Meyer Architectural Signs & Graphics / Blog

2015 Signs of the Times Contest Winners

April 9, 2015April 8, 2015 by Pamela Montanez

We want to offer a huge congratulations to this year’s Signs of the Times contest winners. It came as no surprise that all of the projects are one of a kind and incredibly unique in both design and construction. We’ve shared a few of our favorites below hoping these signs can serve as inspiration for your next project.

Visit this link to view the entire collection of project winners.

1. Schnipper’s Kitchen

This sign was done by ArtFx in Bloomfield, CT. We love this sign because it is a true statement piece and because it especially proves that signs do not have to be illuminated to be eye catching and beautiful. *ahem, architectural signage wins!*

2.Kingsboro Park

This mural was done by Best Dressed Signs in Jamaica Plain, MA. What is better than the classic look of this mural and the feeling of home that it brings? This mural was masterfully crafted by hand by the amazing Josh Luke. Another architectural signage win!

3. Summit Bechtel Reserve

These signs were done by Design Communications Ltd. in Boston, MA. We love the rusted, aged look of the metal in with the natural wood background. These pieces blend so well with the natural environment and create a true sense of place in the area.

4. H-E-B Grocery

These classic neon signs were done by Ion Art in Austin, TX. We really like these signs for their timeless simplicity. They are perfect for the store, but we could see this type of sign in so many other places.

5. Tradition Center for Innovation

This sign was done by Creative Sign Designs in Tampa, FL. We really like this sign because of the color, layout, and of course of the use of LED lighting. LED lighting is the way of the future because of it’s long lasting, durable quality as well as it being good for the environment. This sign is stunning and a well deserved win for Creative Sign Designs.

What an amazing competition and incredible signs! We are already looking forward to next year and the works of art we will see then.

All photos from Signs of the Times

What to Expect in the Signage Process: A Step-By-Step Guide for Business Owners

April 9, 2015March 13, 2015 by Pamela Montanez

Signage is an integral part of any small business. Studies show that 85% of a business’ customer base could live within 5 miles of the business property. To fully take advantage of these statistics, appropriate signage is a must. It is not only important to make customers aware of the business presence, but to also get customers through the doors. If your business is ready to take that vital step toward increasing sales, here is a step-by-step guide for understanding what goes into this part of the advertising process.

Where it all begins

Step 1: The Appointment. What is the key to great signage for any business? Start somewhere! It all starts by calling the sign company and making an appointment for a representative to see the business property and signage location. This call is also the perfect time to discuss types of signage and any initial ideas. A representative should take measurements of any doors or windows that may be involved in the signage package along with photographs of the building. These photos are later used for a mock-up showing exactly what to expect in the final product.

Step 2: The Design. It is key to note that all signage is not permitted in every area by the city. There may be height or size restrictions to signage. The signage team should do research to find out what type of sign is allowed at the project site. If artwork is pre-determined by the business owner, the design is now sent to the signage company. The signage company designers then create a mock-up of the sign for final approval. When the vision has been realized, a final drawing is sent to the business owner for approval to begin fabrication.

Concepts Become Reality

Step 3: The Permits. Permitting is a key part of the exterior signage process that many business owners forget about. The signage company is at the mercy of the city for approval on the type of signage that gets installed. If the business owner has approved the design, the accompanying permitting paperwork is submitted for city approval. Timelines on approval are never exact, therefore starting the signage process well before an expected opening is imperative.

Step 4: The Fabrication. Once permitting has been approved, the project moves to the fabrication shop. At Meyer Architectural Signs & Graphics, all of our signage is made in-house. Complete control over the fabrication process can allow us to make up for time lost in permitting.

Step 5: The Install. On installation day, licensed installers arrive with their equipment and install the sign or signage package. Exterior installations usually involve the use of a crane, however installation crews should do their best to avoid high traffic times for the business.

Final Thoughts

Remember that while signage is key advertising, it is also a piece of art that represents your brand. Signage is never as intimidating as it seems and at Meyer ASG, we try our best to make the process as painless as possible. Are you ready to get started and attract that 85%? Give us a call today. 503-746-6613

Opsis Architecture Is Awarded National USITT Award

April 9, 2015February 25, 2015 by Pamela Montanez

monument signs, exterior signs, portland signs, sign design portland, sign design

Congratulations to Opsis Architecture who received the 2015 Architecture Merit Award for Reed College’s Performing Arts Building. We are so proud to have been part of this project along with Mayer/Reed and Hoffman Construction. More information on the award Opsis Architecture received can be found on their website at http://bit.ly/1A6KeBK

Project Overview

Reed College’s Performing Arts Building characterizes the school’s dedication to performance arts both in what role the arts played in the past, and what role they will play in Reed’s future. The Performing Arts Building now houses theatre, dance, and music departments as well as rehearsal space, a performing theatre, costume space, a multimedia lab, and offices. The building architecture team worked to produce a building that meets the needs for a performance space, academic space, and mixed-use facility.

