Southern California Sign Blog

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that people with disabilities can access buildings by requiring signs that have tactile letters, braille, and high contrast for maximum readability. There are about two and a half million legally blind Americans and millions more who have vision problems. But, many local business owners are left asking themselves, “Where do I need to install ADA signs in Los Angeles?” This guide should help you remember the places you may not have thought about.

1. In Stairwells

Each door inside of a stairwell is required to have a tactile sign. These signs should identify the stair level, exit level, and floor level. These signs must be a certain size according to local fire codes. We can help you choose signage that is appropriate for where you are located.

2. Permanent Spaces and Rooms

Interior spaces or rooms where a marker is not likely to change over time are required to have labels, names, or designations. This includes interior signs labeling floor and room letters or numbers, room names, and restrooms. For pictograms provided to identify a permanent space, there must also be tactile text descriptors. The key thing to remember is that this applies to rooms that are not likely to change. For rooms whose functions change from one year to the next, ADA signs are not required. However, it is still good to label these rooms because it is the right thing to do.

3. Areas of Rescue Assistance

If you have a multiple story building, it can be difficult for some people with mobility issues to exit in the event of an emergency. For this reason, you should have designated areas of rescue assistance on each upper floor. Those persons in wheelchairs can then head to these areas and rescue personnel will know where to go immediately upon arriving at your building.

4. By the Elevator

It is generally quite easy for people with disabilities to find the elevator. However, as a permanent fixture in your building, you need to label it. In addition, this is a good spot to have a directory sign for people of all abilities as well as a sign outlining the evacuation routes.

These are just some of the places business owners forget about. The Sign Studio can help ensure your facility has all of the necessary ADA compliant signs. Los Angeles property managers come to us for both custom and standard ADA signs that are up to code. Navigating all of the regulations can be confusing. That is why we work with a Certified Access Specialist who can do a thorough site evaluation and determine what signs you need to be in compliance.

Once we know what signage you need, we work with you and your budget to produce the perfect solution for your purposes. For those clients who have a little bit more money to work with, we strongly recommend including your company logo and colors on all of your ADA signs to help build your brand.

Interested in learning more about what we can do for you? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote!

Trade show season is already in full swing, which has many businesses scrambling to come up with a plan for their exhibitor’s booth. Some companies will try to use the same tattered old banners and table throws they have been dragging out of storage for years. Unfortunately, shabby trade show displays will not cut it. Instead, make your booth pop this year with hot, new Vector Frame poster displays for trade shows in Los Angeles.

What Are Vector Frame Poster Displays?

Three-quarter inch lightweight aluminum extrusion is used to create the Vector Frame Edge fabric poster displays available at The Sign Studio. The graphics are rendered on easy to apply, push-fit fabric. For semi-permanent or permanent hanging in any environment, the frames come with simple wall mounting hardware. In addition to trade shows, the Vector Frame Edge is perfect for use in restaurants, retail environments, and high traffic spots, like office buildings and malls. Plus, the graphics and hardware for this display option are made in the United States.

There is a Vector Frame poster display solution for any space with the four standard rectangular sizes, five standard square sizes, and custom sizes available. The standard rectangular sizes range from 11.8 inches by 23.62 inches to 23.62 inches by 47.24 inches. The standard square sizes are 11.8 inches long on each side up to 59.06 inches to a side.

Common Uses for Poster Displays

Vector Frame Edge poster displays are versatile enough to have a big impact in a variety of settings. Here are some of the more common uses for this display option:

• Trade Shows – Most people use Vector Frame poster displays for trade shows in Los Angeles. This is because they do a great job. With a small budget, you can create an eye catching display with two large Vector Frames on either side of your booth. They can be used to introduce displays of your products or services. Vector Frames are essentially the “bread and butter” of trade show displays.
• Wayfinding – Use Vector Frames to help attendees to the trade show or conference find you. If you are new to an event and are stuck with a booth far away from the entrance, guide people to your exhibit with a Vector Frame featuring your company logo and name along with an arrow leading the way. It is effective, affordable, and creates a professional appearance.
• Table Top – If your booth features a folding table or other table top space, you can quickly create a backdrop with your company and product information with Vector Frames. With virtually no facility requirements, you have a big display in no time. This is great outside of trade shows as well.
• Lobby Signs – Eventually the trade show season will be over, and you will have a beautiful Vector Frame poster display that you are just going to throw in storage. Not so fast! Vector Frames also work great as lobby or reception area displays between trade shows. They brighten up your lobby while building your brand.

Are you ready to give your booth a little pizzazz this trade show season? If so, contact The Sign Studio for the latest in trade show products.

