Fine tuning a basic sign layout

In the recent tip, “Compress with Care,” we talked about—and showed—how excessive condensing can make a typeface harder to read. Using a condensed or compressed typeface is a better choice, since the lettering is designed to be both narrow and legible. The examples in the tip went on to show how the copy on this simple informational sign might be better organized.

Lane Walker [Solo Signs, Reno, Nevada] dropped us a note with several great comments that show how to maximize the legibility and appeal of a routine sign like this one.

“The examples successfully illustrate the benefit of prioritizing copy, which is very important,” he says. “But leaving the secondary copy in the same bold face made for legibility issues and monotony of line value. Using a lighter version of the same font for the secondary copy would improve readability—and bring some San Jose Style to the party!”