Category: Sign Knowledge

Name: Sign Artist Inc
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April 9, 2019

Every New, Exterior Sign Needs a Permit

Sign Artist’s crew was busily installing a 15-foot pylon sign in a Western Suburb of Chicago, when a city official strode up to check our code compliability. Had the crew obtained proper permits to revamp the sign? When the official saw our paperwork, all signed and sealed at city hall, he smiled and joined us for a photo.

Does code compliance matter? Yes, and many a business owner has discovered this the hard way. On one recent job, Sign Artist was asked to remove a beautiful 10-foot-wide channel letter sign, because the previous sign company had not followed city codes in its installation. The improper sign looked great on the store front, but was not compatible with other storefront signs in the complex, so had to go. Sign Artist took care of removal of the old sign, and design and installation — and code compliant paperwork — for the new sign.

What’s involved in obtaining proper paperwork from city hall? Owners either file for permits themselves, or hire Sign Artist to do the leg and phone work, in sending dimensional and other information, and photos of the projected sign, to appropriate staff at city offices. The process of obtaining permits does require certain fees and can take some time, even several weeks or more. If a business owner wants his or her sign installed ASAP, then the code and permitting issues should be addressed efficiently, or crew and owner will face delays in the install.

Make everyone happy — dot every “i” and cross every “t,” regarding city permits! Give Sign Artist a call for any questions about the process, and we’ll smooth the way for you, ensuring that your sign will make you — and your city officials — smile.

Let Sign Artist do the legwork in obtaining proper exterior sign permits!

April 5, 2019

Sign World Convention 2019, Nashville, TN

Sign Artist met with half of its 320-plus sister sign companies at the 2019 Sign World Convention at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, March 22-24, 2019. Our crew joined the gathering of sign company owners, designers, installers and vendors.

Highlights included observing cutting-edge techniques in installing the newest 3M substrates, demonstrations of a high-grade measuring tool called Spike, and group and private sessions with management experts.

Sign Artist designer Erin, said she appreciated “learning about other designers’ processes” from across North America, and getting refreshers on helpful Illustrator shortcuts.

The Sign Artist crew delved into production and installation techniques of top sign makers, including one sign company owner who involved our crew in hands-on demonstrations. This car wrapper for the “stars,” serves on movie sets in Burbank, California.

Our crew spotted a wild variety of signs at every turn in Nashville, from small scale to monumental. Whether turn-of-the-century ads for jalopies or 21st-Century LED signs, artistry and loving care showed in the design of many.

As Sign World owners met for the sessions and spent time comparing notes, one thing was clear: Sign Artist’s commitment to its clients to visit large-scale sign environments to gauge installs, is invaluable to making us a top-ranked sign company. One example, is Sign Artist’s install of the Elmhurst Auto Care pylon sign on North Avenue in Elmhurst, which required site visits to properly plan for the production and install of the sign. Sign World Convention speakers and company owners from across North America agree, that this level of service is vital in creating top signage.

March 19, 2019

University of Illinois at Chicago

Sign Artist Inc. recently installed two dimensional letter signs at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The wall signs had brushed aluminum surfaces on acrylic backing with sides painted to match the letter faces. Each sign was prepared to exact specifications to accurately reflect the university‘s branding. The signs are mounted on two different surfaces; one is wood with a high-gloss finish, the other is a painted concrete wall. Sign Artist Inc. is experienced with mounting letters on a variety of surfaces. Contact us for your next business or education sign and we’ll discuss the options that make your sign reflect the image that you desire. We’ll also advise you as to the optimal mounting so your sign will last for years and still look great.

February 27, 2019

LED Signs Are An Investment That Pays Dividends

LED signs and electronic message centers (EMC) are an investment in your business that pays dividends. The Small Business Administration performed research on the effect of updating business signs and found that sales increased by a minimum of 15% after a new sign was installed.

An EMC requires a larger investment than a static sign, yet it is best to consider the impact on your business’ growth. If you have sales of $10,000/month and you install an electronic sign, that means your revenue could increase by a minimum of $1,500/month. If you lease an EMC for $500/month, you’re still increasing gross income by $1,000.

In addition to increasing sales, electronic message centers qualify for a tax deduction. This helps to reduce your tax burden at the same time that you improve sales.