The 2015 trade show season is upon us, and if you plan to be a sponsor or exhibitor at these events, chances are you are looking for new ways to turn heads and bring attention to your business. A trend that we have noticed recently is companies opting for smaller booth spaces in favor of spending more money on cutting edge booth designs. One affordable way to get your message across and attract attendees is with custom imprinted trade show table throws for Los Angeles.

Stay ahead of the competition with these three popular types of table throws:

1. Fitted Round Table Throws

These table throws are specifically tailored to fit the most common round tables with diameters of 30 inches, 48 inches, or 60 inches as well as heights of 30 inches or 42 inches. They come in eleven standard fabric colors, or we can create custom colors to match your corporate colors. All alternatives lend a polished and stylish look to any trade show. Plus, with limited booth space, these throws serve to conceal your materials under the table.

2. Imprinted Table Throws

As with the above option, imprinted table throws come in eleven standard fabric colors and are customizable. There are two main types: full and economy table throws. Full table throws cover all sides of the table to the floor. Economy throws leave the back of the table exposed for easy access to storage. The throws are designed to fit six foot or eight foot rectangular tables.

3. Stretch Table Throws

The stretch cover is the trendiest and latest table cover style. It is made with a special polyester material that offers the ideal canvas for displaying full color graphics. Our throws are cut for a contour fit, so there is less stretching needed, and your graphics will maintain their integrity. Stretch trade show table throws for Los Angeles are available for round and rectangular tables of many different sizes, and several of them come with a carrying bag.

Customize It!

There are many different ways to customize your table throws. With imprinting, different vinyl colors are adhered to your table cover. This is typically a low cost way to promote your company’s name. Another, more expensive method that really makes a huge impact is printing directly onto the throw. Using state of the art, wide format digital printers, photos, images, and other sharp graphics can be rendered. This option only works with some table cover varieties.

Are you unsure about what you need for your exhibit? Let us help you! When you first call us, we will set up a consultation where we will listen to what your goals and vision are. We will then come up with a design, materials, and other solutions that fit your needs. Our proofs will show you exactly what you can expect. If you are not happy, we go back to the drawing board and make it right. We work with you during every step of the process.

If you are ready to liven up your trade show display for 2015, give The Sign Studio a call for a free consultation and quote.

With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), medical clinics are required by law to have appropriate signage that people of all abilities can utilize. The ADA lays out the mandatory signs, the choice of colors, proper mounting heights and locations, and the level of contrast. The Sign Studio specializes in ADA signs for medical facilities. Los Angeles building managers come to us for help determining what markers they need along with how to integrate their compliant signage into their already existing setup.

ADA Compliant Signs for Medical Offices

Visitors and patients alike need to be able to rely on your ADA signs. Los Angeles residents who are differently abled want to navigate your building independently. Plus, these markers greatly reduce the amount of time needed to evacuate your facilities in the case of an emergency. Outdoor and indoor safety is greatly enhanced with ADA signs. To help you take advantage of all of these benefits and more, we have developed a list of five markers your complex should have:

1. Interior Wayfinding

Where are your elevators? Do some elevators only go to certain floors? What about the bathrooms? With the right signage, you will ensure visitors to your building do not get frustrated trying to access amenities. Plus, they will be able to quickly find the departments and suites they are looking to visit.

2. Parking

Make certain visitors to your complex have an easy time finding the parking spots that are reserved for disabled passengers or motorists and that they are able to navigate your lot with the appropriate parking signs.

3. Room Information

You need the right ADA signs to label rooms, spaces, and suites that serve a permanent function. This might include the various doctor’s offices set up throughout the building or the lab where patients need to go to have blood drawn.

4. Safety Zones

If an evacuation occurs on the floor they are visiting, disabled patients can be kept safe and in contact with rescue personnel with areas of rescue assistance. A patient in a wheelchair should be able to easily access these clearly marked areas. Rescue personnel can then locate those who are unable to use the stairs on their own during a fire or power outage.

5. Exterior Wayfinding

Medical facilities typically have several exits, entrances, and areas that are for authorized personnel only. Patients must have a clear way of knowing which entrance to use. ADA signs mounted near doors showcase the names of the departments located within the complex, the fact that the door is a public entrance, and the name of the building.

Due to the nature of the services they provide, healthcare facilities are much more likely to face repercussions, such as complaints, fines, and loss of business, if they are not ADA compliant. Do not worry if this all sounds confusing. When you contact The Sign Studio, we can supply you with a Certified Access Specialist who will walk you through the signage requirements for your building.

Are you ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.

School zones must have maximal safety signage due to the vulnerability of children. Not all kids are well-versed on the proper way to cross the street. Or, they may just get distracted and ignore the fact they are in the road. Warning drivers will minimize the chance of a catastrophic accident. There are several other precautions that can be addressed with safety signs for schools in Burbank.

