Signs of the Times - August 2013 - (Page 58)

Commercial-Shop 1 on 1’s Three companies discuss non-electric trends. L ast month (see ST, July 2013, page 56), we published some Q&As with prominent electric-sign companies. This month, we’re using the same format to converse with people from commercial (non-electric) sign companies. Terri Wood • LonoWood Art Co. • Albion, NY How is the general market for projecting, dimensional signage? I think there are always customers who understand that a well-designed, carved, dimensional sign can have a dramatic impact on creating the whole look and feel of their establishment, and that the sign will draw interested consumers. Those customers will go the extra mile to have a sign of such caliber. I think, more and more, people see the value in great signage, and that is a wonderful thing. I see that carved and dimensional signs are becoming more and more mainstream as people are exposed to them. The visual appeal of this type of sign is undeniable. What new equipment/tools are facilitating the creation of such signage? The CNC routers have allowed us greater capabilities in the production of our dimensional signs. We can use our imagination and do more things with more precision than ever before. We started making carved signs before CNCs existed, and everything at that point was hand-cut and carved. We still, however, do some handcarving when the right texture or flourish is needed. Hand carving still has its place, and that’s something not many companies can or will do, which gives us a bit more of an edge in our niche market. CNC availability has also been a problem in the fact that any sign company now can provide carved signs via usage of wholesale sign companies. We just try to keep ahead of the curve with creative designs, materials and finish usage. 58 SIGNS OF THE TIMES / AUGUST 2013 / www.signweb.com What new materials are being used? For exterior signs, we use primarily high-density urethane (HDU). Interior signs give us the opportunity to get more creative in our material choices than with exterior signs, because we don’t have to concern ourselves with longevity and the materials holding up to the extremes of Mother Nature. We have used metal laminates, granite, mahogany, maple, cherry, aluminum, stainless steel, copper and glass, as well as HDU. In exterior signs, we sometimes mimic those same materials in finishes. The sky is the limit with the interior signs, and it’s always exciting, and sometimes daunting, to use new materials for the first time. As always, we need to do our research and make sure that the right glues or finishes are used, among other things. To what extent do you suggest such signage to clients, and to what extent do they request it? When appropriate, we always suggest such signage, because dimensional signs allow us to be as creative as possible, and they’ve been our niche market. Many times, customers are familiar with our work and come to us with dimensional signs in mind. What is the general, sign-code attitude toward such signage? We have mostly had very good luck with getting sign permits and variances when needed. Well-designed and constructed signs are welcome, and towns appreciate the fact that they improve the visual appeal of the area as a whole. The only time we were shot down was attempting to get a variance for a very cool, dimensional sign for a restaurant in a strip mall. We were unfortunately forced to match the channel lettering of the adjacent Sherwin-Williams store. http://www.signweb.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - August 2013

Signs of the Times - August 2013
Contents
ST Update
Technology Update
Cloud-based signshop software
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Electric
LED Update
Software Update
Technology Review - Esko Kongsberg XN finishing system
Technology Review - Gerber Edge seminars
Sign Museum News
New Products
Standing Their Ground
Commercial-Sign Company 1 on 1’s
Layers
Dynamic Displays at LAX
Advertising index
Editorially speaking

Signs of the Times - August 2013