Other benefits to installing EMCs include the lower cost of making thousands of advertising impressions on potential customers in a day than other types of ads. Many of the people that pass your sign see it every day, thereby increasing the probability that the next time they need your service, you will be on their list of who they talk to.

Not only can you reduce other costly advertising, you have the opportunity to display multiple messages during the time that one drives past the sign. You inform potential customers about special offers, business hours and new products. Drivers pay attention to your sign because it stands out among all of the other signs on the parkway. Passersby read your sign from a greater distance and that means they can receive more information about your services. They’ll have a greater chance of remembering your business!

February 7, 2019

Electronic LED Business Signs Offer Convenience

Electronic business signs are more convenient than static signage. In addition to the bright, eye-catching quality of LED signs, they offer another benefit. They can be updated by the business owner to rapidly display a timely message. For example, a recent inventory study shows that too many auto air fresheners were ordered. The items have a shelf life and may need to be disposed of pretty soon. A sale on air fresheners can be posted on the electronic message board on the same day of this realization.

Maybe you received notice that an employee is leaving their job. The opening can be on the electronic sign within the hour. In addition, you’re not trying to replace letters on a manual message board in the snow and blizzardy wind. Not only is that a challenge, there’s increased risk of an injury if an employee has to balance on a ladder to make the update.

A larger scale example of the benefit of electronic message centers is that networks of the devices may be managed remotely. Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, has dozens of electronic displays. Many of these are menu boards in the concession stands. Content management software combined with electronic displays allow for remote updates via the internet. Multiple sporting events take place in the stadium and branding on the menus as well as menu items and prices are scheduled to update for each event. This is accomplished by a person at their laptop in any location in which they have internet connectivity.

Convenience is just one advantage of electronic message displays. Visit the Sign Artist Inc. site soon for the next topic in our series on LED electronic signs.

January 13, 2019

Installing a Business Sign

Sign Artist Inc is installing a business sign in this video . Watch the process of lifting the Bella Nora Salon & Spa channel letter sign into position on the facade of the business. The brightly-lit sign features LED modules, providing excellent visibility and reducing power expense in comparison to fluorescent or neon lighting. The installation was performed early in the day and the crew was finished before the first customer arrived.

January 10, 2019

Shared Business Space Gets ADA Compliant Signs

Business signs should be ADA compliant. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) became law in 1990. I had just entered occupational therapy school at Rush University in Chicago. It seemed like a good idea at the time; provide reasonable accommodation to people with mobility, hearing, visual and any other type of disability. At the time, I didn’t know that many people who affected by a disability.

Certainly, as an occupational therapist, many of my patients benefited from this law. It provided motivation for cities to add ramps to sidewalks at intersections. Automatic doors became commonplace. Visual aids also became present in elevators, public buildings and corporate settings.

Sign Artist Inc. partnered with Summit Construction to install 90 ADA-compliant architectural signs at a building in downtown Chicago. The 620 N. LaSalle building was a sporting goods store when I moved to the city in 1983. For the last couple of years, it has been vacant. The building is being renovated and will house a number of companies that share workspaces such as conference rooms, technical and business services and other common areas such as kitchens and dining areas.

We were fascinated by the historical building and had the opportunity to tour it from the basement to the roof! Dave, the superintendent, was really helpful in guiding us to the appropriate locations where signs needed posting. He explained how the building originated from two buildings in the late 1800s. The two buildings were connected in the center by a structure that expanded it into a much larger one. You can see where the transitions between the original buildings exist, along with the original brick walls and wide-planked wooden floors. Built to Last!

ADA signs that we installed had raised text, international symbols for stairs and restrooms and included braille for the visually-impaired. Every stairway needed to be marked and to identify the building level to meet both ADA and fire department requirements. ADA-compliant signs must meet the requirements of the regulations and be positioned in accordance with federal guidelines.

January 7, 2019

Signs Earn Customer Trust

Metal Plaques Suggest Stability and Permanence.

There are many options to choose from when designing a sign. One thing to consider is what will the sign will say subconsciously to people?

Banners are a good example. These are best used for special events, sales or as temporary signs while a more permanent one is being manufactured. Banners are great for announcing events with limited duration, such as special pricing or upcoming events. They also work well for art fairs, car washes and other fundraisers. Anniversaries, graduations and sporting events are appropriate for banners because of their portability and wide range of sizes.

