CNC routers speed production and open new markets
CNC routers are a common production tool in more and more sign shops. Cutout letters, sign faces, 3D carving—all these and more are… Read More
signcraft
Cover photo: The Red Barn – Sean Beauchamp
Custom sign shops are unusual, creative places that design and fabricate a custom product—designed for one specific use for one specific customer. And… Read More
Cover photo: Phatt Pho – Roger Cox
Sometimes it’s time for a change. That’s what Roger Cox decided after 30+ years of making signs in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. He sold… Read More
11 script typefaces for under 25 bucks
Script adds a personal look to a layout and brings energy that stiffer typefaces can’t match. It works well for primary copy as… Read More
Cover photo: VanHeugten Contractors – Randy Howe
The typefaces you choose for a sign project have a huge impact on the effectiveness of the sign. The font must be highly… Read More
Cover photo: Glenn Sheckler Electrical – Braun Bleamer
It’s a fact: The right graphics can turn a vehicle into a rolling billboard for about the cost of a candy bar each… Read More
Choosing paints and finishes
Many signs, with the exception of printed graphics or substrates, get a painted finish on all or part of the sign. Knowing which… Read More
Shop Trucks revisited: 2005 to 2007
Like most small businesses, a sign business’s vehicles are one of the best advertising opportunities going. Besides attracting customers, it showcases your design… Read More
Cover Photo – Prairie Sky Apartments – RT Signs
3D signs pack a lot of appeal, and it’s easy to add them to the type of signs you offer. It opens the… Read More
Using the Sign Pricing Guide
While most sign makers find the process of creating and producing signs interesting and exciting, they would also agree that determining what to… Read More
How to determine your hourly shop rate
The basis for knowing what to charge for your signs is knowing what it costs for you to operate your shop for each… Read More
Design & Price: 3-by-24-ft. banner
In every issue, SignCraft gave a few sign makers an imaginary project. We asked them to do a sketch of the sign they… Read More
Cover photo: Clinton Casual Patio & Fireplace – Doug Downey
Do you really need to print at 300dpi? The short answer is no, according to Doug Downey [The Image Factory, Stratford, Ontario, Canada]…. Read More
Readers comment: Emphasize the company’s name or their product/service?
A couple of weeks ago, we featured an article by Jeff Cahill titled, “Should you emphasize the company name or their product/service?” Jeff… Read More
Cover photo: Sparacino Auto Rescue – Scottie Kania
Some sign makers do a little bit of everything while others settle into a niche market like 3D signage, truck lettering, boats or… Read More
Putting it together: Oakdale Farms – RT Signs
It’s always great to see a beautiful sign, but for creative sign makers it’s even better to learn what went into designing and… Read More
Cover photo: Bird & Jim – Signs We’ve Seen
Tourist towns always have more than their share of interesting signs, and Estes Park, Colorado, is no exception. Small shops and places to… Read More
10 beefy fonts for the New Year
Big, bold, beefy letter styles really come in handy on signs. They are usually extra-legible. They deliver plenty of contrast to medium, light… Read More
Cover photo: DMU Concrete– Bob Behounek
At the peak of his career, Bob Behounek was designing and lettering the graphics on about 400 trucks per year. Many of those… Read More
Before-and-after examples mean easier sales
Before-and-after examples may be the fastest way to educate customers and gain their confidence during the sales process. It may be before-and-after photos… Read More
