Southern California Sign Blog

If you have any questions or need further information or simply want to order a custom vinyl banner, please send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com or give us a call at (818) 843-9200.

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Banners & Flags

Get your message across with big, bold banners and flags. At The Sign Studio, our banners and flags provide a powerful way to draw attention to your product, event, business or organization. Whether displayed indoors or outdoors, hanging or in stands, there is no better way to make an impact. Durable, flexible and portable, banners and flags keep working for you—again and again.

Banners-Indoor

Attract new customers and grow sales with one of the most cost-effective advertising methods available. Banners are seen, read and acted upon over and over again each day. Whether you want to create product awareness, introduce special pricing, promote an event or draw visitors to your tradeshow booth, colorful indoor banners are a sure way to make an impact and generate excitement.

Banners-Outdoor

Draw attention and awareness to your business or organization—or promote an event, product or service—with high-impact outdoor banners from THE SIGN STUDIO.  Highly visible everywhere you go, banners are a versatile, durable and affordable way to get noticed, even from a distance.

Flags

Make a statement with colorful flags from THE SIGN STUDIO.  Whether you want a polyester pennant string, a company logo or a grand patriotic flag, we offer a wide variety of flags to meet your needs. Choose from a range of sizes, materials, colors and designs, all made to be durable for use indoors or out.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact THE SIGN STUDIO at (818) 843-9200 or e-mail us at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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HOW TO CREATE SIGN BANNERS that catch your ATTENTION!

Here are some statistics about basic color combinations, font styles, margins and graphics usage in successful banners. Since the primary goal of a banner is to grab the viewer's attention and then communicate a message, the banner should be readable and visually attractive. The following steps are a good place to start to create an appealing and attractive banner, and to maximize its effectiveness.

1. Choose appropriate font styles.
Avoid using more than two type styles on a banner. The more fonts used, the harder it is to read. Sans serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura and Antique Olive are the easiest to view from a distance. They should be used for the primary message on your banner. Likewise, serif fonts such as Goudy, Benguiat or Times are appropriate for a secondary message. Fonts such as Old English Text or Engraved are almost impossible to read correctly from a distance and should only be used when the viewer is stationary for a period of time (such as in a conference hall, meeting room or retail store) to be able to absorb the entire message at their own pace.

Take into account the type of business or event where the banner will be used. A bridal shop or beauty salon banner can be dressed up with a script font such as Brush or Commercial Script; however, these fonts would be out of place in an auto parts business.

Also, try to stay away from using all upper case lettering on your banner. It can be used for one word or a line of text for emphasis, however, it takes the human eye longer to read and process words in upper case.

2. Use Graphics Appropriately
Logos, clip art, borders, etc. can effectively be used to grab the viewer's attention, but should not overpower the sign's main message. If the viewer is only concentrating on the cool clip art or graphic, the message has been lost.

As a signage professional, we have already developed an eye for what works and what doesn't so if you need our help or have any questions, please give us a call. As you drive around your community, look around at all the banners grabbing for your attention. Notice the ones that stand out. Mentally take a note about one or two elements of the banner design that grabbed your attention in the first place.

3. Consider viewing distance and viewing time.
"How far away will the banner be from the viewer?" If a grand opening banner will be on the front of a business with a large parking lot between the storefront and the street, the letter height must be large enough to be viewed by drivers on the street. Also, keep in mind that a driver only has about 1.5 - 3 seconds to read a message while in motion. The chart below will help determine the correct height vs. viewing distance.

4. Use effective color combinations.
The following chart shows the most readable and successful color combinations in order of viewing effectiveness. Color combinations with high contrast between the background and letters are easier to read and can be viewed from greater distances. Always consider the type of business or event when choosing colors. Pink, purple, teal and orange colors aren't shown on this chart, but still can be used for certain holidays, special events or parties.

5. Banners need margins and white space.
Margin widths are usually the most abused spaces on a banner. Common errors include stretching letters and graphics to fill the entire banner to the edges, or the text and graphic is too small for the sign and the margins are too big. A general rule of thumb is to have the top and bottom margin be 10% of the height, and right and left margins be at least as wide as one of the banner's main font character width. For example, a 48" sign should have a 4.8" top and bottom margin. A three-foot wide banner should have at least a 3" margin on the top and bottom. Avoid filling the empty spaces of the banner with graphics. White space helps keep the viewer's eyes concentrated on the text.

Although these are good general guidelines, they might not always produce desired visual results. Use your own discretion and intuition. Creating attractive and effective signage is essential.

If you have any further questions or need The Sign Studio to design your banner or signage, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.

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Wayfinding Signage aka Directional Sign Systems

The Electronic Message Center Market

EMC Summary

• The term “electronic message center” (EMC) encompasses vast differences in scale and sophistication.

• Products may be designed for interior or exterior applications and may range from one-line monochrome text and time & temperature units to full-color billboards and video walls.

• EMC screens are configured in a matrix of individually addressable light source “pixels”. The closer the “pitch” (distance between pixels) the higher resolution the screen is capable of.

