Riverbend Signworks makes its living on signs. That’s how a sign shop survives. Outdoor building signs, indoor signage, lobby signs, etc.; this is how a sign shop makes money. But, what separates your average, run-of-the-mill sign shop from a full-service branding machine are the special projects.
These are out-of-the-box marketing and branding initiatives that really help propel business awareness. Recently, Von Maur, a successful department store chain, sought a way to celebrate grand openings at new locations in the U.S. This required a bit more thought, planning, design and ingenuity than simply posting signs and banners.
The idea is an interactive photo opportunity for opening day visitors. Adults and children can have their pictures taken in cut-out figures with fantasy backgrounds. These traveling displays are a perfect way to make each store opening an experience for customers.
The displays are constructed of a wood composite material called Scooter Board. The stands, which are hidden from view when displayed, are simply built with boards. The graphics, which really bring the displays to life, are digital, full-color graphics printed on vinyl and applied to the Scooter Board. The finishing touch is the cut-out faces where customers can place their own heads and smile for the cameras.
The idea is not necessarily original. It’s a rather simple concept that came together with some design creativity and some basic wood shop carpentry. But, the end result was an exciting, unique experience for customers at a new store opening.
Another opportunity for a one-of-a-kind project arose in Galesburg, IL at Discovery Depot. The organization, which relies heavily on donor support, needed a fun, and highly visible way to recognize their faithful donors. The Depot cleverly referred to their donors as the “gears” that kept the business going. From this moniker arose a display wall filled with individual gears representing each donor.
The individual gears are cut from PVC of differing thickness and diameters. This gives the display a pleasing dimension, rather than a boring flat surface with no appeal. The donor names are printed on vinyl and adhered to corresponding gears–the larger the gear, the larger the donor contribution.
The gears are then placed, interlocking, on a PVC backer cut to match the contour of the gear placement. This entire display is then mounted to the Depot’s “Grateful Gears” wall.
Once again, this is a very unique and thoughtful way to thank each donor. The whole display becomes more of an attraction, rather than just another wall.
The desire of Riverbend Signworks to be a branding firm, rather than just another sign company, has led customers to seek advice and consultation from the design staff. The business plan is to help a business or organization grow in reach and effectiveness.
These special projects keep the staff motivated and constantly in the mindset of branding, rather than just supplying.
