When Hate Kills...

We ALL Mourn

Once again we are witnesses to the ugliest manifestation of human behavior. The senseless killing of eleven individuals and injuries to several others..all for the insanity of someone's ingrained hatred. Our hearts break for the families and friends of these people who died while simply celebrating their faith. It is unfathomable to me how one can harbor such hatred for any thing or person.I have to believe that an individual who is capable of such a horrific act must surely be mentally ill. And I absolutely do not feel that this should be a time of placing blame (politically) and pointing fingers at others. The bottom line is that hate within this man, drove his murderous act.

Unity

Sadly, it seems to take a tragedy to unify everyone in compassion for humanity. And even more sadly, it will only be a temporary sentiment until the next big story blows up. It is so unfortunate that we as a collective group of people cannot maintain our compassion for more than the handful of days that a tragedy is reported in the media. 

I remember doing a simple lesson when my children were young. We took a few eggs (with tan and white shells) from the refrigerator and first talked about how they were different from each other. We then cracked them in a bowl. The point was to discuss how we are all different people on the outside, but on the inside, we are the same. And at the end of the day, this is still our truth. Though our thoughts, beliefs, and religions may differ, we are all part of the human family. It seems that there is a huge lack of tolerance and kindness for others in our culture. I think that this is one of the reasons I enjoy the Ellen Degeneres show so much. She is an outstanding example and advocate of kindness. Kindness is such a free gift that we can all give to eachother!

Thought-Provoking..

The hate that moved this man to take lives should motivate all of us to think about how to develop lasting solutions first and foremost on a personal (self and people to people) level. Perhaps it can best be summed up by the late Mr. Rogers:

Let's be the kind of people who care and make it our problem to solve!

Ghoulish Graphics

It's Time...

Some parties are deserving of the coolest, over-the-top decorations that you can find. I think Halloween is one of those annual and graphically inviting opportunities. It just so happens that October is quickly approaching and Halloween is not far behind it. 

We love Halloween, don't we?! Why is that? I think it's because we get an opportunity to dress in fun costumes and enjoy parties in creatively decorated surroundings, be it in the work setting, in a residence or somewhere else.

For the real Halloween decorating connoisseur, I think the challenge becomes "topping" your decorations from last year's party. Lucky for you, Vital Signs can help you achieve that look each and every year!

Add Your 3D Decor

Now of course you will want to supplement your ghostly graphics with table decorations, 3 dimensional skeletons and the like, but for the space itself, we have a few ideas to whet your halloween imagination.

Witchy Windows And Walls

Complete With Broom

Whether you choose green witches, scary silhouettes or creepy crawlers, we have a design for you. For the younger generation who may be trick-or-treating at your home, a less scary and traumatizing window vignette may be in order. But for the adult party-goers who may be coming to your Halloween party, we owe them a cringing space fit for horror!

Yes, We Can!

The Outside Space

The Outside Experience Is Important Too!

Simple, But Very Effective

Sometimes the inside space is just not enough. The experience should begin at the approach of your home. That is, some folks just don't feel satisfied unless the entire house screams Halloween! And yes, we can help you with that. There are some of those neat projectors that can be set up outside to display various graphics onto the house and yard. But occasionally, the effect is not complete without adding decorations that must be fabricated and that's where Vital Signs' comes in. We have a large variety of materials that can complete your look with minimal installation and easy removal.

Scary Or Welcoming!

Don't Forget The Floor!

3D Floor Graphics For Maximum Visual Impact

Oh yes...did I mention that we have amazing graphics for your floor! Whether you have carpet, tile or some other floor material, we have a medium that will work for people-stopping and eye-popping colorful graphics. Floor graphics truly take your party space to the next level which is, afterall, exactly what you hope to achieve!!

Skeleton Fun With The Floor

We're Ready..Let's Start Planning..

Headless Hostess

Fabulous graphics don't just happen..we need a little time to make sure they wow your guests..so let the fun begin. We love a good party and can't wait to help you set the mood! Please call us TODAY so we can start the Halloween planning! And save a Reese's Cup for us!

We Never Outgrow Halloween Reese's Cups!

Call Vital Signs NOW! (412) 494-3308

Baby Nursery Trends With Digital Graphics

The Walls Have It

Birch Trees Are Always Fun

Mood-making graphics in baby nurseries are trending at an all-time high. With the ease of purchasing themed nursery decals; elaborate theme-specific vignettes, baby names and more, it has never been easier to decorate the home baby nursery (or any nursery for that matter). There are a multitude of boy and girl themes to choose from with ready-to-apply graphics from the nearby craft store or from an online retailer.

