Southern California Sign Blog

SIGN VARIANCE - What is that? Why do I need a Sign Variance?

It is important to work with your sign professional and local zoning department when designing your business signage. A quick check on the zoning/building code will give you a guideline to use when developing your signage.

Sign variances become necessary when unique circumstances exist for a property that do not allow for adequate identification of the business. Most sign variances are requested for the purpose of exceeding a municipality's square footage or setback allowances. A quasi-judicial board of elected community members will hear your case and make a decision based on the characteristics of your specific request. Many communities request that you consider and provide answers to the Duncan Factors (used for consideration of area requests).

These are seven factors which the board must answer before approving your variance request. Please find these factors, summarized below:

1). Will the property provide a reasonable return without the variance?
2). Is the variance substantial?
3). Will the surrounding properties be adversely effected by the variance?
4). Will the variance inhibit government services (fire, police, ems)?
5). Is the hardship self-inflicted?
6). Is there a reasonable alternative to this variance?
7). Does the variance follow with the keeping of the zoning code? (Minimum amount needed)

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

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Fair & Reasonable Pricing On Quality Wraps Are Worth It!

So often we look to economize, especially in light of the current economy. However, the old adage, "you get what you pay for," really does hold true, particularly when it comes to vehicle wraps. Here are some of the signs you should look for in evaluating the quality of a vehicle wrap:

• Check the bumpers. These are difficult to wrap given that there are lots of curves, nooks, and crannies. Make sure that premium wrap materials (cast vs. calendared) were used and that the material is not lifting, especially on the underside. This is sometimes an area were trimming, tucking and priming is sometimes overlooked.

• Are the grills and fenders wrapped? This is important if the grill and fender color of the original paint job does not match the new wrap colors. They should be wrapped to match!

• Make sure the door handles are wrapped with the same photorealistic image as the rest of the vehicle.
There's nothing worse than the original color door handles poking out from the image. I saw an example recently of a white door handle showing through on a matte black wrap!

• Make sure that seams are kept to a minimum, especially on the sides. It's possible to pay a little more to have full sheets printed so that there is less seaming necessary. Also, be sure to check the top and bottom of the vehicle to make sure that the original paint is not showing through. (Keep in mind that some people opt not to wrap the top of the vehicle because this area may not be visible or non-essential. This is more a matter of personal preference).

• Pay attention to placement and layout of the graphics, especially if the image includes faces. A face in the middle of a door handle may not be what you had in mind. Make sure that the designer tells you about any design glitches before the installation.

As you can probably tell from the discussion above, there may be reasons for that cheap price that you have been quoted. Don't settle for a "wrap gone wrong!" Have it redone. After all it's your image, branding and reputation that are at stake.

Call us at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 to make sure you get the quality vehicle wrap that you deserve. Or send us an e-mail with your questions or request at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

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ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SIGNAGE - LED Learning Center

What is an LED?
A light emitting diode (LED) is a tiny, electronic semiconductor that converts electric energy into visible light. The chemical compound used within an LED determines its color, brightness and power efficiency. Unlike incandescent lamps, LEDs have no filaments that can burn out or fail.

What is a pixel?
Pixel is short for picture element. Pixels are points of light that illuminate together to form letters, words, graphics, animation, and video images. A pixel can be made up of a single LED, multiple LEDs of the same color or multiple LEDs of different colors. A pixel is the smallest element of the electronic display system that can be individually controlled. It can be turned off or on at various brightness levels.

What is resolution?
Resolution is the basic measurement of how much information a screen shows based on the total number of pixels within the display area and is a significant factor in determining image quality. Pixel pitch (center-to-center spacing between display pixels) and the display's physical dimensions help to determine resolution.

What is a module?
An LED module is a combination of parts that form the building blocks of LED video displays, message centers and dynamic message signs.

What is a digit?
A digit is a numeric symbol with seven segment bars. Each segment uses discrete LEDs to produce a value between 0-9. Scoreboards, timing systems and price displays use digits to display information.

What are viewing angles?
LED displays are at their brightest when viewed "head on" and slowly decrease in brightness as the viewing angle increases. The viewing angles of an LED display - both horizontal and vertical - are the angles at which the intensity has dropped 50 percent from the direct "head on" brightness.

