July 25, 2018 – Sign Types

July 25, 2018 By Jay Cash

Sign Types: What the heck is that called?

Here are some tips and lingo when trying to figure out what type of sign you need, and for what application. Signarama, Libertyville will help you determine which signage works best for your business and how to best allocate your marketing dollars. However the list below will give you a good idea visually of what and where certain sign types are used.

Signarama Sign Finder Wall Mural RGB

EXTERIOR SIGNAGE:

Channel Letters:

This is considered your companies main sign and is typically illuminated. There are three styles of channel letter type signs. These signs are typically constructed of aluminum, lexan and plastic trim.

Raceway Mount:

Chancelight Raceway Sign Type
These illuminate form the face and can have many color and style options. This style creates less holes in the building façade when mounting (preferred by most landlords).

Flush or Pin Mount:

Exercise Coach Flush Mount Sign - Sign Types

These illuminate from the face as well; but sit flush against the building façade. This type of letter creates a lot of holes in the façade of the building and can be more costly to install due to labor.

Pin Mount with Halo Illumination:

Mundelein Village Hall Halo Illuminated Letters
Like the above sign type these create holes in the building façade BUT they do not sit flush as the illumination is a glowing effect behind the letters onto the building. The faces do not illuminate.

Cloud or Box signs:

Box Sign:

Splash Car Wash Box Sign

This is a more old school type of sign which is literally a cabinet made from extruded aluminum. The face is typically lexan and the entire face panel illuminates. Many villages are removing these form their allowed sign types.

Cloud Sign:

Picnic Basket Cloud Sign

These types of signs are a cross between a box sign and channel letter. Signs like this are best suited for intricate logos that cannot be made as channel letters. The end look however is much more custom then a box sign.

Bracket Signs:

Tina G's Restaurant Bracket Sign
These types of signs can be illuminated or non-Illuminated. The depth and design of the sign will be affected by illumination. You see many of these sign types in cute older down town areas.

Formed and Flat Cut Non-Illuminated Letters/Logos:

KSN Flat Cut Letters
This is a less expensive main sign option which is widely used in industrial parks or on building facades that have indirect gooseneck lighting. Again these types of signs have many applications and are very cost effective.

Monument Signs:

Archer Business Monument Sign
These signs are used at entrances to strip centers and office parks to identify all of the tenants from the road. Monument signs usually have easily changeable tenant identifiers which make them ideal for this application.

Boulevard Banners:

Mundelein Boulevard Banners
Villages, cities, and office parks use these light pole or boulevard banners to advertise activities or seasons. These banners bring a cohesive feel to a large empty parking lot. They are the welcome wagon one might say.

Window and Door Graphics:

Fines Window Graphics

Window graphics can be your most impactful advertising tool. They are usually the largest space available to utilize your message delivery. They are also one of the more cost effective signage options.

Wayfinding Signs:

Mundelein Public Parking Wayfinding Sign
This necessary sign type has many uses from: directional to identifying.
People always need to know where they are going and how to get there. These signs make It easy. These are typically non-illuminated but often utilize reflective lettering or backgrounds in order to be visible at night.

Metra Train Wayfinding Sign

Post and Panel Signs:

Carmel High School Post & Panel Sign

Schools, Churches, Libraries, Municipalities and office parks use this sign type as both identification signs and directional signs. We typically make these signs changeable so they provide the ability to fulfill many uses.

Vehicle Graphics:

Green Concepts Vehicle Graphics
Like window graphics; vehicle graphics are a major marketing PUNCH! Basically a rolling billboard for your business to advertise with. They vary from full wrap coverage to basic door graphics.

INTERIOR SIGNAGE:

Lobby or Reception Wall Signage:

Mundelein Village Hall Lobby Sign
This is your interior welcome signage. Let people know where they are while making them feel welcome. It is a great way to display your treasured company logo or brand.