Sign Package Overview

The Performing Arts Building sign package reflects the curves and lines of the building interior creating a seamless look as the eye moves from wall to room. Before entering the 80,000 st. ft. building, large monument signs greet patrons at both east and west entrances of the facility. The east and west monument signs are built to illuminate the flush mounted FCO letters, adhered to the painted aluminum backer. The east monument sign stands alone while the west monument sign is mounted on a cement wall. A magnetic LED-illuminated directory sits just outside the main entry doors. Upon entering the facility, the striking walls have been designed to appear as wooden waves moving horizontally from the east to west entrances. Room identification signage, made of laser cut acrylic, is placed on these walls to flow in sync with the architecture. A custom glass donor panel greets patrons by highlighting the persons who made this project possible. The building’s wayfinding package is comprised of a combination of freestanding directional signage, flag-mounted signage, and digitally printed vinyl graphics. The freestanding directional signs are made from painted aluminum bases with vinyl text and graphics. Classroom and office identification is ADA compliant and made of painted acrylic backplates with raster text and braille. A notable feature of this sign package is the transgender restroom signage design, which is made of acrylic with screen-printed artwork. The complete package includes wayfinding, donor panels, room identification, a directory sign, and monument signs.

Additional project photos can be seen here https://www.meyerasg.com/portfolio/featured-projects/#reed

Lakeridge High School Art Installation Unveiling

April 9, 2015January 15, 2015 by Pamela Montanez

Three Piece Art Installation and Design

We are proud to present this beautiful art installment for Oakridge High School in Lake Oswego. This three piece project has been installed, unveiled, and is already enhancing its corner of the high school campus. The installment consists of three 3×10′ pieces mounted on pylon frames. The pieces represent “the elements” by displaying grass and leaves, water, and the sun and flowers. For the official story on the unveiling of these pieces, please visit the Lake Oswego Review online at this link: http://bit.ly/lakeridge-art

Thinking Outside the Box with Interesting Advertising

April 9, 2015January 13, 2015 by Pamela Montanez

interesting advertising, portland architectural signs, portland signs, signs portland, digital printing portland — photo from adweek.com

Is Interesting Advertising really for me?

This year we invite you to start thinking outside the box for your advertising signage and window displays. Instead of a basic sign plainly displaying your message, get creative! As you contemplate your next design, take a look at this article and be inspired. http://bit.ly/1DDAgyI

No, really, for me?

After viewing those amazing advertising campaigns, you may be thinking how great those campaigns are, but is that really appropriate for you? Here are a few tips for developing a campaign right for you.

1. Use what you know. You know your business and you know what definitely won’t work. This being said, don’t be afraid to take risks. Is what you’ve been doing working or do you think you are ready to try something new?

2. Find out what you don’t know. Be aware of what you could be doing. You have been working hard at building your business, so maybe you have missed some of the latest technology that could be working for you. Some of our favorite and award winning companies we partner with are Visual Magnetics and 3M Graphics.

3. Use a skilled company. A good campaign is not an accident and should not be handled on the fly. These things require time, planning, design, and proper execution. Find a sign company that identifies with what you want to do so that your vision can become a reality.

4. Do it. You know as well as we do that one of the biggest impacts on your business is getting your name in front of people. Signage is a smart and important part of getting your name, your logo, and your brand in front of loyal and potential customers.

Pantone Color of the Year for 2015

March 18, 2015December 31, 2014 by Pamela Montanez

Pantone releases the 2015 color of the year: Marsala (PANTONE 18-1438) “This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.” Leatrice Eiseman Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute® This is a deep color that we are excited about seeing in use this year. You will … Read more

The Portland Building is saved… Are you a fan?

April 9, 2015December 30, 2014 by Pamela Montanez

“Michael Graves’ seminal Portland Public Services Building will be spared from demolition, despite being described as a “white elephant” and requiring an estimated $95 million for renovation. Also known as the Portland Building, the 15-story office block in Portland, Oregon, will continue to provide facilities for 1,300 of the city’s employees with a redesign that will include … Read more