We Can Help You Add Dimension With Your Nursery Graphics

If you really want a unique design that no one else has, we can help! Vital Signs can help to customize your new nursery with designs that will grab your baby's attention and elicit "oohs and aahs" from visiting friends and family.

Pastels And More...

Goodnight Moon

And let's be honest, decorating the nursery for a new addition is a huge part of the fun of prepping for the newest family member! It doesn't take a huge investment of time or money to create a magical visual impact in the nursery. From Peter Rabbit to Harry Potter and everything in between, the design possibilities are endless. 

Who Doesn't Love Piglet And Pooh

Have a favorite nursery rhyme or verse you would like to have on the wall? Not a problem, we can help you find the perfect font. Need us to match specific colors you would like to use in the nursery, that's an easy request also. 

Hickory Dickory Dock

Designs To Grow With Baby

For Your Baby Muggle

Need a design that will grow with the baby through toddlerhood? We can help! Our Vital Signs design team is here to help you brainstorm the design possibilities. Not only that, we can print on vinyls or fabric that won't damage your wall! In other words, we have graphics for every age and every stage!

Shhh...Baby Dreams In Progress!

Let Us Help!

Other Signs We Can Make For You!

As it just so happens, the Vital Signs' Owners are soon to become first-time grandparents and are in fun, nursery-decorating mode as well. If we can assist in creating your child or grandchild's nursery design, we would love to help!

Call Us TODAY! (412) 494-3308 or visit us at:

www.vitalsignspgh.com

It's Getting Frosty...

Frosted Vinyl Accents

Frosted Window Vinyl With A Touch Of Color

Most people have seen a frosted vinyl window, door or room divider in a business setting, but may not realize how easy it is to add frosted vinyl accents within the home.There are different reasons that one might wish to add frosted vinyl in a residential setting, such as: Decorative accents, for light diffusing purposes or safety reasons (so glass can be seen and not walked into). 

Simple Frosted Vinyl Glass Design

These days frosted vinyl decals can be purchased in craft stores or from online retailers. It is equally as easy to have a sign provider customize and install a one-of-a-kind design. The benefit of having a sign company involved in the project is that we can assist in the design planning process. Our designers can quickly identify which designs would work well in a specific setting and provide the easiest installation. Also, sign installers are experienced in installing vinyl and are less likely to have mistakes in their application of the vinyl.

Frosted Vinyl For Decoration And Privacy

Elevate Your Interior Decor

Elegant And Unique

What I love about a frosted vinyl application in the home is that it elevates the design aesthetic for a nominal investment of time and money.

Geometric Frosted Vinyl Room Divider

Looking to add a touch of elegance or whimsy to your home? Please give Vital Signs a call today. We are happy to work with you on finding the perfect design.

(412) 494-3308 or visit us online at: www.vitalsignspgh.com

And The Sign Survey Says....

What Makes A Sign Difficult To Read?

When Signs Have Problems..

Oh, yes...I see the problem!

We've all seen them, signs that just don't read correctly. The problems are usually very visibly obvious. Most sign designers would be able to identify any potential problems within the design phase or proof process before the sign is produced, but there are those exceptions.

According to the following studies, signs can have a very positive or negative effect on one's business revenue, depending upon the way that they are designed and placed.

The statistics noted were taken from the following Kellaris' study findings:

100,000 Shoppers Can't Be Wrong: Signage Communication Evidence from The BrandSpark/Better Homes and Gardens American Shopper Study (2011)

Viewing Signs through the Eyes of the Beholders: Perceptual Evidence from the American Grocery Shopper Survey (2014)

So What Is The Answer?

At the end of the day, the answer boils down to quality sign design. Consumers should rely on their sign designer to point out any problematic text or graphics. We understand that customers fall in love with a neat image or curly-cue font, but most often, those images do not translate into an easy-to-read sign.  

Are your signs suffering from any of the above problems? Vital Signs would be happy to come to your business location and take a look, just give us a call TODAY!

(412) 494-3308

When Signs Serve A Larger Purpose

Sending A Message

The Message Is Bigger Than The Sign

Signs..they are all around us. Many of them give us the whats', wheres', and hows', of wayfinding direction. Other signs identify business and service locations and all of their marketing and branding messages. For the most part, we as a culture are so used to seeing the same informational signs throughout our day, we hardly give them much thought or attention. 

A Humorous Reminder

Occasionally, we are treated to a humorous or laugh-out-loud message. These funny sign messages are typically universally enjoyable by most people who see them and even routinely shared on social media. But we are starting to see more and more billboard, moving and other types of signs which send a message intended to appeal to our 'collective conscious' heart strings.

A Call To Action

The Search For A New Kidney

Look Around..

