Sign Company
What is a Sign Company? Well, today that description is drastically different then it was in the past. Today a sign company needs to offer a wide range of products and services in order to keep up with the changes. From Etchmark logos to vehicle wraps, and everything in between, The Alphabet Shop is making your business memorable with custom signs.
If you are in a corporate office building, you need to make sure that your signage reflects that. Etchmark vinyl logos are a great way to make one of your first impressions. Often there are glass doors to enter your business and putting these frosted vinyl logos on your glass really makes a statement. After a client walks through your office doors, a dimensional logo is the next important step. Your logo out of brushed aluminum, chrome, nickel or brass, stud mounted into your reception wall always looks great.
Once our sign company takes care of your interior logo signs, it’s on to the required building signs. Office name-plates and workstation signs can be fairly standard, but there is also the ability to customize these as well. Making these signs with a message insert system really helps to reduce costs, because it allows you the ability to print and change the names that slide into the sign. Once the office signs are done, you need to take care of the ADA requirements of stair signs, restrooms, elevators, fire evacuations etc. You may also need to add in some way finding signs depending on the size of your office.
Now that the required signage is done, a good sign company can show you numerous ways to customize your office. From mission statements to wall art, there are many options. Often times there are images that show what your business is all about. Printing these images and mounting them with standoffs or cable systems really changes your space. Sometimes businesses will print photos of how the company originally looked when it began or of the founding principles of the company.
No matter what type of business signs you need, The Alphabet Shop can tackle your project. Look at some of the projects we’ve done.
Business Signs
The Alphabet Shop is NOT your small town vinyl shop sign company. We are a full service manufacturer and installer of all your business signs. Our last few weeks have involved an exciting project with Arizona State University. We’ve taken some creative ideas and brought them to life in a very different ways with this client. This project had many different custom signs so it gives you a good idea of the range of work we can do.
Not only are we manufacturing these interior signs, but we are then onsite at ASU to install them. We take our signage projects from beginning to end to ensure you have exactly what you hoped for. During this process we have pictures of production, installation and at completion to show you how signs can change your space. You can see illuminated and non illuminated logos, directional signs and more throughout this bookstore.
Installation on these business signs ranged from tape mount, to stud mount, to ceiling mount. Ladders, scissor lifts, drills, tape and experience all go into this successful install. 48 years in this business helps us have the knowledge to handle any signage project.
Inside the ASU Bookstore we started out with some digital prints. We printed images of different activities that take place across the campus. Some prints are then mounted to the wall with cleats and others are installed directly to the soffits in the store. There were also numerous vinyl “trident” logos applied to a chemetal background. These red tridents on a dimensional black and gray background really make the ASU logo pop. A 14 foot cut out dimensional logo of the sun was made and mounted to the back wall of the store. One of the Tridents was made larger to go right behind the check out area. It has red LED on the backside and it was projection mounted from the wall. Day or night this sign looks great!
We also created ceiling mounted information signs. Stretch banner material with printed lettering was mounted on circular frames to hang from the ceiling of the store. These add both color and dimension to the store while directing the customers to the area they need. Also placed throughout the store were “sun” finials. The location had numerous pillars already placed in the store and adding the chemetal dimensional sun finial to the top of the pillars shows how branding can really tie together the vision for your business. Go Sun Devils!
Exterior Signs
When you hear the words exterior sign, you probably think of your company’s name and logo on the outside of your building. There are many types of exterior signs, and that is only one aspect of your company’s signage. For example, lets take a hospital or college … when your location has multiple buildings or even a single building that is set off the main road you need to be able to get your client to the desired location. This is when you require wayfinding signs. Wayfinding isn’t just for interior signs, it’s for exterior as well. Post and panel signs are one way to allow your visitors to quickly and easily navigate through your campus or facility. Maps, logos and symbols strategically placed at intersections and crossings allow for a smooth path to the destination.
Monument signs can be great visual advertising. Sometimes placed just in front of your location and other times placed at the entrance of the facility, they can set you apart from the competition. Monument signs can be illuminated or non illuminated depending on your vision or budget. From the standard post and panel sign to a landscaped boulder with projection mounted lettering there are infinite ways to make your exterior sign stand out. The letters can be internally lit or there can be ground lighting to illuminate the sign.
Once you’ve navigated your client through your site and possibly finished your monument sign, it’s on to your exterior building sign. There are numerous business signs for you to choose from. Again, you have the option of illuminated or not. The materials and mounting can also allow you some unique design options. Your building size will help determine the size of your exterior logo. If you have a large building off the side of a major highway for example, it is in your best interest to make your logo the first thing people see. McGrath Lexus is a good example of this. When you are driving near 90 and division there is no doubt you will see their logo on their building. Day or night that logo stands out above the rest. Taking into account the amount of time someone has to see your exterior sign, McGrath Lexus made sure to be precise and clean!
Take a look at some of our other exterior signs.