Stanchion Informational Signage:

Innovation Park - Stanchion Signage
These are frames/stands that display important time sensitive information and can easily be changed for different events or as needed. They can also be used as directional signage.

ADA Room Identifier Signage:

Mundelein Village Hall ADA Braille Signage
These signs are the law. All buildings are required to have ADA signage in public areas. Signarama, Libertyville can help you decide where and what type of sign you need in your building to be compliant. These signs are considered fixtures of the building and not advertising.

Retractible Banner Stands:

Moveable, reusable, changeable-all around spectacular! I can not stress how much use you can get out of a retractible banner satnd. See our next Blog on tradeshows to learn more about these great products!

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July 18, 2018 – Not-For-Profit

July 18, 2018 By Jay Cash

Why Not-For-Profits are the best clients to have

Being in business; especially the sign business, we have learned over the years how important it is to give back to the community. We are often the first ones asked for donations since our products are a very important component of a Not-For-Profit (NFP) fund raising. Over the last 22 years we have cultivated and nurtured our business relationship with NFP’s.

Our Approach:

Not-For-Profit Pricing:

While we cannot give away our products all the time we can do our part in many ways. First and foremost we always offer NFP pricing which is less than our standard retail pricing, and comparable to our wholesale/resale pricing. Our NFP clients depend on this action for both discounted prices and budgeting from year to year. They know they can come to us and always receive this discount on their signage needs. If you are part of an organization, or know of one please contact us for a Free Quote.

Donations:

Each year we set up a goal for our giving. This goal is based on generated sales for the prior year and used to determine how much we can donate and to whom. We of course have some very good NFP clients who are loyal to us and will always receive our product donations. We also have new NFP who want our help as well. This is where the list comes into play. Basically we add names in the order they come in and donate our product until the pre-determined product funds are used up. Amounts given to each Not-For-Profit are based on need.

Referrals:

We value our Not-For-Profits and they value us. By taking the time to acknowledge their needs and good causes we in turn earn their business and most importantly referrals! It is the basic rule of thumb-good people help good people. While we don’t do it solely for the return business; the return business is how we are able to give more and more each year. Giving back to our community and the people who live and work in it.

Being Leaders:

Signarama, Libertyville is proud to be involved in many community not-for-profit activities and events. In 2018 we set up a food drive for the Lake County Food Pantry – including Signarama’s initial donation, we helped accumulate and donate over $4000.00 in food and necessities. Signarama owner, Jay Cash, is the co-founder of Founders 55, a group of business leaders that gives back to the community in many ways. Currently, Founders 55 is working on three initiatives: Bringing a life-size replica of the Charters of Freedom (The Constitution, The Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence) to Lake County. They work with Veteran owned businesses to support and achieve growth to the next level; and they are sponsors of the Global Leadership Summit which helps leaders get better and therefore able to give more.

Our Not-For-Profit Partners:

If you would like to learn more about some of our amazing partners, and how you can help support them follow the links below.

Liv for a Cure	First Presbyterian Church	Mundelein Little League
Ragsdale	Sure Foundation	Make a Wish
Lambs Farm	Holy Cross	Alzheimer’s Association
District 70	Advocate Charitable Fund	Founders 55
District 76	Words on Wheels	Equestrian Connection
District 126	Foundation Fighting Blindness	Reach Rescue

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July 11, 2018 – Vehicle Wraps

July 11, 2018 By Jay Cash

To Wrap or Not to Wrap That is the Question:

Many business owners or entrepreneurs driving around town see wrapped vehicles. Some of these vehicles are for large corporations like Coca-Cola or smaller local companies. There are four main things to think about when deciding to do a vehicle wrap.

First and Foremost is Cost:

Vehicle wraps are costly in comparison to regular vehicle graphics. Do you have the budget? Is this the best way to spend a portion or all your marketing resources?

