Search
Related Links
How Readable is My Business Sign? - Part 1
There are some things to consider when deciding the signage
needs of your business. You may need to ask, "How large of a sign do we need to
install?" or "How big should we make the letters on our dimensional sign?" You
may question whether to use some type of architectural lettering or simply have
a panel sign.
The outcome of these decisions could possibly steer more
business to your door or allow many potential customers to routinely pass your
business without ever seeing your sign. Having a sign which is too small is a
common problem; however, the solution is often to get a bigger sign with more
lettering on it! Because you have more space does not mean you need more wording. Your sign must contain a quickly digestible message. It must be seen, read, digested, and (hopefully) acted upon, in a very short period of time.
According to several studies by various organizations, a minimum sign letter height of 4" is required for the message to be read at a distance of 100 feet. We aren't talking about digesting what has been read or
acting upon it. and let's not forget the fact that they will have to notice it is even there! The distance of 250 feet will require a minimum 10" sign letter, and a 16" letter will be needed for the sign to be read for a city block. When
you get to 500 feet, you'll need a 22" sign letter for the message to be understood.
When we review many signs we imagine that the owner took ALL the wording from their newspaper advertising and then used ALL the information from the company business card to come up with the sign design. Yes, I am aware that I stretched that example somewhat, but I wanted the point to be made that often LESS is MORE. Find the way for your message, for your
business, for your
building sign. find the way to shorten your wording and to make it take command of the
available
sign space on the building.
We'll cover more in another article. if we can assist you, let us know. We would count it an honor to be a part of your sign project.
About the Author
2005 Steve Cowart is a sign layout and lettering designer for Sign Letters Online. Business owners and commercial builders find
a valuable resource at SignLettersOnline.net
where they learn about and purchase over 20,000 various
sign letters.