Sculpted signs from SignCraft’s July/August 2010

Thursday, July 01, 2010

There’s something about the creative use of dimension that adds a lot of extra appeal to a sign—especially when it looks like a carved graphic. The problem is that carving can add a lot of time to a sign’s cost. Dan Sawatzky shows how he uses sculpting epoxy to do this quickly and easily in the July/August issue of SignCraft.

Dan is a firm believer in using a creative approach to maximize the advertising potential of a sign. His signs often use a little whimsy or entertainment value to draw the viewer into the message. At the same time, it ...

Four generations of sign making "down under"

Saturday, May 15, 2010

The 5500 sq. ft. shop that is home to SignKiosk in Marrickville, NSW, Australia, is the result of four generations of sign making. Built on traditional skills, the business relies on everything from gilding on glass to state-of-the-art digital printing to service its clients—who have come to count on SignKiosk to handle any project thrown at them.

Three of the shop’s staff of five are brothers Greg, Brett and Shane Bolan—whose father and grandfather were signwriters before them. They’re joined by Brett’s sons, Moyle and Michael.

Greg and Brett came up through the traditional sign writing apprenticeship program and Shane ... Read More

What's it cost to produce this 4-by-8 sign?

Thursday, May 13, 2010

David Showalter shows how he does this one-color project using cut-and-roll technique--and tracks the material cost and production time for you. What would you charge for it?

Click here to view the article from SignCraft. 

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How to price a sign in three clicks

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Ever wonder if the price you just quoted for that truck lettering job was in line with other shops with overhead about like yours? Now you can check that out—with our new online sign price calculator.

Last week, we launched the online version of the Sign Pricing Guide. Since 2005, we’ve been collecting data on sign pricing from successful shops from coast to coast, then publishing an annual print edition of the guide. Readers have always told us it’s an important, helpful resource. The most common request was that we make it available online.

Some said they would settle even for ...

What’s it cost to produce this double-faced 4-by-8-ft. sign?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

By David Showalter | David Design | Bryan, Ohio

Every once in a while, I mail a color postcard to local businesses showing a recent sign project and reminding them that we’re here to serve them. This job was the result of one of those mailings. The prospect called to comment on the sandblasted sign shown on the postcard, then mentioned that he needed a sign to advertise some property he had for sale. 

It turned out that a double-faced 4 by 8 was in order. I chose the dark green background because the sign is going in a ...

Welcome to the new www.signcraft.com

Friday, July 17, 2009

Thanks for stopping by the new SignCraft.com--a valuable new resource for signmakers. We've spent the past few months revamping the site, and hope you find it helpful. Like our print magazine, we've packed the site with ideas and information to help make your work easier and more profitable.

This is just a starting point—we've got many new features and additions planned. Just as with SignCraft magazine, we're depending on your comments and suggestions to make the site even better. We hope you'll take a moment to send your ideas (or let us know if you happen upon features that don't ...

How to apply your vinyl graphics

Friday, May 08, 2009

Proper prep and careful application will yield the best results

By Roland R. Irish III

So you have to install some vinyl lettering! Here are some instructions to help you through the process. First, keep your decals away from any liquids and overspray. While cleaning and doing prep work, put the vinyl graphics in a safe place to avoid damage. The backing paper will wrinkle if it gets wet,and the transfer tape adhesive can also be affected by moisture.

Above all,take your time and be careful during installation. This material cannot be peeled up and put down again if you ...

One-color signs that sizzle

Thursday, May 07, 2009

What do you do when the customer doesn’t have the budget for a masterpiece?

by Tom McIltrot

Readers often assume that since we get to see so much work here at SignCraft that what inspires us most is extravagant (or expensive) signs. But actually, the thing that impresses us most is a well-done, effective “everyday job” with extra appeal—an ordinary sign job done in an extraordinary way. I really like a good-looking knockout job.

We’re talking about the signs done for everyday customers with everyday budgets—and yesterday deadlines. But somehow, a creative sign person, with a good layout ...