Building Sign Projects
September 30, 2010
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Building signs can take so many forms. Everything from an exterior monument sign to architectural graphics mounted to an exterior wall. Depending on whether the building has multiple tenants or is occupied by a solo tenant, a strategically placed pylon sign or channel letters spelling out the business name(s) and branding may be just the ticket to making just the right statement to potential customers.At SignWorks we work with a variety of commercial customers to develop just the right look for exterior and/or interior building signs, everything from exterior monument and overhead signs, including backlit Lexan signs and sign face replacement projects, to interior directories and individual room identification and way finding signs. Sometimes the signs are used to provide guidance such as directing deliveries to the receiving department located in a more obscure location across a confusing set of ancillary buildings. Our expertise extends to the area of ADA compliant signs, regulatory and safety signs. And, thankfully our list of satisfied customers continues to grow.
If you are a building a building or already own one that could use an updated look, call SignWorks today at (510) 357-2000 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Can ADA Signs Be Attractive?
September 28, 2010
Standard ADA Signage Example
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Yes, of course ADA signs can be attractive. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tactile & Braille Signage Code is designed to afford those with disabilities full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations, these signs need not be unattractive. Although the ADA guidelines define font size, contrast and other criteria, there is no specific design criteria related to aesthetics. The addition of a sign frame, or for that matter adding the ability to incorporate and change printed inserts, can make an ADA sign more visually attractive. What is important is to understand what the guidelines say about color contrast and appropriate icons while incorporating design flexibility in the areas where it is allowed. SignWorks understands these guidelines and will make sure that your signs are compliant yet visually attractive.
In fact, SignWorks is currently working with a local commercial property management company that is renovating one of its buildings. The entire package includes ADA compliant room identification signs, restrooms, etc. which will incorporate a custom designed sign frame. If you are renovating or building a new building call SignWorks today at (510) 357-2000. We will work with you to develop a look that is both attractive and ADA compliant.
Smart Car: Super Smart Advertising Strategy!
September 23, 2010
Well if you are anything like me Saturday’s are for hopping in my car and running errands. As I drive around town I cannot help but notice the proliferation of Smart cars on the streets and highways, especially the branded ones! They represent a very “smart” way to advertise because they use much less vinyl, (even the digital print variety), than any other car on the market. Certainly, the fuel efficiency is a factor for the unbranded variety, but for the business person looking to economize and save over and above traditional print advertising, this solution carries a certain “bang” for the buck!
A very smart owner of a local Round Table Pizza had wrapped a Smart car which was either being used for deliveries or simply being driven around to promote the store location, phone number, etc. I must say that the wrap appeared to have been very well done even though it was not one that had been done by SignWorks.
If you are a business owner who is looking for ways to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your advertising dollars the call SignWorks today for your free consultation! Even if your budget is tiny, we will work with you to find the most cost effective solution to drive customers to your door.
Large Scale Pylon and Monument Signs
September 21, 2010
Large scale pylon and monument signs are usually found at malls and in some cases strip malls. Many are made of natural stone to provide a natural look that gives an upscale look that lasts a very long time. They are perfect for retail environments where there are multiple major brand tenants whose representation will draw customers in. Our local San Leandro Bayfair Mall is no different with several large anchor stores whose names are prominently displayed on a pylon sign that has been in place for several years. Periodically a tenant leaves and the old retailer’s name and branding is replaced by a new vendor. It is critical that pylon and multi-tenant monument signs are designed in such a manner to allow for changeable letters and/or replacement panels. For single tenant businesses, this is not such a big deal, but in the retail environment where many retailers anchor a major mall environment, this flexibility is critical. Each time an anchor tenant leaves it could be very costly if the pylon or monument sign was improperly designed.
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At SignWorks we are equipped to design pylon and monument signs from the ground up or to do replacement tenant signs to update existing ones. Call us today at (510) 357-2000 and we’ll be ready to help you with your latest project!
Evacuation Maps
September 15, 2010
Evacuation maps are essential to ensuring fire safety and emergency exit planning, especially in large buildings with multiple exit routes. They must meet both fire and building code requirements. SignWorks is proud to report that we just completed a custom designed evacuation map project for Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto. The client, a boutique hotelier, wanted a small (8 inch square) sign that was affordable and yet would not detract from the upscale design and architecture of the building. The evacuation maps needed to appropriately articulate the exit path from each of the 63 guest rooms. Based on recent renovations and the changes to the structure, which involved the removal of some walls, the Fire Department was calling for updated evacuation maps that accurately reflected the revised building layout. Our staff worked with the client and their local fire department to integrate both the client’s needs and that of the overseeing fire department.
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If you are currently working on a new building structure or remodeling an old one SignWorks can provide evacuation maps with written and graphic safety instructions that are tailored to your facility and meet fire ordinance requirements. Call us today at (510) 357-2000 for your free consultation!
Vehicle Wraps: Driving Your Marketing Dollars
September 9, 2010
Many small business owners spend an inordinate amount of money on marketing with very little in the way of return. Traditional print advertising in the current economic climate appears to work as well as throwing a dart. It can be hit or miss! One of the most cost effective methods is to wrap your vehicle, or at a minimum use vinyl graphics in the form of a logo and lettering decals, to deliver your corporate branding and message to customers in your local market. It does not matter if you own a fleet of vehicle for delivering your products and services, or simply drive a solo vehicle back and forth to your place of business. Vehicle graphics are a proven method used by large corporations to market their businesses. Just look out of your own vehicle window and check out the vehicles on your own local freeway. Personally, I regularly see branded fleet vehicles and box trucks from Comcast, Verizon, Safeway, U-Haul, numerous large and small plumbing companies, just to name a few. The statistics regarding the return on investment, when compared to other forms of advertising, are extremely impressive as illustrated in the chart below.
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And, it need not be expensive! Call SignWorks today at (510) 357-2000 and we can develop a vehicle wrap or lettering plan that’s designed to work within your budget using a combination of cut vinyl graphics and digital print decals, as needed to make the project affordable.
Interpretive Signs
September 7, 2010
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Usually, Interpretive Signs are found in public places such as parks, museums, visitor centers, historical buildings, theme parks, tourism sites, nature trails, and the like. They are used to help visitors understand the historical or culture significance associated with the specific site. As such, they are designed to keep the reader’s attention and be easily understood, e.g. be user friendly and effective in the way that they communicate information. They are typically designed to draw the reader in, yet not distract from the significant features of the particular site.
Part of the design process is to make sure the sign type and materials selected blend well with the environment and site location. Because these signs are often used outdoors durability is extremely important, as is the ease with which graffiti can be removed. The type and variety of choices associated with interpretive signs is quite broad but the experts at SignWorks are available to help your organization or agency with the selection process.
Vehicle Wrap and Fleet Graphics Pricing
September 2, 2010
The sign industry generally prices vehicle wraps by the square foot. In the Bay Area, the price at a reputable sign company can range from $11 to $15 per square foot for a digital over laminated print installed on a mid-sized vehicle. Variation in the material selection, e.g. the manufacturer and outdoor wear life of the vinyl, will serve to lower or increase this price. The use of large sections of lettered cut vinyl which eliminates the need to over laminate, would also serve to decrease the overall price.
Obviously, if multiple vehicles or a fleet is being wrapped at the same time, volume pricing or quantity discounts would apply thereby also reducing the square foot pricing.
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Beware of lower cost options or disreputable sign companies that will substitute or economize on the materials, either by using calendared vinyl in place of cast, or by failing to over laminate the print. By choosing SignWorks you can be confident about the quality and caliber of your vehicle and fleet graphics work!
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