Office Signs
The Alphabet Shop is a family owned business that has been manufacturing quality signs for over 48 years. But we aren’t that cookie cutter shop that makes the standard nameplate and office signs. While we can of course take care of your standard building signage we can also create custom signs that will transform your office space. We can manufacture a dimensional logo for your lobby sign which tells people who you are when they enter your building. There are endless choices of materials to pick from when creating your lobby sign. Whether you want stainless steel, etched acrylic, wood grain or a digital print… we can accommodate your design.
Now not all interior signs need to be your actual logo. There are so many ways to express your company through simple pictures and words. For example, some corporations take the words from their mission statement or the words that their business stands for and digitally print them. Some companies take pictures that represent their business, or their locations across the United States and turn those ideas into wall art. These prints can then be mounted directly to the wall, on standoffs or by a cable system.
Another office sign that we have created is a dimensional world map which can even be labeled to show the corporations multiple locations. This is a great way to show the capacity of you business right through your lobby sign. These maps can be manufactured out of different thicknesses and different materials. Laminates can also be mounted to the face of acrylic to make the material appear to be metal, granite or a million other design options. If your company is worldwide, this is a visually appealing way to represent that.
Now as I said before, some of your office signs will be standard building required signage. This doesn’t however mean that they need to be boring and unappealing. Your fire evacuation signs, nameplates, restroom signs, elevator signs and more can all be custom designed to match your business. There are various ways to manufacture these building signs so that they can be labeled permanently or with a message insert system so that changes can easily be made. With a message insert system (MIS) you can re print the inserts at your own location so that things like employee names or even daily meetings in a conference room can be listed right within your sign.
The point here is that The Alphabet Shop can make your custom office signs the way you want – when you want. Call us today at (800) 882-3151 or visit our sign company website and let us start your project! See some of the examples below.
Corporate Branding
In today’s economy companies are being bought out or merged with other entities more often then not. This trend is making corporate branding even more vital to your company’s success. When a business name changes you need someone to make your name current and present across the US or even the world. Name changes may lead to overnight replacement of your exterior and interior signs. This may entail a 100 location rollout across the country or your one location in Elgin Illinois, each equally as important to us.
The Alphabet Shop has handled corporate branding across the country. Your corporate sign is the fastest way to promote your brand and product to the world. Linking that exterior logo with your interior signs, print, advertising and mission statement will put you ahead of the competition. From the illuminated sign on the top of their building to the nameplate on an executive assistant’s desk – it all makes a difference.
Companies like Motorola, Navigant Consulting and Deutsche Bank are consistently acquiring new facilities which require new signage to maintain the corporate branding image. Our process may start with an onsite survey to give detailed account of what office signs need to change. Having accurate measurements allows us the ability to manufacture all the custom signs that need to be purchased. This may include the exterior or monument sign, lobby sign, wayfinding sings, office signs, stairwell signs, elevator signs, building id signs and more. Once the signs are ready, we will then set up the installation at the respective locations. Our staff takes care of this project flawlessly so that you can concentrate on your next business adventure.
We realize that Corporate Branding involves more than just your signage. That’s why The Alphabet Shop doesn’t just do your exterior sign or even just your interior signs. Our digital printing and cable systems allow an entirely different look to add to your business. Your logo, mission statement or even photos that relate to your business or corporate headquarters can all be printed and installed though out your facility. Take a look at some of our recent Corporate Branding projects and don’t forget to visit us on the web or call for your next sign project!
Wayfinding Signs
Wayfinding and exterior signs have been around for a long time and have several reasons why they exist. First and foremost, they are there to bring customers in and help guide them to their destination. Business signs are also in place so that people know exactly where your business is. Corporate branding is vital to your success, so your exterior sign needs to tell people driving by who you are.
When you are creating your commercial sign there is one area you must not neglect and that is the zoning requirements for your sign installation. Prior to creating your exterior sign you need to verify with your city or village on the sign codes and regulations. You should confirm the square footage allowed, height restrictions, positioning from the street, illumination restrictions and that is just the beginning. Many cities have significant permit requirements including licensing issues as well.
Another variation of a traditional exterior sign is a wayfinding sign. Wayfinding signs are defined as a unified system of signs for a single facility that provide direction and identification to specific destinations within the facility. These directional sign systems guide people to where they need to go in a user-friendly manner.
Wayfinding signs are necessary to keep traffic flowing by providing easy to read and easy to understand signage that is highly visible for quick access. Wayfinding signs are necessary in a majority of locations including airports, schools, marinas, hospitals, sports stadiums, municipalities, and parking facilities. In the US, all such systems must comply with the ADA. These can also be seen in the form of smaller office signs in larger corporate environments or hotels to guide any visitor to their destination.
Large or small our custom exterior signs are truly unique. External and wayfinding signs invite your visitors to your corporate or business location. Professional exterior signage will be custom designed by one of our sign experts. You want to make your custom sign perfect; we can help you do that. Visit our sign company and make sure to check out some of our exterior sign projects below.
