Everything But The Weed

Approved by:
Linda Maze, a Wedding photography Gainesville FL in Gainesville Florida

When you are designing a sign, you will be faced with the decision of whether or not to add graphics to your text message. There are several reasons why this can work well , and in some cases, why it may not work at all. Here are some helpful points on how to decide what your sign does and does not need.

Pro

1. More room. If you can say it with a picture, you can usually use less words in your sign copy. A great bonus if you’re already limited on working area of a smaller sign. For example, if you plan to use small signs for employee parking, you could use a small picture of a car and the employee’s name. This can save you quite a few words, and in turn, save you money as well.

2. More attractive. Many times, signs with a graphic is more pleasing to the eye. If you have a nice logo that you would like to display, or a useful graphic that relates to your business, this touch can really complete a sign. Sometimes words are just not enough and the addition of a small picture can “dress” up your sign.

3. More promotion. An important part of branding is the use of your company logo in all of your promotional materials and throughout your store. Your graphic sign should not be overlooked in this process. By adding a logo to your sign, you’re creating even more opportunities to create recognition with potential customers and previous customers will be able to remember your logo as well. Each time you display part of your brand, it is creating an important link in the mind of a consumer back to your company.

4. More attention. If you need to catch the eye of a consumer quickly, a well-designed graphic on a sign can do quite well. Let’s face it too. No one wants to read a sign that says “Caution: There are men working on the side of the road up ahead and we ask that not run them over.” But a simple sign or two placed facing the oncoming traffic of a man on the side of the road relates the same thing in much less time, not to mention the time you were focused on the sign and not the road itself. A graphic can also help you stand out from the competition.

Con

1. Longer to design. If you do not currently have a logo or graphic, designing a sign that includes a graphic will take longer than one with just text. If you are not prepared and you need your sign in a hurry, you may need to skip this option. In the event that you do not have a logo, and you need one for your sign, you may need to pay a professional to design one for you, increasing your costs for this sign.

2. May fall out-of-date. If you are using a seasonal or novelty graphic on your sign, you may not be able to use it during the entire year. It is a better idea to pick a graphic that will work throughout the year, or to skip this step if you cannot afford to frequently change your signs.