School Zone Signs Protect Faculty, Visitors, and Students

Since children are typically on the premises, schools need to maintain a high degree of security and safety. School safety signs from The Sign Studio will keep them out of harm’s way. Our line of crossing safety signs and other school zone signage are created for extreme visibility. Even in low light and at great distances, these signs are easily distinguishable. To prevent signs from being turned sideways by traffic accidents or hooligans, we offer alternatives that include an anti-twist design.

Our markers are fabricated in a large variety of options suitable for different conditions and applications. Plus, the signs come with different wordings based on what works best for your school. With our standard school safety signs, Burbank schools can encourage a high level of safety awareness and prevent accidents without having to spend too much.

Custom Signs Help Build School Spirit

The standard signs are great, but they are limited in what they can achieve. The Sign Studio is a leading fabricator of custom markers, such as security, facility, and safety signs. You can add any of the following changes to standard school safety signs:

• Add a symbol or logo to signs
• Add your school name to the marker
• Change the background color of the sign
• Change the sign text color
• Change the wording of the sign
• And much more

If you need a completely one of a kind custom sign, we also provide fully personalized sign services. When you call us, we will meet with you to discuss your specific needs. Once we understand your vision and goals, our graphic design team will create a proof of what your signs will look like. If you do not like it, we go back to the drawing board until you are completely satisfied. That way, you get exactly what you want every time.

Many Options

With the massive Hispanic population in Burbank, there are many children for whom English is a second language. To keep them safe, we are able to translate any sign wording from English to Spanish or any other foreign language. Plus, many of our stock facility and safety signs already come in bilingual Spanish/English versions.

Schools are also required to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is our specialty. We offer high contrast and Braille signs that meet regulations. Plus, we work with a Certified Access Specialist who can go through your building and make recommendations for what signage you need to make your facilities safe for people of all abilities.

Schools should be a safe place for children. If you are ready to do all that you can to make them that way, please contact us for a free quote and consultation on school safety signs.

Jobsites in Burbank are often quite busy. Whether you are a contractor who specializes in residential work or a local construction company who works on large commercial projects that cover many city blocks, having the right construction site safety signs will help keep you, your clients, your workers, and the general public safe. With today’s entry, we will help you figure out which jobsite safety signs Burbank contractors need.

General Safety Signs

Construction sites need a wide variety of safety signs. Informational posters that point out where eye wash stations and first aid kits are located are a must. You can also let visitors to the site know how long the project has been free of accidents and injuries with an easily changeable banner. Posting general equipment requirements - like steel-toed boots, hard hats, and safety glasses information – is also a good idea. You should also warn workers of high voltage areas.

Traffic Signage

To protect the general public, you need to identify that streets that go to your construction zone are dead ends. This will assist in preventing mistakes by motorists and keep unauthorized vehicles from entering the site. No trespassing signs are a great choice where gates mark points of access to a closed site. Plus, you can reserve spots for your workers by establishing that certain parking sports are for authorized personnel only.

For construction sites near heavy traffic, it may also be a good idea to use signs to close lanes or post warnings that encourage motorists to reduce their speeds. This will decrease the chance of one of your workers being hit.

Directional Signage

In addition to the array of “Restricted Area,” “Keep Out,” “No Trespassing,” and “Construction Personnel Only” signs, you also want to let visitors to your site know where they can and cannot go. With wayfinding signage, you can direct delivery drivers to the site office. If there are certain areas where smoking is not allowed, let workers know and point them toward the smoking areas.

Solutions for Every Jobsite

When it comes to construction site safety signs, Burbank contractors can count on The Sign Studio. We have an array of options for any project. If you are working with a shoestring budget, we have a broad range of standard safety signs. If you have a little bit more money to work with, we can create custom designs that will help you build your brand awareness in addition to keeping your site safe.

The materials that are best for your exterior signs will be determined by how long you want them to be posted. Aluminum is always a great material for outdoor signs. These signs can communicate your message concisely and are quite durable. In addition, they can be customized. Since they withstand direct sunlight, wind, and rain for many years, these signs can be reused as needed.

Are you ready to ramp up the safety of your construction site? If so, contact The Sign Studio today for a free consultation and quote.

There is a threefold purpose served by medical signage. Los Angeles area medical offices can

• Save Front Office Time – Posting signs that communicate standard policy information where clients and patients can see them, instead of answering common questions repeatedly, saves time. This allows your front office personnel to answer phone calls and effectively process incoming patients.
• Inform Patients – Signage can tell clients much of what they need to know. HIPAA and patient rights signs are among the signs that should be in every medical office.
• Relieve Anxiety – For most people, it is stressful visiting the doctor’s office. This can be exacerbated if they have to ask for help locating the parking validation stamp, paying a bill, or finding basic amenities, like the bathroom.

