Some really basic questions about an internal sign (my first)…
Background: Below is a picture of an outdoor sign I am doing. The sign is 3x8 aluminum / vinyl with the circle (sun) airbrushed. Pretty basic, pretty inexpensive but what the client requested.
I just found out that they also want an internal sign. The internal sign will be mounted on the front of the reception desk which is an oak stained wood finish. The sign will be approximately 2 feet by 3 feet. Rather than just duplicate their outdoor sign I ask for your help on spiffing it up for the inside version.
Question: I was thinking about doing some cut letters for “Sunhillo” and the airplane and mounting them with standoffs and let them cast their own shadow. What material would you recommend?
Question: What substrate might look good here against the oak reception desk?
Question: I was thinking about framing the sign somehow – to give it more of a furniture look than just a flat rectangle. Any suggestions?
Any other ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks, Steve
Posted by Belinda Palmer (Member # 4628) on January 07, 2005 11:52 AM:
Steve- Sounds like you know what to do allready! Blue Acrylic would work for letters stud mounted or if you have a "plastic" substrate you could glue them with acrylic rod for stand offs. Fancy moulding would look good for framing, finished to match, or contrast. Just an idea I'm sure there are more experienced people here with more to offer. Nice lay-out though. Good Luck, C & B
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on January 07, 2005 12:01 PM:
One thought about standing the letters off.
Is this a reception desk where people will be leaning against it? If so, the space between the letter & the sign is space for coats, whatever to get caught, possibly pulling the letters off.
If so, maybe just do the letters outta thick HDU so they're solid.
[ January 07, 2005, 12:02 PM: Message edited by: Kissymatina ]
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on January 07, 2005 12:13 PM:
My thoughts exactly! (only us gals would think about that!) I think I'd just make a flat plexiglass sign, reverse-painted or stickered, cuz even HDU letters are gonna get banged up. Love....Jill
[ January 07, 2005, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: Jillbeans ]
Posted by Todd Kehoe (Member # 1650) on January 07, 2005 12:19 PM:
For me it would be a budget issue (isn't it always) What is the budget.
If it is to be mounted to the front of a desk I don't think I would use stand off lettering (might snag clothes).
What I would propose is a Plexiglass sub about 1/2" thick lazier cut for a very smooth edge (glass like), apply the name (blue) and airplane (change to metallic dk silver) to the face, apply the circle and secondary copy to the back then cover the back with a etched film. use stand offs for mounting.
Do not apply the drop shadow, it will create its own.
Well that was fun, my invoice is in the mail
post what you end up going with
Posted by Steve Racz (Member # 4376) on January 07, 2005 12:55 PM:
Thanks guys and gals!
Great ideas - i never even thought about the snagging problem.
I have no experience with plexiglass nor applying film to the back. Didn't even know about etched film...
I love you guys and Letterville!
I will post the final product.
Thanks, Steve
[ January 07, 2005, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: Steve Racz ]
Posted by Philip Steffen (Member # 2235) on January 07, 2005 01:06 PM:
I personally don't think the "snagging" issue is that big. I have not had trouble with it. But 90% of the time my stuff is behind the receptionist desk by 5 feet and no one usually gets close to it.
I have also done a clients logo or text in polished or satin brass rather than thier typical company color (blue in this case) The logo and typesetting holds thier prized image together and the Gold gives it some class.
I dont care for HDU in reach of people. I would recommend lazer or water jet cut aluminum for the text, painted blue.
Posted by Philip Steffen (Member # 2235) on January 07, 2005 01:13 PM:
ALSO- Just saw an artical in Sign Business Magazine about interior office letters, page 70 in "Shop Talk" by Rick Williams. Might help.
Posted by Mark Matyjakowski (Member # 294) on January 07, 2005 05:30 PM:
We do lots of stuff like this. Personally I would skip the substrate and glue laser cut acrylic letters right to the oak.(no stand-off) I'm thinking 1/8" for the sun and 1/4" for the text and plane ... or 1/4" sun 3/8" other stuff. Black acrylic with gold face for letters would look classy on the oak.
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on January 07, 2005 07:35 PM:
Back to the outdoor sign... WHO is responsible for a black shadow/blue letter on a white field? Big NO-NO!
Posted by Steve Racz (Member # 4376) on January 07, 2005 11:47 PM:
Phil - thanks - i get Sign Business and i'm going to check out the article.
Thanks Mark - great ideas.
Michael - the design is not mine (don't know who did it) - the sign was specified by the customer so i can't take credit / blame.
Thanks, Steve
[ January 08, 2005, 12:07 AM: Message edited by: Steve Racz ]
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