• The most common light source for EMC pixels are LEDs. Common monochrome colors are red, amber and green; full color pixels are made up of red, green and blue (RGB) LED clusters.

• Messages and images are usually controlled through manufacturer’s proprietary software, which may be connected to a network that controls multiple units.

• Access to the EMC market requires investments in technical training, equipment and licensing.

• License requirements differ in all cities, but most locations require a permit.

• An electrician’s license is necessary to connect to primary power.

• Installations are subject to inspection by the authority having jurisdiction.

• EMC installation involves building a robust support structure. 

• EMCs are regulated through local sign codes and city ordinances and range from outright bans in some locations to various restrictions on size, brightness and change frequency.

• EMC variables: color, resolution, viewing distances, viewing angles, all of which affect readability.

• The EMC Supply Chain

• Most manufacturers sell directly to sign companies or end users.

• Products are not generally available through distributors. 

• EMC Manufacturer Resources

• Product information

• Installation guidance

• Sales leads

• Technical training

• End-user support

• Leading EMC Manufacturers in the US (2010)

• Adaptive Micro Systems

• Daktronics

• Grandwell Industries

• HiTech LED Display

• Mitsubishi

• Optec

• Salescaster

• Sony

• Trans-Lux

• Wagner ZipVision

• Watchfire (by Time-O-Matic)

• YESCO (Young Electric Sign Co.)
 

The Sign Studio is a proud Partner with the above listed Manufacturers and hope this information will be helpful to you.  If you have any further questions or would like to see a Demo of an Electronic Message Center, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net  

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Illuminated Store Front Channel Letters May Look Alike But Do You Know What You Are Getting?

Illuminated store front Channel Letters may look alike but do you know what you are really getting?

At The Sign Studio each channel letter is fabricated to UL specifications.  Why is this important? Simple, it assures the customer their illuminated 3D letter above their store front is safe and built to last. Drive around at night, see burned out signage, flickering neon and broken plexi faces. The average customer is unaware what they are truly getting for the price they are being quoted, after-all all letters appear to look the same from the outside when first installed BUT the big difference is the way in which the sign letters are manufactured.

What materials will be used in the fabrication of your electrical sign letter? The Sign Studio uses heavy gauge aluminum where some competitors use cheap paint lock metal which start to rust the day it goes up ( ever see brown rusty streaks coming off a letter on the building? that's paint lock metal ), secondly what thickness is the acrylic pan channel letter face? Thin sheets of plastic are half the price of standard but one may not tell until the weather changes because plexi expands and contracts as climates get colder or hotter thus cheap plastic faces crack quick. What about the lighting ? Is it 2 rows of 12mm Neon or 1 row of 8 mm Neon? What about the transformers, are they used or rebuilt? Even wiring cost differ greatly. Thus next time you are in the market for Channel Letters, whether plastic faces, led lit, Open Face Neon or even Halo reverse lit, it is always good to ask if your getting UL letters. Look for the sticker (is it real), ask the shop for their UL number and always be suspicious of low prices. You may find your sign letters look good the first few weeks but when costly service calls happen your original cost rise fast, so when you are looking to get your business name in lights, contact The Sign Studio at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

Remember, know your image will be well lit when the sun goes down with properly fabricated UL letters, you will get what you pay for at thsignstudioonline.com

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OUTLINE ON THE VEHICLE WRAP INDUSTRY
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.

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Do I need Sign Permits? Yes.  Sign Permits are required in the State of California. 

Although all Cities in The State of California require sign permits, each City varies with different requirments and Codes. 

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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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:

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.

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Being bonded means that a bonding company has secured money that is available to the consumer in the event they file a claim against the company. The secured money is in the control of the state, a bond, and not under the control of the company. Let's say that you hire a sign company to install some signs and they never show up and you can't get a hold of them and they have the signs or you have hired them to do some other work and they don't finish it? Well, you would file a claim against the company and, after an investigation, would be paid out by this bond. A company that is bonded means that a bonding company has funds.

LICENSED

For certain professions, a license is necessary to show that you're competent and permitted to conduct business in the city, municipality, or state in which the license was issued. For example, home improvement contractors will have to be licensed to perform certain types of work and that license number will be printed on every advertisement they print. You can take that license number and look up their performance at the Contractors State Board.

INSURED

This is probably the most commonly understood of the three (second to being licensed) and this refers to what happens if someone gets hurt on the job. Let's say a company is installing your sign and an employee falls and hurts him or herself. If the company isn't insured, then the claim gets filed against your insurance (bad). If the company is insured, then the claim gets filed against their own insurance.

In summary, it's important that anyone you work with is licensed, bonded, and insured. There's no reason why you should have to work with someone who isn't all three, unless being licensed doesn't apply. Once you know that they are, research and confirm that they are being truthful and are actually bonded.

The Sign Studio is a fully insured, bonded and licensed Sign Electrical Contractor Company in the State of California with a Commercial General Liability Insurance policy of $2,000,000 by The Hartford. Specific numbers and policy photocopies are available upon request. We are proud to have a 0 occurrence rating for any Workers' Comp. claim.

If you have any questions or need a licensed contractor to do your installations, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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