The Season I Hate Most!

The Climate Is Horrible

Typical Political Campaign Sign

We all have our favorites when it comes to all of the seasons we experience each calendar year. But there is one season that I hate, no matter which date it falls on. That is..the Political Season. It is no surprise to anyone who knows me, that I dislike few things more than I dislike politics. Sadly, it has nothing to do with the political signs that we design and produce at Vital Signs. But to be safe, I will not open that can of worms here.

What Is The Law In Pennsylvania?

To Use Or Not To Use...

Instead I thought it might be helpful to take a look at what the statute says in Pennsylvania regarding the use of campaign signs. Pennsylvania statute (181.1) requires that campaign signs that are approved by a candidate or campaign must have a line that states that the sign is authorized by the candidate. Alternatively, if the sign is not authorized by the campaign, the sign should say so. 

Where Can Campaign Signs Be Placed?

In terms of sign placement, Pennsylvania does not allow signs to be placed within a room where voting is being held statute 1220 (c) . Also, according to a recent Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Signage Brochure, signs should not be placed in the public right-of-way, including utility poles. PennDot is legally required to remove signs that violate this law--owners will receive a warning that the sign must be removed, after which the sign will be confiscated and fees of up to $500.00 may be assessed.

Campaign Signs En Masse

Do Campaign Signs Really Work Anyway?

According To A Recent Study...

The answer is Yes! 

A recent study by Vanderbilt University's Cindy Kam and Elizabeth Zechmeister suggests that they do. In the study, the scholars placed four large signs for the imaginary school board candidate "Ben Griffin" on a street where roughly half of the parents passed each day as they drove their children to and from school. Three days after the signs were put up, the local PTA surveyed parents about their preferences in the upcoming school board election. The survey results indicated that parents who drove along the street where signs were placed were ten percent more likely to say that Ben Griffin was one of their top three choices for the position. The huge difference in favorability for Ben Griffin between those who saw the signs and those who didn't, suggests that campaign signage is a viable way for candidates to build name recognition.

So there you have it..political campaign signs do work..even if they can have a tendency to be placed in crowed areas. In any event, Vital Signs is happy to produce your single or double-sided campaign signs no matter who your candidate is.

 Please give us a call TODAY@

(412) 494-3308

Someone Forgot To Look At The Proof

What Is A Proof Anyway?

So what is a proof in the first place? As defined in the FAQ on the Vital Signs website: A proof is a visual image of a customer's sign design sent via email, fax or given to the customer by hard copy prior to the project production.

We like to think of it as "sign insurance" for both our staff and our customers. A proof is a customer's physical opportunity to review what their sign/custom graphics project will look like as presented on paper before it is actually produced.

Actual Proof For A Grand Format Banner For Convention Center

Speak Up Now Or Forever Hold Your Opinion

Reviewing a proof is the time when the customer should take a critical review of ALL of the design details. Is there a misspelling? Is the font choice correct? What about the color? Is the color correct or does it match a specific color in the customer's logo? Is there enough color contrast? Is the design layout how you want people to view it? What about the size..should it be smaller, larger or is it just right? Does it elicit the impression that you wish others to receive about your company?

It Helps Your Sign Manufacturer Too

Proofs = Quality Control

Any good sign/graphics company will have a proof process in place, not only for the sake of the customer, but also for their own in-house quality control purposes. Afterall, we want to make sure that we have dotted all of our i's and crossed our T's as they say. While we follow an additional informal quality control process in-house, the proof process is extra insurance for us and ensures that the customer receives exactly what they asked for and approved.

Custom Sign Project

Let's Not Go Here

Creating custom signs and graphics can be a pricey proposition. A mistake in the final project output can be a costly one. A mistake, I might add, that neither the customer or the sign/graphics manufacturer wish to pay for. From the customer's standpoint, it is often felt that the sign/graphics producer should "fix" their mistake. From the sign/graphics production standpoint, it is always felt that the proof process is in place for exactly this reason..to avoid costly mistakes. It is the customer's opportunity and responsibility to address any problems or mistakes PRIOR to producing  a custom project. Afterall, most, if not all sign or graphics projects are custom projects that cannot be re-sold to others. So as you can see, paying close attention to a project proof is essential for the customer to avoid any project mistakes or "mistake ownership" discussions.

If someone forgets to look at the proof, make sure it's not you!

If you have any signage or graphics needs that we can help with, we would be happy to assist you in any way. Don't forget to sign up for our Build Your Brand GIVEAWAY..the next winner will be chosen at the end of this month. You can enter from the Vital Signs Homepage, click here.

Call Us Today!! (412) 494-3308

What Makes An Effective Retail Sign?