What are viewing distances?
Viewing distances are calculated based on the display type and the distance from the display. Each display will have a minimum and a maximum viewing distance that may vary based on application and intended use. For example, a large character will have a longer viewing distance while a small character will have a shorter viewing distance. We use 50 feet for every one inch of character distance as a general point of reference.

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

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It's Time to Evaluate Your Signage!

Signage is often overlooked, but what does your sign say about your company...

• Do you look open for business?
• Welcoming to customers?
• Is your sign easy to read and spot from the road?

Signage can help answer the following questions:

• What type of business are you?
• Who are you trying to reach?
• Is your business thriving?

A little cosmetic work can refresh your business. A decaying or fading sign reflects poorly upon a business. First impressions are key and you only have one opportunity to make them. Have you considered a sign face lift?

A business with no sign, is a sign of no business!

Without a sign:

• Your business has no identity
• A lack of business traffic

The Sign Studio will work within your budget to help you form the identity you're looking for. Don't go another day without signage, or a sign face lift!

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

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INDOOR SPECIALTY SIGNS & CUSTOM SIGNS

Let our indoor specialty sign solutions bring your creativity to life.
Once customers and visitors are inside your building or facility, their experience is affected in different ways. How easy it is for them to navigate inside it, what types of emotions or thoughts your custom sign solutions convey, and what opinions are left behind will either contribute to, or subtract from, their overall impressions of your brand. No matter what your vision or goals are, we can create the ideal indoor sign solutions to fit your company brand.

Our acrylic signs with standoffs are durable and lightweight, while giving your visual message an air of sophistication and elegance. Crystal vinyl signs can give your visuals that "etched in glass" look, while our custom wallpaper is strong and flame resistant. Our more extensive sign solutions can include custom ceiling tiling patterns that give your office or facility an air of open space.

At The Sign Studio, our indoor sign solutions blend your chosen décor with an effective directory system and presentation. These solutions can involve any of the following targeted signage:
• A-Frame
• Acrylic w/Stand-Offs
• Cast Plaques
• Directories
• Engraved Signs • Fine Art Reproduction
• Floor Graphics
• OSHA/Warning Signs
• Wall Covering

Imagine it...we can do it! Bring us your idea and we will transform it into a striking, yet affordable, visual display. Call today to speak with one of our expert signage consultants.

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.

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Signs and banners are an efficient way to advertise any type of business with lasting results.

A sign should be the spotlight of your place of business as this may be the only opportunity to sell your product. In today's competitive marketplace signs should attract the attention of the consumer and invite them to buy. An advertisement with a distinct and eye catching design or logo can produce a high volume of customers. Signs and banners are an investment that will pay for itself. Extra income can be generated by strategically marketing your brand. Our business is to help you create the best design for your specific advertising needs.

At The Sign Studio we have full color digital graphics to enhance the symbol, logo or emblem you may want to use in creating your banner or sign. A banner is large but portable; it can be moved from a doorway, window or entrance and be placed where you decide it attracts the most attention. A window sign is more of a permanent way of getting the same outcome. If your business does not have the space for a large banner or you just don't want the permanence of a window sign; a site sign or vehicle sign could be the answer. These signs are removable and portable, just smaller in scale. We can still design a logo that is unique for your business. Whether it's a restaurant, daycare, doctor's office, grocery store or even a one- time event we will make sure you are seen. Call us today for a consultation and quote!

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.

The Sign Studio: A journey from concept to completion

A business with no sign is a sign of no business! This is the mantra behind the success of The Sign Studio. Signs increase traffic and lead to higher sales and success for businesses.

The Sign Studio not only offers custom designed signs and banners, but sign repair and installation, sign removal and even sign site surveys to ensure your sign will get the most exposure. The Sign Studio will even design a logo for the sign to stand out and represent the company in its brightest light. The highest technology is used to create these high impact, cost effective signs to boost business. We produce indoor and outdoor signs as well as illuminated, non-illuminated and even banners of any size.

The team at The Sign Studio promises to make your journey to a successful business easy. We begin by developing a cost effective design and logo. Each client is considered a friend in this journey. As the projects blossom from paper to reality each sign is fabricated with the highest technology possible. Signs are then installed at your location of choice.

We are all about the highest comfort and guarantee to our customers.

From concept to completion The Sign Studio will help you have a successful business. Let us do your signage while you grow your business.....

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.

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