What Medical Signage Must Be Updated?

As the functions of different rooms change, the signage needs to change with them. This includes properly identifying examining room numbers, the room numbers and names of various specialty venues, and restrooms. To avoid accidental walk-ins, it is a good idea to mark onsite labs and x-ray areas as well.

Everyone has a cellphone these days. With their prevalence, many people are oblivious to the appropriate times to use them. One of our most popular items instructs visitors to your medical clinic to turn off or silence their cellphones. Below are other signs we get many requests for:

• Room In-Use – Sliding signs that identify whether a room is unoccupied or in-use are a good idea.
• X-Ray Warning – On the outside of your x-ray rooms, post a sign that warns people with specific health conditions to avoid the area.
• Parking – Let visitors know where they should and should not park to avoid upsetting neighboring companies.
• Gown Disposal – If your medical office uses recyclable gowns, post signs above the appropriate receptacles letting them know to dispose of their gowns there.
• Instruct/Directory – A sign that tells patients where to go upon entering your building will save everyone time. Also, remind them to tell the receptionist if they have switched insurance providers.

ADA Compliant Signage

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) governs the use of contrast, Braille, and colors in signage. You need to be certain you are in compliance by using ADA signs for medical centers in Los Angeles. If you are not in compliance, you leave yourself open to complaints, lawsuits, fines, and upset clients. Fortunately, The Sign Studio specializes in ADA signage.

In addition, to help those for whom English is not their first language, try to combine written words with symbols. It is just good business to make sure the visitors to your building are satisfied and able to make it to their appointments on time.

Are you unsure about what signage you need for your medical building? No problem! During an initial consultation, we can walk with you through your building and make recommendations. Plus, we work with a Certified Access Specialist, who can tell you exactly what you need to make your building compliant with ADA regulations.

Contact The Sign Studio today for a free consultation and quote for medical signage. From your exterior signs to wayfinding signs to every interior marker you need, we've got you covered!

When it comes to modular signs, Vista System sign frames are the most popular option for sign companies across the globe. The sign frames are specifically designed for promotional, wayfinding, and informational applications. The product line is perfectly suited to fit any environment, whether used in retail, hospitals, offices, libraries, churches, or universities.

Undoubtedly, some of you may be wondering, “What are vista system sign frames?” Essentially, they are the frames that provide the backbone for many of our interior and exterior signs. We use Vista System because their products are easy for us to customize for your purposes, and they last for many years to come.

4 Reasons Customers Love Vista System Sign Frames

We keep hearing the following four reasons why our clients prefer Vista System sign frames:

1. Simple to Maintain

A broad range of insert materials will fit well in the Vista System sign frames. Los Angeles business owners can use engraved, paper, photopolymer, vinyl graphics, and more. Without leaving the office, you can print professional looking sign frame inserts in minutes. Or, we can help you do it.

2. Comprehensive Product Line

There is a complete line of sign frames in the Vista System catalog, such as table signs, office signs, flag signs, directory signs, and much more.  Vista can accommodate your requirements whether you already have an existing signage program or are starting from scratch.

3. Lifetime Warranty

Vista System stands behind the quality of their premium line of sign frames with a lifetime warranty on most of their products.

4. Sign Frame Consistency

There are three classic anodized aluminum finishes that the Vista System sign frames come in: brushed black, gold, and silver with plastic and metal end cap combinations. Vista offers a full line of signs that provide aesthetic appeal and consistency to any setting.

Vista System Solutions for Your Business

The Sign Studio is your one stop shop for Vista System sign frames. Once you contact us, we will meet with you to get a firm grasp of your vision and goals. If you are unsure about what would work best for your office or retail space, we can check out your building and make recommendations based on your budget.

Much of the time we have the sign frames you need in stock. If not, we will expedite ordering them. We can then print inserts and put them in your new sign frames, or you can produce your own printable office signs. We recommend using our services, since we can produce durable signage using acrylic, vinyl, PVC, and other materials. We are also able to make your Vista signs ADA compliant.

Installing the frames is quite easy. The most common mounting alternatives are double-sided tape, Velcro, and wall anchors and screws. Velcro and tape are fine for smaller signs. However, wall anchors and screws are preferred for directory signs, poster frames, and larger office signs. We will install your sign frames for the maximum impact and durability.

Are you ready to use the most affordable sign frames for your wayfinding, informational, and promotional needs? Contact The Sign Studio today for a free consultation and quote for Vista System signs.