Sign Design Basics

July 2nd, 2010

Effective signage is made through effective design practices.  There is a significant amount of psychology involved in sign design because signs are meant to communicate and persuade.  The proper mix of colors, fonts, shapes, and sizes become an important part of the design process.  Shimp Sign & Design understands what drives the potential customer and can make sure your sign design meets that need.

Generally speaking, a sign should be readable, attractive, and easily distinguishable from its surroundings.  Stick to a few colors that will contrast with each other nicely.  However, the sign should not stick out from its surroundings to a degree which alienates it from the general feel of the area.  There needs to be a certain amount of harmony between sign and surroundings.

Equally important is that the message is communicated quickly and effectively.  Signs that are organized and read easily are much more effective than the opposite.  This is especially important for roadside signage as the drivers’ time to recognize and react is reduced.  Changeable signs, which allow you to update your message, should contain as few words as possible.  And having the correct letter size will ensure readability for moving traffic. For a professionally designed and cost effective sign, call Shimp Sign & Design.


The Role of Signs in the Community

June 1st, 2010

A sign is meant to notify potential customers where you are and what you do.  However, there are some other roles that they play in the community as well.  Signs help people find what they are looking for and where they are going.  As I am sure you have noticed, we Americans spend a lot of time in our cars every day.  As an entrepreneur, this is your golden opportunity to capture new business.  A 2004 study found that up to one-third of impulse, first time buying, was directly related to “passerby” traffic that noticed signage.   Beginning to see how that can help your bottom line?

Signs, when properly designed and installed, also aid in the safety of daily travelers.  Within reason, signs that are large, well -illuminated, and properly placed make the flow of traffic safer, as it is the straining and searching while driving that distracts drivers.  (Sign size and placement must comply with the local ordinances.  Because of strict municipal requirements, it is important to consult an expert before erecting signage.)

Finally, creative signage enhances the appeal and value of an area.  An extreme example can be Las Vegas, Nevada, or Times Square, NYC.  These signs help customers to feel alive, prime them to have fun and more importantly, buy stuff!  Good signage can sometimes help you to win out over your customer; we all tend to gravitate towards what looks most attractive.

Here at Shimp Signs, we take pride in our design and fabrication work.  Let us make the sign for you that makes the difference in your business.  Take pride in your sign!


What Makes a Great Sign?

April 19th, 2010

Simulated woodgrain texture with message window

Your sign is quite possibly the only purchase that you will make once that keeps working for your business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days out of the year.  Better do it right, don’t you agree?

A 2005 Signtronix survey confirmed that an amazing 44% of your potential customers recognize your business by your sign, followed by word-of-mouth referrals which rank second with 38%.  That type of statistic is clear evidence that special care should be taken in matters involving your signage.  Your sign tells potential customers in a snapshot who you are, where you are, and what you do.

So what makes for a great sign?  The following are just a few points to follow:

-The sign must be completely visible to the customer it is trying to reach.  Sounds simple, but this means being big enough, at times tall enough, and well illuminated while maintaining its tactfullness.

-The sign needs to be clean and organized, so that it can be read at a moments notice; perhaps while your customer is driving or otherwise not paying attention.

-It is absolutely critical that the sign stands out from its surroundings.  This often times means planning colors and design work around the sign’s environment.

Effective signage is a complex matter that when mastered can be a huge source of recognition, and more importantly, revenue, for your business. Churches, schools and daycare’s especially gain valuable visability with the above shown changable message signs.   Shimp Sign & Design is in the business of making sure your signage is an attractive, beneficial part of your company.  Let us know how we can help!