By signcraft
Posted on Friday, July 18th, 2025
A successful layout uses contrast to make sure the message is read in the proper order and that the sign is appealing to look at. This is true of everything from routine informational signs to billboards. Layout is what determines how effective a sign will be.
These before-and-after photos by Lisa Freshler [USMC Sign Shop, Cherry Hill, North Carolina] do a great job of showing how the right layout makes even a routine informational sign do its job better. The size, colors and shape of these two signs are the same—but her new layout gives the message a much stronger voice and makes the sign much more effective.
Before
After
Simple, common-sense changes made the new layout more effective. First, the copy was arranged in a natural reading order based on importance. What do readers need to know first? “Danger”, then that they can’t go further, and finally the reason why—it’s a dog training area.
Next, color was used for emphasis and to add interest: a reverse red panel at the top, heavy black text for “Off Limits” sitting on a red rule. Strong color contrasts were needed to deliver this important information with a punch.
Notice the contrast in the font choices, too. She used the same extended font for the copy at the top and bottom, then a bold condensed font in the center. They’re all simple, easy-to-read letter styles. They’re bold so that they can shout the warning to the viewer.
This article appeared in the January/February 2014 issue of SignCraft.
