SIGN DESIGN AND EFFECTIVE CONTRAST Part 2- Contrast in Text PART OF THE GRAPHIC DESIGN TOOLBOX Effective sign design utilizes contrasting text colors, sizes, shapes, locations, or relationships for specific reasons. Creates Interest vs Monotony Captures Attention of Target Market Establishes Brand Value Perception (Low or High) Contrast in type style is achieved by mixing […]
GETTING ENOUGH “I-APPEAL”? ARE FACILITIES WITH INTERSTATE HIGHWAY EXPOSURE IGNORING THE “DRIVE-BY MARKET”? Have you ever driven down the road, passed a large building and wondered what it was? It happened to me just last week on Interstate 81 near Strasburg, Virginia. I passed a large industrial type building that was occupied and doing […]
SIGNAGE EXPERTS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CASE STUDY: RENAMING A HISTORIC RICHMOND THEATER NEW THEATER BRAND UNVEILED On February 21, 2014, the historic “Landmark Theater” got its new “Altria Theater” name in lights in a theater marquee upgrade. For more than 85 years this iconic performing arts building in Richmond, Virginia has hosted […]
Everywhere a Flag Flags are a great way to attract attention to your site while honoring the country. As I drive through the cities and counties of Virginia, I notice a large number of flags proudly displayed at many businesses and institutions along the way. Flags unfurling against the crisp blue sky […]
SITE LIGHTING & YOUR BRAND Part 1- Is Your Site Safe & Inviting at Night? Safe & Secure? Does site lighting impact sales for an organization? In the hospitality business, the answer is, “Yes.” “Lighting at a hotel make’s a direct impression on a person’s feeling of safety and security,” says Perry Fridley, owner of […]
SURPRISING STATISTICS I took a low-tech survey a few weeks ago to see just how many gas stations utilized digital fuel price display signs for their changeable gas prices. As I consider the hassle it must be for employees to constantly update fuel prices no matter the weather or service station traffic conditions, it […]
6 BENEFITS OF DIGITAL SIGNS Part 4: How to Start Digital Advertising ? “People are coming into the store as a direct result of the EMC.”Bob Strepka, Director of Marketing, Green Top Sporting Goods Your Own Media Network Radio, TV, print and Yellow Page ad channels are all great, but you don’t own […]
Neat Sign Post Cover Idea. A few weeks ago as I was getting back in my car after shopping at Lowes, a big pick-up truck slammed into a street light pole out in the parking lot. It made a huge crash, dented up the truck really well, and brought a few stunned accident victims […]
COVERING ALL THE ANGLES Case Study: Connects Federal Credit Union, Richmond, VA Lots of Eyeballs Chartered in 1950 as the C&P Telephone Employees Credit Union, Connects Federal Credit Union has offered over a half century of unwavering commitment to its members. Last fall the organization purchased the former BB&T building on Midlothian Turnpike and […]
Let it Snow… Preparing for another snowstorm here in Virginia got me thinking about some good tips regarding bad weather and signage. It may be a little late to get your signs ready for tonight’s big snow, but here are a few items you should consider during snow season: PREPARE IN ADVANCE Make […]
How to Restore Old Theater Marquees? How Signage Restores the Glamour of Virginia’s Downtowns NEON NICHE Historic marquee sign restoration at theaters is one of the few remaining applications for neon lighting and signs, which is gradually being replaced by greener LED lighting technology. “This could be the last big neon job we’ll do,” […]
How to Rebrand a Shopping Center? GLAMOUR LOST? If your shopping center’s signs have been around more than ten years, this article may help you ponder a sign renovation project. Replacing or upgrading signage at shopping centers is a good way to turn humdrum entrances and storefronts into dazzling attractions. Styles change and weather […]
How to Buy an Electric Sign? Part 1: Deciding What’s Right when Choosing Signage A PROCESS On any given day, our project managers are working on a variety of sign types. I walked through our Chester shop and among the many projects in production, I noticed a set of custom channel letters for a […]