ORDERING INFORMATION
Before contacting us about getting signs made,
there are several things you should consider.
Click the items in the list below to find out more.
Because all of our products are custom-made, we require a 50% deposit on all orders. There are several ways to contact us about placing an order or getting an estimate. Please visit our Contact Us page for more information. |
Environment
Where is your sign going to be placed and how will it be installed? Will it be indoors or outdoors? Will the sign need to be visible at night? Will the sign need to be seen from both sides? How long do you need the sign to last? These factors will determine a lot of the sign's characteristics. Keep these in mind so that we can help you determine the most effective way to make the signage you need.
Size
The possibilities are endless. As a general rule, the dimensions we most often user are by the foot or half foot (6 inches). Don't forget that as the distance between the sign and the viewer increases, the readability decreases. Along with sign size, letter size is also an important factor to take into account.
Quantity
How many signs do you want? For certain signs, the price goes down when you order a higher quantity.
Color
How many colors do you want to use. Generally, the more colors you use, the higher the price gets. What color combinations do you want to use? To ensure that people will notice your sign, choose a color combination that is bold and readable.
Will you need a special color ordered for the material? If you have specific colors that are part of your image, logo, or brand, please tell us. Note that ordering a special color may increase the turnaround time for your sign.
Design & Artwork
Do you already have a design laid out? (Please see below for some guidelines on what file formats are acceptable for output) If you need something designed for you, we offer design services (at a cost) and can help you to come up with exactly what you're looking for. Basic text layout and proofing is included in the sign price while more complicated artwork and design will be an additional cost.
File Formats
So, you have your own artwork? Fabulous! But before we can use it to make your signs, we'll need it in digital format that we can output properly.
Logos, Text, Line-based or Vector-based Artwork
For this type of artwork, we will need the following types of files: EPS (encapsulated post script), AI (adobe illustrator), or PDF (portable document file). As long as the artwork was created in a program that uses vector graphics such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Freehand, we can manipulate it and scale it appropriately. Don't forget to make outlines of any type (text and numbers).
Photos, 4-color Images or Raster Artwork
This type of artwork is based on pixels so it is important that if we are creating a large sign that the artwork is equally as large. Just scaling a smaller image to make it larger will simply make the image fuzzy and pixelated. For this type of artwork, we will need the following: either a TIFF or JPEG that ideally has a resolution of 300 dpi scaled at the size of its final output. The higher resolution, the better.
If you have complicated artwork that needs to be retraced, redrawn, or digitized, there will probably be an additional design cost involved. Simple designs and artwork may not require an additional cost. Ask us if you are unsure.
You can submit files to us through email or burned onto a CD. For large files we prefer CD submission.
Installation
Many signs have to be installed after we make them. Installation may require sophisticated lifts and cranes to accomplish this. When we estimate the cost of a sign, we include these costs. A good rule of thumb is that installation will range from $100-150 per hour, not including special equipment that may be required.
Some very complex installations will require special engineering. The cost of these installations will include the engineering and design costs which can be considerable.
Permits
Some sign installations require permits from local governments. Please ask us about how to obtain proper permits.