Permanent business establishments should display signs that reflect their nature and character. A beautiful routed wood or lighted channel letter sign says something to the viewer that banners and temporary signs do not. It suggests that the business is here to stay. A well-designed and constructed sign reflects the business owner’s commitment to the community and their customers. It portrays the organization as having history, quality and professionalism.

Three-dimensional signs are just one example of a noble permanent sign. Lighted channel letters and carved signs illustrate commitment and legitimacy. Government buildings, schools, libraries and banks may consider an even more robust emblem of organizational significance.

Bronze plaques and other metal signs convey a level of permanence and stability that establishes longevity. These signs indicate reliability and strength and individuals subconsciously respond to this. People are more likely to trust an organization that posts an identity that states that “We’re here for the long haul – you can safely put your trust in us.”

Sign Artist Inc. is well-acquainted with the breadth of available sign solutions. We will help you to identify the impact you need your sign to have on customers and patrons. After establishing this, we’ll help you to navigate through the various options and the level of investment that you’re comfortable with. Our desire is that you feel great about how your new sign represents you and your business.

January 5, 2019

Bella Nora Salon & Spa Updates Its Business Sign

A new business sign announces the Bella Nora nail salon and spa’s updated identity in Plainfield, IL. Owner Johnny Nguyen called Sign Artist Inc. last autumn to discuss ideas to update the branding for his business. An older sign with the previous owner’s name was on the building and he wanted to clarify the current name of the business while letting potential customers know that there was an updated variety of services.

Mr. Nguyen presented ideas to our designer, Erin, who worked with him to create renderings of options. In addition, Sign Artist’s owner, Ed performed a site survey to take measurements of the location where the new sign would be placed. During this visit, the existing sign mounting and electrical supply was reviewed. Ed met with Mr. Nguyen to discuss the findings and the customer decided to replace the existing sign with new LED-lit channel letters.

In case you’re not familiar with sign components, a channel letter sign is an illuminated sign made of custom-formed metal housings. Each letter or word contains an array of LED light modules and they transmit light either through the front, or, through the back, giving the sign a halo-like effect.

Bella Nora’s sign has white, acrylic front panels that diffuse light and illuminate for night viewing. During the day, the black edges provide a sharp contrast with the white face panels, making it easy to read the 22″ high letters from hundreds of feet in the distance. Visibility during both day and night was important to the owner because the business is adjacent to a supermarket and he wanted to attract shoppers’ attention as they walk to and from the massive parking lot.

The sign operates with a timer that is set to turn the sign on at dusk and to also automatically turn off. LED lighting costs a fraction of fluorescent or neon lights and it provides evenly distributed illumination. These signs are built to provide many years of service despite the extremes of weather that the Midwestern climate tees up.

The owner’s new sign professionally reflects the quality and vibrant character of the Bella Nora Salon and Spa’s services. He is pleased to say that now “The business feels like it’s mine.” The sign announces the business and represents the pride that the staff takes in delivering excellent service.

December 21, 2018

Lobby Sign Makes Law Firm’s Great First Impression

The law firm of Flaherty & Youngerman needed a lobby sign that would accomplish two objectives; one, to announce to clients when they arrive at the appropriate floor in the high-rise office building and two, to communicate that clients can be confident in the representation that they will receive. They conferred with Sign Artist to create a business sign to accomplish these objectives. Both partners had specific ideas about what the sign should convey, and they were excellent collaborators with our design team. Their new lobby sign makes the law firm’s great first impression. The sign was constructed with clear acrylic for its base panel. The letters mounted on the panel have brushed metal overlays and painted PVC backing. This provides a three dimensional effect that captures visitors’ attention right away. The business sign makes a great first impression at the entrance of the firm. Thank you for choosing Sign Artist!

December 20, 2018

Educate Your Captivated Customer

The Vault at the Dump

Business signs educate customers, and The DUMP luxury furniture warehouse does this the moment they encounter beautiful products. The store prepared a showroom of one-of-a-kind fine rugs and informs customers about the quality contents of the museum-like space. Sign Artist applied a large format cut vinyl sign directly to the wall to create a teaching moment for shoppers.