The Details Count

Back in the olden days (as our kids would say), signage was simple and usually hand-drawn. But these days, signs and the marketing plan in which they are based upon, are beyond sophisticated. Companies spend a great deal of money for marketing companies to tell them what type of branding to use and why it works.

For many years signs were not given a lot of design consideration and were probably considered one of the more disposable aspects of a retail store. Businesses have now realized that customers are the lifeblood of their success, and as such, spend a great deal of time focusing on the customer experience in their stores.

Effective Components of Retail Signage

Universally, there are a handful of signage components, if appropriately included, which will ensure the success of retail signage.

1. Legibility: Stores spend a great deal of planning time looking at the layout of their store, the traffic patterns and isles. It is important for the directional signage to be easy to read. Curly fonts are fun..in the right setting...maybe a small boutique. But when you need to find the isle for a specific product in a large store, you want quick, legible and easy-to-read signs.

2. Dimensional: A sign/shape that can be measured (such as height or depth). Flat signs will most always do the job of providing information, but a dimensional sign invites more attention, usually in a fun or interesting way. Seeing large dimensional letters on a wall to name a store department are far more attention-getting than flat letters. And with the myriad of designs and materials available, dimensional signs/letters can be produced to fit the company's theme.

3. Materials: The world of signage is dynamic and always changing, as are the products and materials we use to produce them. Never before have there been so many design options to choose from in finding just the right sign options. There are sign systems which can provide a universal look, feel and function to a store layout. There are also many other creative materials from basic to upscale and a lot of in-between to choose from.

4. Lighting: There was a time that the only type of lighting a store considered, was the fluorescent overhead lighting used to light the whole shopping floor footprint. Lighting has now become an integral part of retail design. There are LED technologies and methods of highlighting featured displays, as well as creative exterior lighting routinely included in retail design.

5. Experiential: Sometimes referred to as "engagement marketing", seeks to create a closer bond to the customer by immersing them in a fun and memorable way. 

Trader Joe's Does It Well!

Distinctive, Yet Casual Font/Letters

As I looked around for examples of a store that includes all of the above sign components, I came across Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's does a wonderful job of including effective sign elements. For instance, their signage name Trader Joe's is universally represented by a casual, easy-to-read, red font. The lines of the font give a relaxed feel to the letters/name, rather than formal straight lines.

Fun At The Beach

Anyone who has ever shopped at a Trader Joe's knows that the design features are fun, casual and tell a story of fun and family. There are typically underwater scenes, beach scenes or palm trees and sand. These design elements are representative of  activities which are typically enjoyed by most people/families on a vacation or in an outdoor lifestyle. Everyone can relate to the fun. Even a trip to the restroom at Trader Joe's is fun.

Rustic Frame With A Sign Hand-Written In Chalk

The signs that represent the Trader Joe's brand are a mixture of hand-written chalk signs; dimensional wall letters or dimensional elements added to flat signs; They are easy-to-read and always reflect the casual design esthetic that is the Trader Joe's brand.

Metal Dimensional Letters

Dimensional Elements On Flat Wall Water Background

Even the lack of an internal public address system is addressed by a fun large bell ring at Trader Joe's (1 Bell ring means open another register; 2 Bell rings indicates customer/staff questions that need to be addressed and 3 bell rings signal the need for a manager). What a simple idea that screams we have great customer service and you can see it & hear it in action!

Ringing The Bell Of  We Give "Immediate Customer Service"

Let Vital Signs Help

So about now you may be thinking..that your company does not have the marketing budget to hire a marketing company to develop your brand in a 'larger than life' way. No worries. Vital Signs has been at this signage biz for several years now. Our design staff knows how to effectively include the sign elements that will get your brand noticed. Thinking about how you can refresh your visual branding? Let Vital Signs brainstorm with you. With one of the largest sign galleries in the Pittsburgh area, we can show you examples of what works and some of the exciting new products we are working with to do the job. 

We're Waiting For Your Call!

(412) 494-3308

Oops...I almost forgot. Go to our homepage to sign up for the Vital Signs Build Your Brand GIVEAWAY. This quarter's giveaway is a set of Magnetic Signs!!

Time To Take A Signage Inventory

Visuals Count

Make Your Windows Count!

How often do you take an inventory of your signage? If you're saying to yourself, never..you would fall into the majority of most business owners. Signage is often a last thought. Most business owners forget to include signage from the beginning of the marketing plan of their business, which is a big mistake.

Use Color To Your Advantage

The reality is that signage should play a huge part in your marketing plan. Certainly signage serves the purpose of identifying your business and/or providing wayfinding directions to your customers. But if planned & designed correctly, your signs can do a lot more than just direct people to a location.

Look Around..

