By signcraft
Posted on Friday, November 28th, 2025
In every issue, SignCraft gave a few sign makers an imaginary project. We asked them to do a sketch of the sign they might have produced, and to quote a price for the job. Most of the details were left to the designer’s imagination. The object was to see how different sign makers approach the same project. Here’s the scenario these sign makers were given:
A group of snowmobile enthusiasts has a new 24-ft. enclosed trailer. It’s black, and they’re looking for some catchy graphics that will help their rig stand out. They say they like the look of silver metallic film, but they’re open to other ideas. They’re primarily interested in a good combination of colors, since they plan to match their new uniforms to the colors you choose for their trailer.
This appeared in the May/June 2015 issue of SignCraft. While the prices have been adjusted for inflation as of 2025, they may not accurately reflect current pricing for such signage.
Rich Golisch
Smart Sign & Graphics | Fall Creek, Wisconsin
My thinking was cold and edgy for this design, so I picked graphics and lettering to reflect this. I think that in this case, the customer’s mind is on racing—whether it is cold weather sports or something else. So I might be doing something out of the ordinary, but this is what came to mind.
The cost would be in the $3100 range which would include some lettering/graphics on the back doors. If the budget was tight, though, I think the design could be modified quite easily to lower the cost and still hold the general integrity of the layout.
Rose and Ray Grossi
Midwest Signworks | Morris, Illinois
This job is typical of the work we do in our shop. We generally try to keep the message straightforward and readable. If they wanted something more radical, we would add $110 per hour for additional design time.
We would use chrome film for the main copy and all premium vinyl film for the rest.
The cost for the top drawing, with lettering but no graphic on the two sides, is $2400. Add $645 for the back, and the cost would be $3075 total.
With the graphic as either airbrushed or as a laminated digital print on premium vinyl, using a photo supplied by the client or purchased art, the cost for the two sides alone would be $3883. Again, doing the graphics on the back would add $647, bringing the total for this version to $4530.
Braun Bleamer
Jet Signs | Palmerton, Pennsylvania
Full color prints on Avery 1005 vinyl with Avery 1060 Gloss Overlaminate, and Avery 900 Series cut vinyl as needed. Cost for all three sides: $1950
Installation of graphics: $1585
Total price: $3535
