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Don’t let poor kerning wreck your layout
September 16th, 2022 by Mike JacksonSelect the Text tool, click somewhere on the page to set to location, then type away. Resize the type to fit the space… Read More
Design & Price: 2-by-16 ft. overlaid plywood sign
September 14th, 2022 by signcraftIn every issue, SignCraft gives a few sign makers an imaginary project. We ask them to do a sketch of the sign they… Read More
Use contrast to keep outlines and shadows under control
September 9th, 2022 by George PerkinsEarly in my career I did a lot of racecar work, mostly dirt track cars. My goal was to have the car show… Read More
Back to basics: Keep your logos clean and simple
September 2nd, 2022 by Dan AntonelliWith so many easy-to-use filters and special effects now available, it’s easy to get carried away with adding all sorts of bells and… Read More
Let’s focus on design
August 26th, 2022 by Bob BehounekNo matter how many signs we design, paint, vinylize or produce in some form or another, the number of design possibilities before us… Read More
Using bitmaps to create reliefs for CNC routing
August 21st, 2022 by René GirouxWhat is relief? To me, relief is like three-dimensional color. Just as you can add color to a line art layout to make… Read More
What’s it cost to produce this 3-D sign?
August 12th, 2022 by Duncan WilkieWe had worked with this architectural firm on a major government project, both at the design phase and throughout production and installation. Meanwhile,… Read More
Then and now: Gold leaf is a natural for fire apparatus
August 5th, 2022 by signcraftAmericans have been decorating fire apparatus for a long time—by most accounts, for over 200 years. The embellishment has always been elaborate, and… Read More
5 steps to great logo designs
July 29th, 2022 by Dan AntonelliAt my agency, we’re fortunate to get a very wide range of logo design work—from the landscape company to the computer consulting firm…. Read More
Help save these Chicago ghost signs
July 29th, 2022 by signcraftA few weeks ago, a demolition crew began tearing the siding off a building in the downtown Chicago neighborhood of Lake View. In… Read More
Step-by-step: Using computer-cut masks for glass gilding
July 22nd, 2022 by Chris LoveladyLike many sign makers, Chris Lovelady did gold leaf lettering on glass using traditional methods—patterns, japan colors and brown quills. That process delivered… Read More
Hammered metals make unique graphics
July 15th, 2022 by Peter PoanessaFrom the time I was a youngster, I dreamed of being a jeweler. I liked working in 3-D and looked at each piece… Read More