Questions to ask yourself:

Is your vehicle visible for long periods of time to the people you want to reach?
Is your Return on investment going to happen with a few jobs or many jobs?
How old is your vehicle and what kind of shape is it in?
Did you budget for design of the wrap and possible logo design if needed?
Are you ready to commit to a branding look?

If your answers from above lead you to a positive outcome by doing a wrap, then here are the next items to consider.

Your Branding Message and Coverage:

Does your company’s name clearly state what you sell or service? If not a big part of deciding on a wrap design is content or message. So many times, I drive around and see vehicles with ornate color full designs and I can’t read anything about the company or what they do. Our team at Signarama, Libertyville guides the client to make sure their money is spent in the most effective way. We always use the analogy. "I am looking for a 'CLEANERS' not 'MIKES Cleaners'.” As humans we are guilty of scanning or glancing; we never totally read a message in front of us. Your impact to potential clients needs to be clear, fast and effective.

In some cases, I advise client to get a partial wrap instead of a full wrap. Partial wraps can be more effective at displaying messages and cost less than full wraps. One idea is wrapping the body of a van from mid body line down with solid vinyl creating a visual interest area which draws the eye in. We have done these types of wraps for many customers like WURTH, Unique Heating and Cooling, Cook Library, Bosch and Vape-N-Juice to name a few.

Just like your vehicle a wrap is a long-term investment and it sets the tone of your companies branding or look for as long as it is on the road. Be ready to commit to a design and message that should be used and reused. This is especially important for newer companies trying to create brand identity.

: Libertyville Police SUV

: HDE Pickup Truck

: Unique Heating & Cooling Van

Quality Materials and Installation Methods:

As mentioned above this is a big investment being added to an already large investment. It is important to make sure your sign company provides these services and materials:

Signarama, Libertyville provides design services and advise that takes a client’s idea or business goal and incorporates it into a look that is as effective as it is pretty. We can advise a client on colors that are easy to read and contrasting text and logos which pop from the vehicle. We also take the less is more approach in design to make sure the client is not overwhelming the visual space.

As important our designs compliment our installs. What this means is what looks good on paper does not always translate well to a vehicle or might litterly fall off the vehicle. We are careful to create messages that compliment the body of the vehicle and remain very visible while keeping the images clear and impactful. One example of this is the hood “rage”. A lot of clients want their hood wrapped or a logo and phone number applied. In our experience there are only some vehicle that this area is visible even when stopped. Most hoods are flat and don’t create the pitch needed for an effective sightline.

Materials are the most important part of a wrap. We only use cast vinyls with cast overlaminates such as Avery, Oracal and 3M products. These materials are guaranteed for 8-10 years depending on the vehicle storage and use. Think about it this way; if you buy a new car and plan on keeping it for 8-10 years+ then your wrap should last just as long. A wrap can also be a very effective way of safeguarding the paint on the vehicle which can get you more money at trade in time.

Manufacturer approved installation methods and certified installers are all that we use at Signarama, Libertyville. Our installers are a team of individuals with certified training and at least 5+ years of job experience for team leaders and at least 2 years for junior installers. Our teams keep up with the newest technology and tips/products to ensure your wrap last as long as it should. Our goal is to take care of your vehicle like it is our own while it is in our care.

Who is going to drive your new marketing tool?

Whether you are the business owner or and employee you will need to make sure this vehicle is driven with the utmost of caution and etiquette. This vehicle is now plastered with your company name and what goes on with the vehicle effects your brand. I promise the minute you don’t use a turn signal or tailgate your or your boss will hear about it. Now that you have taken the step to grow your business and brand make sure you and your employees take care to show the world just how professional you all are!

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July 5, 2018 – Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler Visits Signarama

July 5, 2018 By Jay Cash

Visit from the Mayor

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Watch as the Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler visits the Signarama store in Libertyville. He talks to store manager Jay, and learns more about the store from Production Manager Michael. Learn how we produce amazing signs for our customers to help grow their business, or promote events.

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