The world of signage is a constant battle to stand out from the crowd. This is especially true in crowded urban areas where there are all kinds of businesses vying for public attention. Of course, you can just go with a standard “cabinet” sign or some other common type, but you might want to get a little more elaborate. This article is intended for those who want to go the extra mile and get truly creative with their signage.
1. Use Transparency To Create Layers
Have you ever seen one of those decorative epoxy tables? People use layers of epoxy and various embedded objects to create very interesting layered pieces of art. You can use the same principle in your signage by using clear acrylic panels or something of that sort. This creates a nice “3-D” effect and grabs attention just by being different.
Now, that being said, there are two things that are needed to make this sort of sign work. The first is good lighting, both internal and external. Without internal lighting, the inner layers of the piece will be harder to see and the effect will be lost. The second necessary factor is cleanliness. Transparency requires clean surfaces for maximum clarity, so keep those surfaces clean and clear for maximum visibility.
2. Consider The Use Of A “Wayfinding” Sign
This tactic is especially useful in areas with a lot of tourist traffic. When people don’t know their area very well, they tend to look around at the signs a little more. You can take advantage of this by using signs that point people toward your business. Local laws or regulations may prohibit or limit this idea, but it’s still a good one to consider. When people see one or more signs that lead them to a specific business, it gives the impression that said business is a big deal. Such signs should always include an arrow or pointer to show people the right direction.
3. Use Creative Shapes
Most signs are either box-shaped or rectangular. Some are round or oval-shaped, but we aren’t talking about basic signs today. For those who want a truly unique sign, you should make use of a unique shape. For instance, if your business sells cars, you might get a sign that is shaped like a car. Obviously, LED lights should be used for better visibility, and some decorative lettering will add another nice little touch. The idea is to make a sign that immediately tells the customer what you have to offer.
4. Use The Appeal Of Comfort To Draw Traffic
This option is a little more expensive but can be very effective. Most people have a tendency to ignore signs in a crowded area, mostly because there are so many of them. However, what happens if you create a sign that includes a heated or cooled area beneath? This can simply be a small covered area with a bench, but the key thing is to install a heater, a fan, or an air conditioner.
Obviously, you have to tailor the options to your local weather. So, if you live in Arizona (for instance), a sign with a well-cooled area beneath will have a tendency to draw people. If it’s the middle of winter, a warm spot will always draw people. This is obviously not a good option for places with very little foot traffic, but it’s great for places that have a lot of pedestrians.
5. 3D Effects
Most signs are just “flat”, meaning that they look like something that could have been drawn on a piece of paper. A 3-dimensional sign, on the other hand, seems to pop right out there and command your attention. Of course, few if any of your potential customers will be wearing 3D glasses, but there are lots of other ways to get a 3D effect. The most expensive option would be some sort of hologram projector. This will really impress customers but isn’t necessary for everyone. A cheaper option is the use of molded acrylic letters or shapes that actually do pop out from the background.
6. Play Around With Neon Lighting
When people think of a big city, neon lights will often come to mind. However, the old-school neon lighting was a little bit unsafe and kind of expensive. The glass tubes had to be bent manually and filled with gas. For safety reasons, neon lighting is now powered exclusively by LED bulbs. And, since the technology no longer relies solely on glass tubes, you can get flexible neon lighting that is easy to install and shape. This kind of flexible tube lighting can be combined with virtually any other sign type. The creative options here are almost endless and should not be overlooked.
Conclusion
Of course, this list is not a comprehensive or authoritative one. This is meant to be a sampling of creative ideas that can get you thinking in the right direction. We would encourage you to apply your mind and come up with whatever you think will draw attention and create visual appeal. However, it never hurts to enlist some expert help. If you need a commercial sign company, you can call Tupp Signs at 302-322-1600. We have been in business for nearly a century and, as such, we have cultivated a reputation for quality that surpasses all the other local sign companies.