The 2012 International Sign Design Competition had quite an audience this year at the ISA Expo. The winning entries were displayed in eight categories, and they were all very creative. According to ISA, this year had the highest number of entries in the three-year history. The competition is for on-premise sign design, and the winners are chosen by on-line voting prior to the Expo. So, not only do the entries need to be creative, the competitors need to know how to use electronic and social media to market their entries for votes.

One thing we noticed about the winners: simplicity and innovation reigned. Clean lines, functional design and durability were all folded into sleek signage. The overall winner, the San Diego Zoo exit sign, was actually animated, with moving wings on a giant macaw – wing span of 13 feet. Still, clean design was key. The wings moved up and down in unison, and a simple vertical lettering of “Exit” couldn’t be missed. The sign met its goal of showing visitors the way out.

Other winners used acrylic, etched vinyl, digital graphics or LED technology for church signs, building signs, school signs and more. From office signs to banners and electric to non-electric, the designers used a variety of methods and materials to communicate their messages. Some made big statements with little pictures. Some simply created an identity for the client name. But all of the custom sign designers should be applauded for their efforts in both client satisfaction and design innovation.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Opening day for baseball season is not far away. Doesn’t everyone love to go to the ball park? Whether it’s Little League, farm teams, or professional players, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd is a great experience. It just screams “Spring!” It’s also an opportunity to make signage work for you in promoting and advertising your business. There are opportunities from small budget to major commitment.

First, start exploring right in your back yard. Little League teams are always looking for sponsors. You can reach Harford County families by sponsoring team T-shirts. There are also opportunities for outdoor banners at Little League Opening Day festivities. Any sponsorship will position your business as a good corporate citizen by giving something back to the community.

Second, consider direct advertising with sports banners. Farm teams and professional teams generate revenue through advertising dollars, and there are many packages you can negotiate that will include ad banners as well as game tickets. For professional games, you not only get the attendees at the game, you’ll get the televised audience as well. Make sure any banners used on sporting fields can stand the test of spring storms, winds, and sun. Don’t skimp on materials or inks. When you’re spending that kind of money, you’ll want to make the best impression possible.

Last, advertising on the digital screen at the ball park is a way to utilize digital signage without investing in it yourself. If you have the budget, you can create a memorable message that will be seen by thousands in Baltimore and Harford County.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

It’s the holiday inevitable: returns. You’ve undoubtedly already established your return policy if you’re a retailer. But how do you insure that a customer returns? (comes back, that is!)

Considering that many customers may be new to your store simply because they are returning a gift, you’ll want to give them your best service. Clear, readable signage can help. Describing your return policy in a sign right next to the register makes it handy for reference. Directional signage from the front entry to the return lines keeps traffic flowing smoothly and gives the customer a hassle-free experience. Temporary signs for employees to separate returned merchandise by aisle or section right at the return counter can make inventory accounting easier. Attention-getting point-of-purchase signs for exchanges or sale merchandise will help you get some additional sales, despite the returns. And, encourage cheerful employees – their smiles are the best signs that you want a customer’s return business!

Prepare for the store return rush today: contact Blue Water Signs about purchasing any of these types of signs for your business.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

As the end of the calendar year looms, you are no doubt looking at plans and budgets for next year. If you do even one trade show or exhibit during the year, consider the image you portray there.

Is it a table with brochures and a candy jar? Hopefully not. Your image at a show is what people will remember. So make your trade show exhibit signage eye-catching and on point with your key messages.

Prominently feature your logo at least once within your space. It should be at or above the visitor’s eye level. Draw your customer in with visually appealing signage that is easy to read. Snappy graphics and digital quality photographs are a must.  

The exhibit can be portable with graphics on a foldable board, or it can be much more elaborate and feature digital signage that customizes your message for each show you attend. Regardless of the size or media, you can make a good impression within a reasonable budget. Make sure whatever you choose will look clean and consistent every time, no matter who sets it up. Use your exhibit signage to communicate your pride as a business owner and your image will be remembered.  

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

You can prepare your business for the holidays with plenty of inventory, great specials and seasonal decorations... but your communication is the key to success. From your outdoor sign to your employees, you can spread good cheer with a little attention to detail. Here are a few ideas:

• Spruce up your outdoor and window signage with a good cleaning or paint touch-up to make it sparkle. If you feel you must add seasonal decoration to it, keep it simple. A sprig of pine or some plain white lights will send the message that you’re in the spirit, but won’t detract from your image.
• Inside, make your store or office a haven from other harried environments. Think about the little nuances that would make your guests feel relaxed – whether it’s a tray of cookies and hot chocolate as they browse, or added sales help to make their visit more efficient. Communicate these amenities both with a personal greeting and clear, eye-catching signage.
• Double-check all indoor signs to be sure the offers or instructions are clear. This will minimize confusion for both guests and employees, and speed up service.
• Have employees check any “Bah, humbug” attitudes at the door. A smile begets a smile, and you want your visitors to leave your establishment feeling cheerful. After all, the message your employees send to customers is just as important as the messaging on your signs!

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink