An introduction to commercial signs

The use of commercial signs around the globe identifies a business, shop, restaurant, food outlet or service provider located in a particular premises. These offer use a combination of words and imagery to let people know who they are. For example McDonalds has a very familiar use of M lettering which is now well know to most people worldwide.

The variations of designs varies dependant on the level of literacy, for example in some countries it will also be important to use imagery to tell people what they convey, arguably even for those who are literate use of good imagery portraying what the business, etc is about is still a good way to design new signs.

There are many forms such as; Wall lettering, Aircraft smoke-formed, Mural, Paper, Plastic - lettered, Plastic - engraved, Sample, Showcard, Silk screen processed, Billboard, Blimp-painted signage, Complex outdoor, neon and lettering, Complex outdoor, sheet metal with lettering, Poster, PVC, Proprietor, Proprietor - hanging, Rooftop, Aircraft towed, Banner, Exterior wall - lettered, Hanging - lettered, Hanging - multi-listing, Interior wall - lettered, Lettering on glass, Lettering on glass with goldleaf, Lettering on vehicle sides, Digital signage on LCD, Plasma, LED or similar forms of display, Distributor advertising - metal or lettered, Distributor advertising - neon, Neon and Oilcloth - lettered (similar to banner) to name but a few!

Commercial signs are designed with the aim of attracting and identifying businesses and their products to potential customers, for example; signs are placed prominently on retail outlets so people can see the shop from a variety of angles and from a distance.

Billboards are rented by large corporations to advertise their products and companies such as drink manufacturers develop small signs to be placed in pubs, bars and clubs to advertise their drinks.

A surprisingly large and interesting topic, if interested in further reading advise searching online using web or book search or consulting your local bookshop or library or local sign solutions provider.