In today’s post, the Signworld team shares some sign design best practices for banners, commercial advertising, and way finding signage.
2 Tips for Better Banners and Business Signage
- Select appropriate fonts for your banner, and exercise restraint. As a general rule, the greater the number of fonts used on a banner, the harder it is to take in at a glance. With this in mind, you shouldn’t include more than two font styles on a single banner. Most people find that sans serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura, and Antique Olive are easier on the eyes than Old English Text or Engraved styles.Remember too that different fonts suit different events. Fancier fonts are much more appropriate for bridal shops or beauty salons than they are for companies trying to make a name in a business district.
- Get the most out of your graphics. Writing effective copy is crucial, but logos, clip art, borders, and other visuals can really add a lot to your sign. That said, one of the most common mistakes that people make is to invest too much time, money, and effort into their graphics. It’s important that you find the right balance between eye-catching visual and compelling sign content; it’s simply not worth catching your customers’ eyes if the message you want to express isn’t worthwhile. We recommend consulting with a Signworld professional today to learn how to get the most out of your graphics.
4 Tips for Better Wayfinding Signs
Not all signs are meant to convert customers; many of our customers order custom directional signs to help guests find their way around weddings, parties, and other non-commercial events. If you’re designing signs for these purposes, the following 4 tips can help:
- Stress proper placement that anticipates user need. This tip is easier said than done, but proper placement that anticipates the user’s needs is crucial when it comes to optimizing your wayfinding sign design. The best way to figure out where people will be looking for your directional signage is by walking the grounds yourself. Take note of where your eyes scan for directions, and mount signs with relevant instructions in these areas.
- Emphasize readability. Wayfinding signs should be easy to read. Don’t hide important times or directions in a large body of text, clever puns, or overly fancy typography. Keep your content simple and concise, and maintain a stark contrast between your text and background medium.
- Build your sign to endure environmental damage. Though some wayfinding or directional signs are for one-off events like weddings and parties, others are intended to be more permanent. These signs need to be tough and well-made to stand up to the various human and environmental hazards they’ll encounter; weed-whackers, riding mowers, rain, sleet, snow, and heavy winds will assail your sign every day.Choosing the right materials can help to minimize repair costs over the long term. Textured finishes are good choices for hiding blemishes. Adding metal or aluminum backers can bolster your sign’s ability to withstand strong winds and other elements. Avoid the use of expensive foam materials like HDU.
- Don’t skimp on your sign posts. Pressure treated wood sign posts are one of the less expensive options available to business owners, but they are not meant for permanent installations. If you want your sign to last a number of years, we recommend aluminum tube posts set into concrete. At the end of the day, the onus is on you to choose a post that suits your sign’s intended purpose and environment – but when you’re trying to save money on repairs, you’re usually better to be safe (or strong!) than sorry.
You can learn more about effective sign design at http://www.signworld.org.
About Signworld
Signworld is a national organization with more than 300 independently owned sign companies, which provide commercial custom signage and graphics. It’s personable, creative, rewarding and ideal for people-oriented individuals who have the desire to learn how to manage a sales and production business. Signworld has been a part of the industry’s profit and fun since 1988. With over 28 years in the business, Signworld has established itself as the leader in the no-royalties and no-rules sign business concept. The ongoing support and training along with state-of-the-art equipment helps leave the competition behind. For more details visit – https://signworld.org