We are starting to see them in every city..signs that are designed to appeal to our altruistic natures. There are signs that encourage us to donate blood; sad family images depicting opioid abuse. There are signs that tell us that Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter and All Lives Matter. We see alarming examples of domestic abuse in gigantic living color. We see opposing messages about the use of guns. And even recently, I came across a story about a desperately ill person who was in need of a new kidney. The gentleman named Joshua spent $1200.00 to advertise his need. He utilized a billboard, magnetic signs; business cards and even a handheld sign that he stood on the side of the road with.  Did it work? Yes it did. He was successfully matched with a woman who had seen one of his advertisements and went to get tested. Joshua followed up his efforts with a large billboard which stated in vivid bold colors, " It's A Match! " His successful transplant took place in April.

It's A Match!

Signs Work!

The Ultimate Message

We all love to hear about success stories and especially when one's life has been saved or dramatically helped by the kindness of others. There is so much ugly and hatred in our world these days, that I find it especially rewarding to see that a sign (no matter what it's size), which can serve to send a helping message. I call that meaningful marketing.

It's Our Privilege

Are you working with a non-profit or community group and considering the possibility of advertising your group's message in a purposeful way? Please give us a call or stop in to discuss it with us. We are all for helping to make the world a better place, one sign at a time.

(412) 494-3308 or www.vitalsignspgh.com

Allow Me To Introduce...

UniStick...

When Magnetic Signs Won't Work On Your Car

A Fun Unistick Example

Many business owners like the option of branding their business vehicle(s) with the convenience of magnetic signage that can be easily removed when needed. But what happens when the vehicle surface(s) will not support magnetic material? Many later model vehicles are being fabricated with aluminum and plastic parts or pieces which magnetic material will not adhere to.

So What Is It?

Easily Sticks To The Car Door

Unistick is a unique peel and stick adherent that does not rely on magnets or static. For the business owner, it is an easy peel and stick solution which can be removed and re-applied hundreds of times. With it's anti-curl back coating and block-out features, Unistick is a great choice for car doors and bumper decals. Furthermore, Unistick leaves no residue and is water resistant. For businesses who rotate vehicles or their drivers, but need the ability to remove their vehicle graphics on demand, Unistick may be the perfect solution.

Have A Branding Challenge?

We can help!! Give Vital Signs a call TODAY! 

(412) 494-3308

Who Needs A Sign Permit?

I'll Just Put The Sign Up Without One...

When In Doubt....Just Ask Us!

Let me say this loud and clear...Do so at your own risk! Risk of what you ask? Businesses who choose to bypass the local township/city ordinances, paperwork and sign fees associated with business signage may face a fine and forced removal of the offending sign. We get it...it's a hassle (and usually an annual hassle) of paying the township/city their fees related to one's business signage.

A Cautionary Tale

Once there was a business (or more) who opted to go online and buy a good deal on a sign while bypassing the township/city signage ordinances. The "good deal" sign still set the business owner back several hundred dollars, but the business owner rationalized the cost savings of his good friend helping him to install the sign (without the also necessary certified electrician or required electrical permit.) The sign was installed on the side of the business and looked nice, the business owner was happy...UNTIL...he received a summons to see the magistrate for illegally putting up a sign without a permit. What the business owner did not consider was that the "good deal" sign that he purchased might not even be allowable by the landlord or township at his business address, thus potentially losing the several hundred dollars that he paid for the sign and any possible fines for violating the signage ordinances and laws in his area. This tale is unfortunately a true story that plays out daily in various towns and communities. 

We Understand...

We truly understand shoestring marketing budgets, expensive signs and all of the paperwork & fees that go with them, but the cost of not following the signage ordinances as they are written, may be more costly to a business than just doing things the right way in the first place. Don't want to deal with the headaches of paperwork and permits? We can help! At Vital Signs, we pride ourselves on striving to eliminate the hassles of obtaining signage for our customers. We are happy to explain the process or take care of it for you. 

Need Information On Signage Ordinances In Your Township?

Just call Vital Signs today and permit us to help you with your sign permitting!

(412) 494-3308 or www.vitalsignspgh.com

Have Halo, Will Travel!

Does Your Business Wear A Halo?

Reverse-Lit Channel Letters

Most brick and mortar businesses have a business identification sign placed upon their business. Very often the location, landlord and municipal rules and regulations dictate the type of sign which is allowed for a business. Aside from the issue of what type of signage is allowable, is the consideration of which type of signage will draw the most attention to the business. Specifically, I would like to talk about the use of "Halo" Back-Lit Channel Letters.

Halo Lighting In All Of It's Glow-ry...

I suppose I should start by explaining what Halo Lit Letters (also known as Reverse Lit Channel Letters are.) Reverse-lit channel letters consist of aluminum faces and sides (returns) mounted with spaces to stand away from the wall. The LED's or neon illumination project onto the wall surface giving the sign a halo (glow) effect.

