Sandwich Sign.. Anyone?

In Your Face Advertising

Current Specials Happening

Most people have seen them. I am talking about Sandwich Signs aka A Frame Signs. Every day in any city or country, A Frame signs dot the sidewalks or open spaces in front of restaurants, cafes and other types of businesses. An A Frame/Sandwich Sign can be simple, rustic or fancy in their design but always have a specific advertising purpose.

Daily Specials

Trivia Night

Many businesses choose to use a sidewalk sign to advertise their daily specials or happy hours. Placing an A Frame on the sidewalk or space in front of one's business is marketing to a very specific group of people. Typically these signs market to sidewalk pedestrian traffic or others who might be driving by. Utilizing sidewalk signs to market is a great way to capture the potential customer(s) walking by who had not planned on visiting the business, but happened to see a delicious picture of the lunch special and decided to go in for lunch. 

Fun Scooby Sign...Cleaver!

Big Bang For Your Sign Marketing Bucks

Who Can Resist This Image?

A Frame signs now come in a variety of sizes and are made from different materials (wood, pvc). Of course A Frames/Sidewalk Signs are used for non-branding purposes, including wayfinding or perhaps a temporary message (wet floors), etc. They can be of a lightweight design for easy storing when not in use. A Frames can also be fabricated from heavy-duty plastic which can be weighted down with sand, sandbags or water to keep the sign stationary for longer periods of time.

Design Aesthetic

Event Signage

While there may be many A Frame sign types to choose from, some savvy restauranteurs know the value of using an attractive wooden A Frame sign. Creatively written menus on a chalk surface can add charm & whimsy to a one-of-a-kind eatery.

Simple, But Upscale

Have We Got A Sign For You!

Current Event Signage

Want to capitalize on all of the storefront foot traffic in front of your business? We can help! Please give us a call to discuss the best A Frame options for your business!

Call Vital Signs TODAY!

(412) 494-3308

The Sky's The Limit..Really!!

When Ceilings Become Part Of The Design Esthetic

The Ceiling Is The Focal Point Of These Wall Treatments

I enjoy reading our sign and graphics trade publications because they keep me informed of design trends. Having the knowledge of design trends in turn, helps us in working with customers. One of the most recent design trends I read about within the wallpaper arena, is covering the ceiling with wallpaper. As I looked around online, I found some very cool examples of these ceiling wallpaper applications. Vital Signs did not produce or install the following examples, but we certainly have the capacity to, we just need that first, bold customer or designer who wants to make a statement!

A Variety Of Medias To Choose From

An Attractive Wood-Look Ceiling Application

One of the very best things I like about this wallpaper ceiling idea is that Vital Signs has a variety of suitable medias that we can choose from to make custom wallpaper. With the explosion of printable medias, using the most appropriate type of media for the space/surface is easy to determine.

Total Design Immersion

Types Of Media

Surface Appropriate: Depending upon the surface to be covered, Vital Signs' offers medias which will work on a textured, uneven or flat surface.

Making A Bold Design Statement

Media Material: There are always questions to be answered before choosing the specific media for printing and applying. For instance, how long do you desire the wallcovering/ceiling covering to stay applied to the surface? We now have media which is used for short term periods of time. Concerned about glue on your wall? We have a thin, fabric media which is a peel & stick product.

The Ease Of Peel And Stick Fabric Media

Traditional Wallpaper: For those who prefer traditional wallpaper, Vital Signs has that as well. Our wallpaper media is not made to be adhesive-backed and does require wallpaper glue. But rest assured, we can create a one-of-a-kind design on your custom wallpaper!

Just The Right Subtle, Yet Monochromatic Touch

Finish: Matte or shiny, we've got you covered.

For All Of The Dolphin-Loving Folks!

There really are more choices than ever if you truly want a custom space. Not sure about what design you want? Give us a call. Our design team is very skilled at considering ALL of the design details.

We're Waiting For Your Call!

(412) 494-3308 

www.vitalsignspgh.com

Vital Signs..Scratching The Surface!

Yes, We Engrave!

Did you know that Vital Signs offers engraving? A number of years ago, Vital Signs added a rotary engraver to our variety of signage and graphic offerings. From utilitarian to decorative designs, we can provide you with a variety of engraved signs.

Like What?

