areas to save time on installation.

• Secure signed approval and deposit before printing and installation.

• Quality of printing and lamination is critical.

• Install without noticeable seams, bubbles or other imperfections.

• Many available wrap media products can be repositioned for best visual alignment and to help remove bubbles during installation.

• An attractive wrap is also an advertisement for your business.
• Establishing a wraps business requires investments in equipment, supplies, shop space, education and time.

• Wraps production process involves design, print and installation.

• The learning curve is significantly less with a background in graphic arts, web design, wide-format printing or advertising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

SOLID METAL LETTERS - How beautiful and elegant they really are!

STAINLESS STEEL LETTERS

- Satin Grained Face or Polished – you just can’t go wrong with the look, absolutely gorgeous! Available sizes from 1” - 48” with thicknesses that range from 1/8” – ½” / Waterjet Flat Cut from solid 304 Alloy.

ALUMINUM LETTERS

- Satin Grained Face or Polished – Great pricing! Great look for economical prices. Available sizes from 1” – 48” with thicknesses that range from 1/8” – ½” / Waterjet Flat Cut from Solid 5052 Alloy.

BRASS LETTERS

- Satin Grained Face, Oxidized or Polished – Very Classy look! Available sizes from 1” – 48” with thicknesses that range from 1/8” – ½” / Waterjet Flat Cut from Solid 260 Alloy.

COPPER LETTERS

- Satin Grained Face, Mirror Polished, Verde Patina – Breathtaking! Available sizes from 1” – 48” with thicknesses that range from 1/8” – ½” / Waterjet Flat Cut from Solid 110 Alloy.

For further information or quotes, please contact us at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail with your request thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

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The ADA Tactile & Braille Signage Code is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits, under certain circumstances, discrimination based on disability. The lack of accessibility or certain services can be considered discrimination, regardless of who it actually affects. This creates a need for ADA compliant signs. No individual may be discriminated against on the basis of disability with regards to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations. When the law was first put into effect, there was a problem with ADA signs not being esthetically pleasing. Now that it's been in existence for some time, the question of esthetics has been resolved and the industry faces new problems with ADA signs. We continually add articles to this section, so be sure to check back often.

ADA Guidelines
Letters can't be smaller than 5/8-inch or larger than 2 inches. All letters must be a minimum 3/32 inches thick for tactility. And, generally, you cannot use elaborate or decorative fonts. San Serif fonts, like Helvetica, are the staple of most ADA signs. It may sound restrictive, and it is at some level, but the goal is not to stifle creativity. The goal is to serve an intended audience.

While ADA guidelines define font size, contrast and other criteria, the law does not define specific design criteria as it relates to aesthetics. Letter height, Braille placement, font, and color contrast make only minimal impacts on the visual appearance. There are ways to make ADA signage more attractive while still adhering to the guidelines.

ADA Materials
ADA-compliant materials are one way to make the difference between a ho-hum sign and an attractive presentation. Sign frames with the ability to change printed inserts are another. Finally, understanding what the guidelines really say about color contrast and icons could give you more freedom than you thought. Signs can be designed and made from an amazing variety of materials ranging from basic plastics to very elaborate designs of natural stone, woods, or metals.

For further information or questions, please call The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or e-mail us at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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