Reverse-Lit Halo Letters With Orange Glow

Where Are Halo Letters Used?

Interior Reverse-Lit (Halo) Channel Letters

Most often a business will use Reverse-Lit Halo Letters on the exterior of a business, though Halo Letters are becoming a popular choice for interior wall signage/decor as well.

Firstly, let me explain that a "channel" letter refers to a custom-made metal or plastic letter commonly used in signage to affix a business name to a building. The channel portion of the letter is where the LED or neon lighting is contained. The faces of traditional channel letters are translucent.

What Is The Difference Between A Reverse-Lit Channel Letter And A Typical Channel Letter?

For the purpose of simplicity I will explain a Reverse-Lit Halo Channel Letter like this: Consider two aluminum letters the same size that will be used on the exterior of a building. Both have either LED or neon lights contained inside of the letter, though one letter (the traditional channel letter) has a solid back which covers the exterior letter shape. The Halo Reverse/Back-Lit Letter typically has aluminum faces and returns (sides) with a clear back covering which allows the light to shine out (glow) from the back of the letter onto the surface on which it is placed.

Dramatic Color Statement

What Color Is Your Halo?

Halos vary in terms of width (i.e. the distance behind the letter that the halo "fans out.") Ideally, the halo will form an "illumination bed" against which the letters will be outlined. A halo which combines both brightness and appropriate width can create a dramatic illumination effect (this is especially true when various lighting colors are used.) The mounting distance of the letters from the facade will dictate the amount of illumination that is seen.

One of the positive benefits of halo lighting is that they stand out at night and can be seen from great distances. Also, there are various combination effects that can be created with halo lighting which can offer some dramatic and memorable branding effects. Most folks assume that white is the only color that can be used for Reverse-Lit Halo Letters, but many colors can be used and can allow a business to match their branding color scheme.

When Should Halo Letters Be Used?

Dramatic Night Lighting

The answer is..it depends. It depends upon what type of business one has. Does the business lend itself to dramatic night lighting such as a restaurant which wants to draw evening customers? Would Halo Lighting enhance the sign and business brand? Is the environment and location appropriate or necessary for such sign branding? Will the special effects of your Halo Letters make your business stand out among all other nearby businesses? And of course, is Halo lighting allowed by all of the necessary authorities and decision-makers?

Halo lighting can be a design differentiator in attracting potential customers to your business. If you need help in determining whether Halo Lit Channel Letters are right for your business, please give Vital Signs a call today. We are happy to explain all of the options and help get your business maximum exposure!

Call Vital Signs TODAY For Your FREE Consultation!

(412) 494-3308

It's That "Wedding" Time Of Year

Did You Miss Your Invitation Also?

The Happy Couple

Okay, I'll admit it, I was among the 29.2 million U.S. citizens who watched the entire wedding events for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's recent nuptials by way of my big screen tv, instead of in-person. To be fair, I couldn't have watched much else since every tv station featured the big celebration. I do enjoy a good wedding and the new Duchess of Sussex and her Prince of a husband did not disappoint.

Weddings happen all year long of course, but many people especially enjoy the weather of a nice spring or summer wedding. If you have ever planned a wedding, been in one or attended one (or several), you have seen the plethora of wedding decorations there are to enjoy.

Themes, Themes And More Themes..

Wedding Directional Signs  

Couple Signs

Weddings run the gamut as far as decor and themes. From formal and frilly, to casual and simple elegance, there truly is something to satisfy every person's taste. Wedding decorations have expanded through the years to include many fun options. Like what, you ask? I would like to show you a few of the signs and other wedding decorations that Vital Signs has produced or offers:

Wedding Banners

Seating Charts

Table Centerpieces

Wedding Games

• Wedding Wayfinding Signs
• Wedding Couple Signs
• Wedding Banners
• Seating Charts
• Table Centerpieces
• Wedding Celebration Games
• Wedding Couple Cut-Outs
• Wedding Floor Graphics
• Wedding Table/Chair Signs
• Custom Drink Cooler
• And More....

Happy Couple Cut-Outs (but only of common folk)

Custom Floor Graphics

Bride and Groom Signs

Custom Drink Cooler

We're Here For You!

Getting ready to plan a wedding or wish to add a few additions to your in-progress wedding planning? Vital Signs can help. Understated, trendy or over-the-top, we are happy to assist you in planning the wedding of your dreams. Set your wedding apart from other weddings by using unique, elegant decorating touches or just a bit-o-wedding whimsy!

We'll Treat You Like Royalty!

Contact Vital Signs TODAY for your FREE Wedding Consultation!

(412) 494-3308 or info@vitalsignspgh.com