Lobby Sign
If you are considering the purchase of a lobby sign for your business, you may find the number of choices a little overwhelming. Should you use a foam, acrylic, aluminum, brass…? How about an illuminated lobby sign? Nearly all lobby signs will incorporate the company’s logo. It’s important to keep a consistent look throughout your office. Lobby signs will create a memorable theme for any visitor to your place of business.
All business signs have their place, and the important thing is to find a sign that presents the right image for your company. Foam letters are inexpensive but can look really nice and add a lot of dimension to your logo. Acrylic is probably the most common material used for lobby signs because it is versatile, easily shaped and can accept many different types of finishes.
More expensive options include aluminum, brass, stainless steel and Illuminated signs. If considering an illuminated sign you should be going with LED’s. The price has come down in recent years and the energy savings along with dependability makes them a winner every time.
Interior signs, custom signs, and lobby signs all require knowledge and thought about the many available options. Having been in the sign business since the 1960′s gives us at The Alphabet Shop an edge over the competition. We are always up to date with all of the machinery and material innovations related to the sign industry.
Give us a call today at (800) 882-3151 and we will be glad to send out one of our sales team to survey and photograph your space. Once we receive your company artwork, preferably in vector format, we will create a rendering of what the new sign will look like in your office. We can also provide full size paper patterns and sample letters for your approval.
Contact us today! The Alphabet Shop can provide a custom lobby sign and many other corporate or retail signs to meet your needs.
Business Signs – ADA Signs
The term “ADA Signs” has come into common use in the commercial signs industry with the advent of the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA. Unfortunately, it’s a misunderstood term. Most people think it’s synonymous with braille signs. Certainly, signs with braille and raised characters are the most visible manifestation of the law requiring access to the built environment, but the sign standards in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, or ADAAG, require much more than just braille and raised characters on some business signs.
Let’s face it. ADA regulations don’t leave much wiggle room on most design elements. Here’s a little ADA 101 for you…Letters can’t be smaller than 5/8-inch or larger than 2 inches. All letters must be a minimum 3/32 inches thick for tactility. And, generally, you cannot use elaborate or decorative fonts. San Serif fonts, like Helvetica, are the staple of most ADA signs. It may sound restrictive, and it is at some level, but the goal is not to stifle creativity. The goal is to serve an intended audience.
While ADA guidelines define font size, contrast and other criteria, the law does not define specific design criteria as it relates to aesthetics. Letter height, Braille placement, font, and color contrast make only minimal impacts on the visual appearance. There are ways to make ADA signage more attractive while still adhering to the guidelines.
ADA-compliant materials are one way to make the difference between a boring sign and an attractive presentation. Sign frames with the ability to change printed inserts are another. Finally, understanding what the guidelines really say about color contrast and icons could give you more freedom than you thought.
Signs can be manufactured from an amazing variety of materials ranging from basic plastics to very elaborate designs of natural stone, woods or metals. Even new synthetic materials designed for counter-tops are excellent choices for this type of signage. We are finding new ways to add flexibility to the mix, though. New products, combined with color matching skills and ability to understand what the regulations do and do not mean can yield ADA signs fitting for even the most sophisticated settings.
Check out some of our ADA custom signage
For all your nationwide corporate branding and sign needs, visit our website www.alphabetshop.com
What is Custom Signage?
As a person looks around they are continually visually stimulated by the sight of signs, which are an integral part of a person’s day-to-day life. By definition, a sign is a method of display that is used to identify, advertise or communicate a place of business, a product, a command, a warning, or a direction. They are important by not only being a means of communication, but work as guidance, show instruction, and provide the needed information to make a decision or steer away from danger. These are seen throughout the world in the form of corporate names on the side of buildings, traffic signs, office signs, lobby signs, and wayfinding signs (the directional signs that point people in the right direction).
Signs have a lot a value, especially in the marketplace. Many times a business or company’s custom signage is the first thing a consumer sees. It is essentially the call for public attention, and it is that attention that draws potential customers, with more customers hopefully resulting in higher profit margins. Custom signage makes the first impression for the place of business, and can indicate a type of business a person is about to engage with. An eye-catching office sign may get a consumer to stop in; a colorful and vibrant lobby sign in a dentist’s office may change a person’s mood, while a well-done wayfinding sign can alleviate a lot of confusion.
The value is also showcased highly in corporate branding due to the fact that sign recognition is important for repeat business or customers, and helps with the promotion of a product or service. A great example is the Chicago based company, United Airlines, with the United sign/symbol. The sign/symbol is a fixture in the airline industry, and is also is displayed in the namesake, United Center, which is the home to the Chicago sports teams, and is a venue for many other concerts and events. This form of corporate branding is incredible for United for the amount of recognition, publicity, and promotion their custom sign generates.
This just shows the importance and value of custom signage. They are essential for proper communication, and become an icon for a place of business. Custom signage also makes the first impression, and hopes to turn it into a meaningful and lasting one.
For a wide example of custom signage for your business, please visit the Alphabet Shop at www.alphabetshop.com and fill in the quote form to start your next project!
