Why not CLEAR Stickers or Decals?

Almost weekly I have been asked to supply CLEAR Stickers or Decals. The first question I have is How will the stickers or decals be used? What is the color of the item they will be applied to? Generally the color to which they are mounted to has to be a light neutral color, preferably white.

Colors need to be backed up with white or the printed graphics and text colors will bleed out and take on the background colors. Basically with any sign, vehicle graphics or even a banner, has to isolate and/or support the colors intended. All efforts of color matching and color management will be a waste of time and effort on clear medias or substrates.

If you look closely at clear decals or stickers, there will be generally a halo of white around the images printed text. Even though it appears to be clear, additional costs of materials and equipment have been incurred, to apply a detailed layout of white ink first.

So remember, a clear background on a sticker, decal, vehicle graphic or other signage, does not necessarily relate to lower cost. a contour or detailed die cut on a white media may offer the best unit costing long-term.

Benefits of Digital Printing

Printing Technology has progressed and evolved over the years, from type setting each letter for printing, to hand painting signs. Offset and Screen Printing have greatly increased efficiencies, helping reduce costs, but little improvement of set-up costs and image quality.

Welcome to the world of Digital Printing. the sign industry has advanced more and faster in the past 5 years, than in the past 25 years. So what are the primary benefits to Digital Printing?

• No or very low set up costs.
• Fast turn around capabilities. What took days or weeks can now be accomplished in hours if needed.
• Amazing Colors.
• Photo Quality Prints and Graphics.
• Able to do small quantities, even stickers at affordable prices.

So what does this mean for you? Those cool and creative ideas you had in the past, can now become a reality. Technology allows us to print on over 300 substrates or materials and the costs are no longer a constraint as in the past. In fact in today’s business arena, you will be left standing alone if you don’t have the latest and greatest signage.

At Pillar Signs and Graphics, we can help take you to the leading edge of Digital Printing. Get Noticed!

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Best Artwork Goes to….

There is something to be said for customers with exceptional artwork. And here it is…Wait for it…Wait for it… Wait for it…AMAZING!

But not everyone has the tools for the best artwork. And there comes the challenges for the sign companies or anyone in as industry where Vector and high-resolution artwork is needed for the best possible product.

Here are some of the best artwork tips that you can bring to the table:

• High resolution photos (for photo printing) Dpi of 300 and dimensions of over 1000.
• If you have an advertising company come up with your logo and concept, MAKE SURE to get your files in a vector format, the PMS colors (if used) You paid for your logo and the time it took to create it so make sure you get a copy. Demand the best quality from your designer. Period!
• Vector artwork, even if it’s going to be printed is the ABSOLUTE best type of artwork to give to a sign maker, embroiders, etc. We work with lines and lines make everything crisp.

Pillar Signs and Graphics can help you create your logo. Our designer is fantastic!

Tips & Advise: Avoiding Bad Signage

There are only two purposes for signs, to Attract Attention or Communicate a Message. Now you know everything about signs, …. of course not!
Signs should have a bare minimum of needed information. Menu Boards and other static signage hung in place where people can stop and read all the detail, are excellent for large amounts of text / copy. Other wise you lose the potential to connect, sometimes even before they’ve gotten to you name. So what good is your sign?

Finding the right design for the job is crucial to getting the most out your money. The design that you have for your Business Card or Brochure, probably won’t work for a Billboard application as designed. With the proper help from a trained Graphics Designer, it could happen. I say “could happen”, only because some designs simply will not work in large format, due to the image size, or incorrect file types. The list continues!

Things to keep in mind for designing a good sign:

• Create a sign that will achieve it’s purpose to answer these questions – How will this sign be used and what is its goal?
• Design for readability and Graphic Appeal – Business cards shouldn’t be designed the same as a Banner, Billboard or Tradeshow Graphics. Each must be approached differently in design for presentation.
• Avoid Crowded Text / Copy – It is most likely too crowded and not enough “Breathing Room”, if the text is too small to be easily read from the expected viewing distance. Remember other considerations, will the reader we standing still or driving by at 55 mph?
• Easy on the Fonts – Using too many kinds of fonts loses flow, connectivity and effectiveness. As a rule 2 to 3 different fonts on a sign is about as crazy as you want to get. Over use of creative or “Fancy” fonts can distract from the message the sign is intended.
• Use contrast – Good visual contrast can make any sign stand out. Hopefully you have a good layout after that, to keep the reader interested!
• Keep Backgrounds Simple – Sign Backgrounds or Graphics that are too busy can easily distract from the text message. Remember the background isn’t why you need a sign, it’s the text, working and message that needs the most attention and focal point.

Too often signs are designed with good intentions, to do more than attract attention or convey a message. Our staff at Pillar Signs can help you stay focused, to achieve more with less from your sign.

Good LOGOS work for free.

While reading other designers blogs and facing the world of design there is a high market for “just ok” designs and the designs that stand out and make you remember them. Which do you want?

For some people getting a logo design is crucial and they are willing to pay for the time and effort that goes into creating a visual image/branding for their company. Pillar Signs went through a re-branding a few months ago and what a difference it has made. People are beginning to recognize the image and that was one of our goals along with bringing a newly refreshed look into our design. It has caught the eye of many of our customers and brought us many new customers. Why is this key? Well, if people remember you, then you get more attention, more notice, more sales, more on your bottom line, etc. You do want people to remember your business…right? Your logo will work hard for you every day, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, no vacation time, no sick time, etc. Now isn’t it worth the money?

Pillar Signs and Graphics can help you with your new or existing logo. Re-design it, tweak it what ever it takes to get you noticed again and again and again!

Pillar Logo