10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Design
a New Sign

1. How much should you spend on your sign? Some types of materials are substantially less expensive than others. Don't spend more than you have to, but by the same token, it's false economy to buy inferior materials that make your sign less effective or cause you to have to replace the sign sooner that you should.

2. Where will the sign be used? Indoors or outdoors? If outdoors, what environmental factors will come into play (heat, cold, moisture, chemicals, etc)? Should you consider special ultra-violet protection to avoid sun damage, or a protective coating that makes graffiti easy to remove?

3. How and where will the sign be viewed? A sign that people walk by and can get fairly close to has altogether different requirements than one that people drive by in their cars.

4. How and where will the sign be mounted or suspended? If inside, will it require special attachment hardware or methods to make it safe? If it requires electrical power, is that available close by?

5. Are there sign regulations or codes that you must comply with? Typically municipal codes relate to size and placement so that they don’t block views, but there may be requirements that call for a certain design theme, such as western or Tuscan. You may want to call your city hall.

6. What do you want your sign to do? The size, shape, color, materials, virtually every aspect of your sign, may be influenced by its function. It's always a good idea to consult an expert to make sure your sign will be as effective as possible.

7. How long will it be in place? Will its message need to change frequently? If so, there are technologies available that can make that very quick and easy. If you message will only infrequently be changed, there are simple, cost-effective ways to do that, too.

8. What's the most effective way to phrase your message? The more concise you can be, the better. The more quickly and easily your sign's message is to understand, the more effective it will be.

9. Is color important, and if so, what colors? Here's where spending a little time with a professional can really pay off. Some colors are more visible than others. Colors can create an emotional response in people.

10. Where can you get design ideas if you're not an artist? One of the easiest ways is to simply begin observing signs wherever you go. They're everywhere (and that's why it's so important to make yours stand out). Carry a camera, an inexpensive disposable one will do, and snap shots of the signs you like. When you're ready to meet with your sign maker, take along the photos. Make sure to work with someone who will work with you to get your design just the way you want it, and make suggestions to you along the way.

For more information about designing an effective sign for your business read these

signage case studies, see examples in our signage portfolio or contact Imagecraft for answers to your specific questions.

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