“The Vault” is the gallery name, and we partnered with the talented DUMP marketing team to translate the design into a business sign. It is approximately 20 feet wide and 20 feet high. The letter “V” alone is over 5 feet tall! White vinyl was precision-cut on our digital plotter and prepared for application. We measured and leveled the sign, then taped the large blocks of text into position. Sign Artist specialists applied the enormous wall sign, word-by-word. Finally, we applied heat to ensure fast adhesion to the painted surface.

The result is captivating! Customers stop to learn about the exquisite rugs as they enter the gallery, and before ever examining a product or checking a price.

December 19, 2018

Sign Attracts Business for Elmhurst Auto Care

New outdoor business sign at Elmhurst Auto Care.

Owners of Elmhurst Auto Care updated their outdoor business sign to represent the quality of their service. They partnered with Sign Artist Inc. to update their branding.

Ed and Brad were excellent partners with whom to achieve this goal. They engaged in designing and planning the sign updates. This was key to the project’s success.

Sign Artist Inc. used polycarbonate panels with cut vinyl to create the new look. The changeable letter panels were also replaced to create a great impression.

The enhanced business sign on North Ave. is not only brighter and easily visible to customers, it displays the updated branding. The new logo reflects the quality of service and commitment of the team to customer satisfaction.

Compared to nearby signs on North Ave., Elmhurst Auto Care’s sign is truly “lit.”

November 19, 2018

Cafe Sign Meets with Good Fortune

New hanging sign at Cafe LaFortuna, Hinsdale, IL

Cafe Fortuna is a favorite whistle stop in Hinsdale, IL for commuters and conversation. But it’s business sign weathered one too many Chicago area winters. Sign Artist met with the proprietor and discussed her needs. The old sign was hung above the entrance to the cafe, where wind and the elements battered it relentlessly. A recent heat wave caused the lamination to slide from the sign face. Using quality 3M products, Sign Artist created the sign and matched the cafe colors using state of the art digital color spectrophotometry.

The new sign is ready for launch and Cafe Fortuna has regained it’s lost identity !

Check out our other business signs!

November 18, 2018

Signs Sell Luxurious Leather at The DUMP

Signs sell products for you! The Dump Luxe Furniture warehouse carries high-quality leather furniture. This furniture helps you relax while you entertain guests and family. Sign Artist‘s sign put the leather furniture description front and center to customers. They easily find the products that they need.

Deals on quality grades of leather are always available at The Dump. Leather samples in numerous colors hang below the text of the sign. Customers look at the samples and read tohe sign to better understand their options when they think about their new living room. Putting the information at the point of purchase effectively increases sales.

The precision-cut vinyl letters are created using our plotter. This high-quality digital plotter turns a digital image or text into cut vinyl letters. Sign Artist specialists apply the prepared vinyl letters to the wall for you. Both images and text may be applied to the wall, floor, windows or ceiling. Easy-to-read fonts, informative content, and precise placement result in a sign that attracts customers like a magnet and convinces them choose their next sofa and chairs!

November 18, 2018

A Face-Lift for Building Directories

Directory signs need updating. Your customers depend on these signs, especially when it’s their first visit. Property management firm Lee and Associates recently called upon Sign Artist to update a building directory in Wheeling, IL. The monument sign building name had faded and cracked – stains were caused by the nearby evergreens. We applied new precision-cut vinyl letters to give the sign a bright, easy to read title.

August 10, 2018

Aligning for Optimal Health

Dr. Orsini and his Sign Artist Lobby sign.

Connect 33 Upper Cervical Chiropractic clinic will be celebrating their grand opening on August 15, 2018. They’re located conveniently at 555 Butterfield in Lombard, IL. If you’re experiencing neck pain, numbness or loss of muscle control, give Dr. Orsini a call at (630) 541-8553. Sign Artist had a great experience working with Dr. Orsini on his lobby/reception area sign. The white lettering against the navy blue wall really gets attention as patients walk through the outer lobby. The doctor and his wife created the design and worked with Sign Artist designers to create the attractive graphics for their entryway. Sign Artist accurately reproduced the custom blue letters using our industry-standard digital technology. Patients will now know that they’ve arrived at the right place to “Get Your Head on Straight.”