Specifically, we can produce:

• ADA-compliant Braille signs
• Decorative Engraved Gifts
• Nameplates
• ID Tags
• Door Signs
• Gun Plates
• Plaques
• Stamps
• Technical Plates
• Room Signs
• Elevator Signs
• No Smoking Signs
• Emergency Signs
• And the list goes on....

Advantages Of Using A Rotary Engraver

There are advantages to using a rotary engraver. One advantage is the ability to engrave with depth into plastic and metal sign plates. Also, rotary engravers are great for producing ADA signs, in addition to engraved decorations, trophy plates and awards.

What Is The Difference Between A Rotary Engraver & A Laser Engraver?

A rotary-type engraver (i.e. one with a spindle & cutting bits) can be less expensive than laser-based engravers, but capably performs many engraving tasks. A laser engraver may offer more material versatility. For example, a laser system can engrave on standard substrates, plus synthetic leather, wood or such soft substances as bar soap or chocolates. Other laser machines will engrave on steel and many other metals. No matter which type of engraving you require, Vital Signs can help!

Who Needs Engraved Signs?

Well..lots of folks. Engraved signs are commonly used by:

• Hospitals
• Public Buildings
• Hotels
• Industrial Businesses
• Any business or organization who requires directional & instructional signage
• Businesses who need to mark their equipment or electrical control panels
• Cockpit Instrumentation Panels and more...

Are You In Compliance With All Of Your ADA/Engraved Signs?

Need assistance in ensuring your company's compliance with all ADA-required signage? Vital Signs is happy to provide a no-cost review of your facility to ensure that your signs are ADA design-compliant and placed by required specifications (specific rooms; wall locations and heights).

Call Vital Signs TODAY to make an appointment!

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

New Year, New Review

Sign Review...That Is

Okay, at the risk of repeating myself (or re-posting a previously posted blog post..hint hint..), I am going to address the same topic, with almost the exact same wording I used before. Why, you ask? Because it is a new year and still applies. I will say again that a new year is typically the time when we make personal New Year's Resolutions with the best of intentions. Many of those resolutions are personal ones about the way we look, our size, how we function in our daily lives, etc.

We want to look our best, be healthy and function in a way that is positive and productive. And when you think about your business signs and visual branding, those attributes still apply. It is easy in the day-to-day business operations, to forget about the visual identity of our businesses. For many, signage and branding was a one-time 'must do' and then it hasn't been thought about much since. 

If you are not in the annual habit of reviewing your signage and visual branding, you should be. In today's advertising and media driven climate, every business should be maximizing every advertising opportunity at their disposal (within the bounds of your business budget of course). Signage and visual branding is a relatively economical way to get a large return on your investment.

So what should be included with an annual signage review?

1. Condition: What shape is/are your sign(s) in? Are they in poor condition and in need of repair? Do they have vinyl peeling or appear weathered and worn?

2. Impression: What type of impression does your sign(s) leave with viewers? Does it have instant impact? Is the design attractive or outdated? Is the sign(s) presenting your business at it's best? Does your signage grab a viewer's attention with a bold design? What they say about first impressions is true..even with signage.

3. Functionality: Is your sign bringing you business? Does your signage work for you 24/7?

4. Location: Is your signage placed in the most strategic location(s) of your business? Is there another location that would provide more viewer exposure or an additional location in which you could add more signage?

5. Material: Are you using the best material(s) for your signage? For instance, perhaps you have an old wooden post & panel sign when you could be using a newer, more attractive and eco-friendly sign system. Is your sign(s) lit to advertise your business at night?

Never Underestimate The Importance Of Your Signs...

Signs are absolutely critical to your bottom line and the healthy operation of your cash flow. Sub-par signs can serve to function like a slow leak of profitability. Of course your signage and visual graphics don't  need to be replaced every year, but one should definitely do an annual review to ensure that your business signs and graphics are serving the business in the highest manner possible. Not only that, how else will you find out about the cool, new media and products Vital Signs is serving up. We are always monitoring new products and trends in the visual branding arena and appreciate the opportunity to bring them to our customers. 

Do you need assistance in doing your signage review? Vital Signs is happy to help. We would be happy to come to your local location and help assist in the review of your business signage. Just give us a call!

(412) 494-3308

The staff at Vital Signs would like to wish all of you a very happy new year! May you all be surrounded by friends, family, pets and those things which make you the happiest! 

Here's to a wonderful 2019!🎉

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!