Take a pencil & paper & walk around your business. Use a critical eye in trying to identify each opportunity for signage that you could be taking advantage of. Do you utilize any/all of your windows for branding? What about wall signage? Is your reception area adequately branded? Does your floor have large expanses of area which could handle colorful floor graphics? Do you have any stairs that could be enhanced by graphics?

Bold Impact!

What about the ceiling? Is it appropriate to hang a large, graphic piece to a room to send a big message? And what about your existing signage? Is it fresh and attractive or maybe time for a new look? Are there any opportunities to include your brand in upscale design elements?

Larger Than Life Branding Utilizing Ceiling Space

What about your outside signage? Have you taken advantage of every branding opportunity that is available to you? Can you "wrap" a bench, chair or trash receptacle? Have you used every allowable outdoor signage opportunity to your best advantage?

A Big Message That Can't Be Missed

Do you have any elevators that could share your branding message. Elevators are great areas to send your message to those people already on the elevator or those waiting to get onto the elevator.

Capture Riders With Your Elevator Wrap Branding Message!

Don't Waste Your Signage Opportunities

Think about this. You already pay a hefty rental or mortgage amount with a lot of overhead just to have a business. Don't you owe it to yourself to capitalize on every bit of branding that you can create? 

Go Big Or Go Home!

Not sure where to start? Give Vital Signs a call. We are happy to send one of our design professionals out to help evaluate your space inside & out to make branding suggestions. You've heard it a million times, in business you have to set your business apart from the rest. That doesn't just mean with the products & services you provide. Your physical business impression should send a message that people will remember.

Call Us TODAY! We Can Help You Brand Your Possibilities!

(412) 494-3308

* Don't forget to sign up for the Vital Signs Build Your Brand GIVEAWAY! Go Here to sign up!

Magnetic Marketing

Yes...It's A Thing

So what am I talking about? Is it a dynamic marketing message or just marketing on a magnetic sign? Both! There are few people who have not seen a pair of magnetic signs on some company vehicle driving around, right. But there are various ways to use magnetic signs.

Magnetic Car Signs

The most typical and widely viewed way to use magnetic signs is on a vehicle. The convenience of their size and remove-ability makes them a popular choice to get a branding message out. But magnetic signs can be used in different settings as well.

On A Wall

Home Schedule

On a Wall? You bet. Have a magnetic surface or wall within your business or home? You may wish to get your marketing message out by using changeable magnetic signs. Any wall can become a magnetic surface with a coating of magnetic paint. Want to keep track of a schedule, grocery list or just let the kids produce their works of art? Why not put a dry-erase board with a magnetic backer right onto the wall. Vital Signs can help you with the design.

On A Menu Board

Easy-To-Change Menu Board

Many restaurants have figured out that their menu selections or  pricing needs to be changed frequently. By having a magnetic menu board system, making changes to food selections or pricing becomes an easy and inexpensive change. Creating an attractive and custom magnetic menu system is easy and does not have to break the budget in the process.

Safety or Countdown Signs

Safety or Countdown Signs

Need to motivate employees by showing how many days the company has gone without having an accident? Or maybe your having a company-wide countdown until the Corporate Anniversary Event. Magnetic signs work great for this type of need.

Gallery Wall

Magnetic Gallery Wall

Want a great idea of how to use those family pictures you have thrown in a box or other creative artwork? Creating a magnetic gallery wall is the perfect idea. What better way to showcase your many memories or design esthetic than to keep a changeable wall gallery.

Kid's Room Design

Kid's Room Magnetic Wall Design

Kids love to play with things that they can manipulate. A magnetic wall is the perfect solution for allowing creativity to bloom or zoom. Whether it's magnetic cars on a magnetic road, magnetic paper dolls or ABC's and 123's, magnetic design is a fun & smart solution for kids.

That Reminds Me...

Hey..all of this discussion about the smart uses for magnetic signs reminds me that Vital Signs has just launched it's 3rd Quarter Build Your Brand GIVEAWAY. And guess what? Our third quarter GIVEAWAY is a pair of magnetic signs up to size 18 X 24. That's right..Vital Signs is going to help you to market your business or send a message with magnetic signs. All you have to do, is to go to our Vital Signs Homepage: Vital Signs Build Your Brand GIVEAWAY to sign up. You can even sign up every day if you are so inclined. The more you enter, the better your chances. Now granted, it's not the Powerball, an HGTV house or 12 Days of Christmas Ellen giveaway..but FREE is FREE and we love giving back to our local community. So be sure to get your entries in!!

Magnetic Brainstorming

Have an idea for magnetic signs that we can help with? The Vital Signs Design Team is ready for your call! Call Us Today! 

(412) 494~3308

www.vitalsignspgh.com