Business signages serve mainly the following purposes: to promote, to inform, to direct, and to identify. Signages are almost anywhere, and in business, the display of these graphics symbols may persuade customers to find their way availing them. There are important considerations when designing for signages that could attract customers.
1. Size and Scale
Size and scale can present some interesting challenges in designing signages for business. Signs, banners or posters are large scale prints. The size and scale of your signage matters for sure, but everything has to fit in a balanced design. In designing, a graphic element can appear larger or smaller depending on the colors, and placements of the features on it. This is called scaling, and all scale is relative. Small shapes, for instance, tend to recede while large ones move forward. Most often, it is wiser to consider the scale of your signage than the size of the actual canvas.
2. Location and Materials
Know the installation place of your signage. Knowing the location will help you plan your design and consider multiple versions for it. Your site will also present appropriate ideas, color palette, and contrasts to your signage. Some areas may also posit code and regulations where you can’t put up too big a signage, or specific images and signs might be considered unacceptable.
Part of designing your signage is also to consider the type of material to print your signage. After knowing the location, you should by then know whether to use indoor or outdoor materials. Then, you should also weigh the durability of the material as well as distinguish if it should be in print or digital. Some common sign materials include vinyl banner, digital or print billboard, corrugated plastic and magnetic. There are great go-to services to opt as well. For instance, Shield CO Custom Signs can create something truly unique signage for your business.
3. Color Choices
People respond to visual stimuli and color is one of the major factors for that response. The effectivity of your signage will have something to do with the color choices you have, and of course, your branding included. When choosing your colors for your signage, it is essential to consider that your color choices will also reinforce and enhance your logo.
In graphic design, it is also essential to understand the two primary color modes application which is RGB and CMYK. RGB stands for Red Blue and Green. It is a color model where the colors are considered additive and light projected. Adding and mixing light to the color is the basis of the model. Therefore, when you combine red, green, and blue light, it will create a pure white. The pigments in RGB color modes will affect the color result. This color mode also posits that white is the combination of all colors, and black is the absence of colors. Designing elements displayed on television, mobile phone, computer monitor, and other kinds of light source primarily use RGB mode. So, when your signage is a digital one, you might as well look into this panel.
CMYK, on the other hand, stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It is a color model where the colors are considered subtractive color and light reflected. It works opposite of RGB. Instead of adding light to achieve a particular color, it subtracts brightness making Black a combination of all colors. CMYK is mainly used in printing- whether for posters, brochures, magazines, or books.
4. Fonts and Typography
Most of the large-scale works or signages are viewed from a distance which means that your fonts should be not only stylish but also readable. One tip to consider in choosing fonts is going for a cross-platform font. These are easy to read at any size and can guarantee you that it will display correctly even if you need to transport the file to a print shop or a different computer. Some examples of cross-platform fonts include Times New Romans, Verdana, Arial, and Trebuchet. Pick a single typeface and as much as possible, keep your message on the signage as simple too as much as possible. Avoid going for italics, and go for Bold letters when necessary.
These elements are the main things to consider when designing for your Business signages. A balanced portion on your signage would most likely attract customers to check your business. If your logo and your branding are well established, then you’re halfway done.