JULY 2012
Vo lu m e 234, N u m b e r 7
About the cover: American Sign Museum founder Tod Swormstedt’s 13-year vision of an expansive, permanent home came true in June. Neon, porcelain-enamel and gilded signage are among its many impressive attractions. The new Museum opened for a sneak preview on June 1-2, and opened for public tours on June 23. ST Sr. Art Director Jeff Russ took the photo. For more information, see p. 44.
FEATURES
33
Vehicle Graphics Contest Extension
The deadline is now July 18.
44
44
The American Sign Museum Opens!
by Wade Swormstedt The permanent location debuts June 23.
50
An Electric-Sign Company Snapshot
Rogers Sign, Federal Heath and Gable Signs discuss current trends.
58
58 62 66 77
By Print or by Paint Extreme Installs
by Steve Aust Old- and new-school murals captivate.
by Darek Johnson Overcoming rooftop and underground hazards
Lessons for the Boss The Value of Signs
by Steve Aust FastSigns CEO Catherine Monson appears on Undercover Boss.
62 COLUMNS and DEPARTMENTS
6 12 16 20 24
by Wade Swormstedt Newport, KY creates an entertainment-district sign code.
ST Update by Steve Aust OAAA’s OBIE winners, a captive audience, gilders donate to New Orleans Technology Update by Darek Johnson Is extreme conduct a taxing situation? Vinyl Apps by Steve Aust CV Wraps decorates a Filipino food-service vehicle. Strictly Commercial by Mike Bethune Carving dimensional eye candy Lighting Techniques by Marcus Thielen A report from Light+Building 2012 in Germany
28 30 32 34 103 104
The Moving Message by Bob Klausmeier Pixel sharing and SMD technology Technology Review by Chris and Kathi Morrison Gerber’s 5.0 Omega software Technology Review by Chris and Kathi Morrison Printer Evolution’s grand-format printers New Products by Steve Aust Product Showcase: Paints/Coatings Advertising Index Editorially Speaking by Wade Swormstedt The double standard
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - July 2012