A business can pass or fail its first test based simply on the look and feel of the reception area.  Just as a restaurant can be rated on service and atmosphere--rather than the taste of its food--similarly, a law office, dentists office, fitness studio or other service provider can be judged by a client's first impression of the lobby. A simple step toward passing the test is simple and fun, actually.  Take some time and use some creativity to invest in a suitable lobby sign. Can you count how many offices you've walked into in your life to this point?  Not likely.  But, can you remember certain offices based on your first impression as you walked through the door.  I bet many could say YES.  There are certainly business you've stepped into and thought, "This place is really nice."  Or, on the contrary, you might remember, "Man, this place could use some sprucing up." The process allows you to choose how you want your business to be viewed by your clients and customers.  And truthfully, lobby signs are one of the most versatile signs you can create.  This is because your material options aren't limited to outdoor suitable materials.  Also, since the space indoors is usually more compact, you can keep the cost down.  Installation is usually more simple, thus less expensive. Popular choices for lobby signs are brushed metal, acrylic, PVC or wood.  Digital printing capabilities allow for nearly unlimited graphics possibilities. Teitle Law, in Bettendorf, IA, went with a simple design that perfectly matched their style.  In general, law offices can be uncomfortable [caption id="attachment_3521" align="alignright" width="120"] Metal laminate on foam[/caption] places for people to visit.  The nature of the visit can often be sensitive and tense.  Teitle Law realized the need to welcome clients with a non-threatening lobby, all while projecting a sophisticated and capable law practice. A little money was also saved with this project without the clients even knowing.  The dimensional letters are not actually solid metal.  There is a 1/16" metal laminate applied to cut foam lettering.  Have you ever walked into someone's home and thought their laminate floor was solid wood?  The painted foam option saved nearly 1/2 the cost of solid metal letters.  There is no reason to spend unnecessary money when the client won't be able to tell the difference. [caption id="attachment_3514" align="alignleft" width="135"] Laser cut brushed metal[/caption] Barre 563, a fitness studio in Davenport, IA, is one of our favorite clients.  The owner has a natural eye for classic, clean modern decor.  She has the belief that a fitness studio doesn't have to feel and look like a sweaty gym.  The lobby sign greets you as you walk in the door and immediately lets clients know that comfort is a big part of the business. This sign is solid brushed aluminum with a laser cut-out logo.  The back wall shows through the sign, which gives depth to the piece.  Additional dimension is created by mounting the sign on 1/2" standoffs.  Both the dimension and the very trendy brushed metal immediately command attention.  Clients instantly feel comfortable and at ease with their surroundings. Since the metal can be cut at thicknesses as thin as 1/8", cost can also be controlled.  Aluminum has become a very popular and versatile material for modern lobby signs. Acrylic is another extremely popular option for lobby signs.  Acrylic is easy to laser cut and is more affordable than metal.  RE/MAX River Cities, in Bettendorf, IA, had a need to update their new office space. As with most real estate companies, branding is a priority.  Competition in the real estate arena can be fierce.  Home sellers and buyers [caption id="attachment_3566" align="alignright" width="135"] Flat cut acrylic[/caption] have many choices in most urban areas.  So, it is incredibly crucial to actively present the business to the potential customers. Acrylic offers many cost efficient options.  Like metal, acrylic can be as thin as 1/8", or multiple inches thick.  In addition, acrylic can be painted nearly any custom color and comes in a variety of finishes.  In an indoor setting, it is extremely durable, as well.  Due to the lighter weight, acrylic can be mounted to just about any surface, making install quick and easy.  Acrylic, when comparing price and versatility, is one of the preferred materials for custom signs. A business that ignores the first impression of a lobby sign is forgetting that clients enjoy feeling comfortable in office settings.  It's been said many times what a first impression can mean.  So take the time, invest the money and have fun designing a lobby sign that portrays your business values.