Cut out the words to send a powerful message

One of the benefits of using cut-out letters on a sign on a building is that it transforms the building itself into a sign, turning the building into the background. Though the sign ordinance may only count the space occupied by the letters as the sign, to the viewer, the “sign” appears to be the wall or building.

Individual letters are a popular way to do this, but another way is to cut out the words as a unit. Noëlla Cotnam, Sign-It Signs, Williamstown, Ontario, Canada, has used this technique many times.

“When the business name is cut out like this,” Noëlla says, “with the letters connected by their outlines, it creates a nice visual unit. The sign floats on the building and casts nice shadows.