Vehicle and Fleet Graphics
April 29, 2010
Many companies by virtue of the type of business they are in, operate a fleet of vehicles. It doesn’t matter if the fleet is large or small, or if the vehicles themselves are passenger cars, vans, utility trucks, box trucks or semi’s. The vehicles can be put to work not only in delivering goods and services, but in delivering advertising in a very cost effective manner when compared to traditional mediums like print, radio and television.
What’s most important is that this fleet of vehicles can be used much like a blank canvass to create and deliver the company’s unique message about the products and service it offers, and to create brand awareness and identity. The vehicle graphics could reflect a premium quality masterpiece that will deliver the company message as part of a long term branding strategy using specialty vinyls and custom graphics and messaging. Alternately, the campaign could reflect an economical short term campaign using inexpensive simple vinyl lettering to deliver a message about a special shorter term promotion of some sort.
At SignWorks we are skilled at fleet graphics and can work with you to create that branding masterpiece or to help you develop a cost effective vehicle lettering strategy for every day use or shorter term promotions.
Specialty Vehicle Wrap Materials: Carbon Fiber
April 27, 2010
3M Di-Noc Carbon Fiber
Non Vehicle Wraps
April 22, 2010
There are certainly some very interesting things that one can do using the concepts typically associated with traditional vehicle wraps. In fact, several months ago one could step down an entire staircase that had been wrapped with a visual of M&M candies. Similarly, wall graphics are being designed by clever retailers to create attention getting visuals or to deliver creative marketing messages to potential customers.
At SignWorks we employ only the best installers who are certified to perform specialized wraps when needed. We are proud to say that whether you are viewing floor graphics featuring M&M candy, or wall graphics at your local GAP retailer, or perhaps window lettering at a favorite restaurant, that the work was probably done by our company or our master certified installer. Here are just a couple of the pictures to prove it!
Funky Garage Door Murals
April 20, 2010
It’s interesting to note that a German company Style-Your-Garage has come up with some very creative ways to use printed graphics to change plain old garage doors into interesting and amusing murals. These garage billboards are made from a proprietary banner like material that is rip-proof. The material can be cut without damaging it and they are completely weather-proof and include a fire safety certificate.
These graphics can potentially impress or scare your neighbors. Here are just a few of my personal favorites:
Site Safety Signs: Evacuation Maps And More
April 15, 2010
As a society our concerns about security and safety in our workplaces, schools and public buildings are played out frequently on the news, especially when there is a fire or similar emergency. This is why it is so important that these public places and buildings be sheltered from potential hazards by making up to date emergency preparedness plans. At SignWorks we take site safety and emergency evacuation very seriously. We can help you to develop safety maps and signs that help reduce risks in the event of an unfortunate emergency. The four broadest categories of Site Safety Signs are as follows:
- Evacuation Maps (pictured): Easy to read floor plans that show the closest exits and location of emergency response equipment.
- Door Maps: Typically used in hotels to show clear evacuation routes from each room, along with instruction about what to do in the case of an emergency.
- Site Maps: These display all buildings, surrounding areas, major exits, and routes to evacuation zones.
- Incident Command Maps: Used by emergency response personnel, these large format maps (approx. 24 X 36 inch) are essential for safety planning and training.
Vehicle Magnets: Protecting Your Paint
April 13, 2010
Vehicle magnets represent a very affordable way to use your vehicle to brand and market your business. One of the many benefits is being able to use the “unbranded” vehicle for other purposes, however, it’s important to understand that applying and removing the magnets should be done with care. Repositioning and centering vehicle door magnets by dragging (or realigning them into position), can cause scratches and abrasions to the vehicles paint.
While vehicle magnets represent a very affordable alternative to permanent vehicle signage, such as a full or partial vehicle wrap (or permanently placed vehicle decals and logos), the goal continues to be being smart about the amount of money invested in your company branding. If you notice that the alignment is a little off, simply hold one corner of the magnet in place while simultaneously lifting the other corner away from the vehicle surface. Reposition to the desired alignment and release the magnet into the new position. Never drag the magnet across the surface to reposition it.
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Also, when you are in areas with a high concentration of young people, it may be wise to remove your magnets and place them in the trunk or some other less visible area of the vehicle. Unfortunately, vehicle magnets are one of those “desired” novelty items that young people like to help themselves to.
Aluminum Signs: Creating A Statement
April 9, 2010
Whether you’re using it as a sign back plate or for individual lettering, brushed aluminum, is becoming the standard for that “High End” look and can be used in a variety of ways. It has a modern and classy flair that is very appealing to upscale establishments. There are four broad categories of aluminum signs:
1. Cast Metal Letters – Typically used outdoors as permanent signs by professional offices, universities, and for government buildings. They are also used as lettering on monuments and buildings.
Cast Aluminum Letter
2. Laser Cut Aluminum – Referred to as water jet or flat cut, these signs are used both indoor and outside and can be cut into shapes, logo’s or letters. They make fabulous wall, lobby and logo signs and are often used on monument signs and in offices.
3. Metal Laminate on Acrylic – When there is a budgetary concern and the look and feel of metal is desired, a great alternative is a brushed metal laminate on acrylic. It’s a very savvy choice for the budget conscious and is an excellent choice for indoor signs. In fact, the acrylic can be painted to match the aluminum. This affordable option is great for lobby and reception area signs, wall signs, logos, and offices.
4. Metal Laminate on Foam – Another very affordable option for those on a budget, especially when depth and dimension are critical, is a metal laminate mounted on foam core. This indoor sign material is used when depth and dimension are critical. It can be used in the same way as metal laminates or laser cut aluminum.
At SignWorks we pride ourselves in helping our customers to achieve the look they want, even when they are on a budget!
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