There are so many bad signs out there! I cringe when I see an unreadable billboard or business sign. They probably spent considerable money getting that thing put together and for what?! If you sign isn't designed correctly it's just a waste of your time. I have built my share of signs and I know what it takes to make them work. I would love to work with you in developing signs for your specific need, but even if you don't call me please consider these tips:

1.) Know how long people will see your sign. If you signage is next to a highway a passer-by may only see the words for a second or two, tops. If you don't know how long they have to see it, how will you know what they will actually see?

2.) boil everything you want to say down to it's most important parts. If your signs has a bunch words folks will only see a blob of text and won't bother to read the sign.

3.) Images and graphics MUST tell the message. Usually if a person misses the words they will still see the pictures. So make sure the picture will say your message even if they don't read the words. Don't throw a graphic or picture in just because it looks cute. Signs are for getting a message across, not look cute.

4.) White space! Don't ever, ever take the words to the edge of a sign. Make sure there is a blank border around its outer edge, even if the letters have to be a little smaller. Believe it or not this will make the sign more readable. If the letters go all the way to the edge then anything around the sign (trees, buildings, cars) will distract the reader and make the it less "readable."

If you follow these four tips you will be far ahead of many signs in this community. If in doubt take a drive down the highway or city street and compare billboards, street signs, and yard signs. Take note of which ones "work" and which ones don't. I think you will find most of them follow these simple steps.

If you are planning a sign project and would like help give me a call. I have made a number of signs, big and small, many of which are made in house. We also offer discounts to non-profit organizations for temporary road signs (those corrugated plastic signs on a stake), and site signage (building signs or permanent road side signs). Give us a call and we will help you figure out what will work best for you. And don't forget we do banners and flags too!