They say signs are a great investment in your business. But not everyone believes that. You
have seen them- handwritten, cheap paper posters in store windows, cheap stickers on truck
doors, tired and torn banners flapping in the wind outside a store. On a budget, this type of
signage can work but only temporarily and the investment is not always with it. Not only does
cheap signage wear out quickly but unless the time and investment in the design is done
properly then you risk throwing your money away altogether.
Sign design is critical to getting your message across. A good designer is worth his/her
weight in gold so don’t forget to have a professional who understands sign design to help
you.
When designing signage, there are several design elements to think about to ensure that the
sign is effective, legible, and visually appealing. Here are 10 key ingredients that we at
SpeedPro Signs Mississauga/Etobicoke/Brampton use when we design and produce signs:
1. Clear and Concise Messaging
- Simplicity: The message should be brief and to the point. Avoid unnecessary
information that could confuse or overwhelm the viewer. - Legibility: Use clear, easy-to-read fonts. The font size should be large enough to be
seen from the intended viewing distance.
2. Typography
- Font Choice: Choose fonts that are legible and appropriate for the message. Sans
serif fonts are commonly used for readability, especially at a distance. - Font Size: Ensure that the font size is large enough to be read easily. Titles should
be prominent, while secondary information should be smaller but still readable. - Contrast: High contrast between the text and background improves readability (e.g.,
dark text on a light background or vice versa)
3. Colour Scheme
- Contrast: The colours of the text and background should contrast well to make the sign easy to read.
- Brand Identity: Ensure that the design elements align with the branding, style
guides, or design trends of the organization, so the signage feels cohesive with other
materials. - Attention-Grabbing: Use bold or vibrant colours to attract attention, but avoid
overuse of bright colours which could overwhelm the viewer. - Colour Psychology: Different colours evoke different emotions. Consider how
colours influence perception based on the type of sign (e.g., red for urgency, green
for safety). - Uniformity: If the signage is part of a series, maintain consistency in colours, fonts,
and layout across all signs for brand coherence.
4. Imagery and Graphics
- Icons: Use simple, clear icons or images to reinforce the message (e.g., a restroom sign with a symbol of a man or woman).
- High-Quality Graphics: Ensure any images or graphics are high-resolution and
appropriately sized. - Appropriate Graphics: The graphics should be relevant to the message and
audience. Too many images can detract from the message or make the sign
cluttered.
5. Hierarchy
- Visual Hierarchy: Prioritize the most important information by making it larger,
bolder, or more prominent. For example, the name of the business or the main
message should be the most noticeable element. - Subtle Differentiation: Use visual cues such as size, colour, and placement to
distinguish between different types of information (e.g., headlines, subheadings, and
details).
6. Spacing and Alignment
- Whitespace: Proper spacing between elements makes a design feel organized and
legible. Avoid overcrowding the sign with too much information. - Alignment: Ensure elements are aligned properly (left, centre, or right) to create
balance and a neat appearance
7. Material and Finish
- Durability: The material should suit the environment (e.g., weather-resistant for
outdoor signs). - Texture and Finish: Consider using a finish that enhances visibility, such as
reflective materials for night-time visibility or matte finishes for a sleek look
8. Lighting (if applicable)
- Visibility at Night: For signs placed in low light conditions, consider backlighting,
front lighting, or reflective materials. - Ambient Lighting: Ensure the lighting does not create glare that could obscure the
sign’s information.
9. Size and Proportions
- Scale: Ensure the sign is sized appropriately for its location and intended purpose. It
should be large enough to catch attention but not so large that it feels overwhelming. - Proportionality: Maintain balanced proportions between text, graphics, and space to
create harmony in the design.
10. Location and Directional Flow
- Visibility: The sign must be placed where it is easily seen and can be read from the
appropriate distance. - Directional Cues: If the sign is guiding people (e.g., directional signage), arrows or
other indicators should be clear and easy to understand.
SpeedPro Signs Brampton/Mississauga/Etobicoke believe in incorporating these design
elements to ensure that your signage will be functional, clear, and visually impactful.
Follow these simple guidelines and you increase your chances of getting noticed. This will
lead to sales and a definite increase in your bottom line.
Remember – We here at SpeedPro Signs Etobicoke/Brampton/Mississauga always say that
a sign should not cost you money…It should MAKE YOU MONEY!
