When it comes to choosing the right signage letters for your business, there are a few key factors to consider: your brand identity, the target audience, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
Designing signage should be a fun endeavour, but itcan quickly feel overwhelming when you are faced with the many design features there are out there. But we are here to help! Let’s delve into the diverse world of signage letters, exploring typographical choices for letters on signs and signage design options.
Letters on signs – a beginners guide.
There are two main components to signage letters – the style of the letters used (and what they say) and the make up of the sign itself. Signage letters are the building blocks of effective visual communication. They can range from simple, traditional styles to complex, modern designs, each with its own unique impact.
The typography of signs
Typography is the technical term for the font used within your sign. It covers every aspect of the design, from the size and width of each part of the letter, to the slant the words can take. The typography you choose for your signage can significantly influence its overall aesthetic and readability, and is an important decision to make as it may be a key part of your overall company branding. Here are some key factors to consider:
Font Style
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- Serif Fonts: From typewriters to paperback novels, these fonts have small strokes at the ends of letters, which can add a classic and elegant touch to your signage. As well as looking more professional and formal in style, there is a theory that these can aid in quick reading, making them perfect for signs that need to be read at speed. EXAMPLES: Courier, Times New Roman, Baskerville.
- Sans-Serif Fonts: These fonts lack the serifs, resulting in a clean and modern look. They are often used for contemporary signage. This does not mean that they have to lack in professionalism, however. The most famous sans serif font is that which is used on the London Underground: Johnston. Here is a font that is heralded for its minimal art deco (but timeless) appeal. EXAMPLES: Comic Sans, Arial, Futura.
- Script Fonts: These fonts mimic handwritten script (or even act as faux calligraphy) and can add a human angle to your signage. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, as the emphasis on artisan products and homemade, personal touches have become more desirable to customers than corporate faceless branding. EXAMPLES: Ford, Coca Cola, Barbie – all have created their own script font that is instantly recognisable.
Now that you know the style of the typography, here are some other aspects of their design that you might need to know:
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- Font Weight: The weight of a font refers to its thickness. A bold font can be more impactful, while a light font can be more delicate.
- Letter Spacing: The spacing between letters can affect readability. Too much or too little spacing can hinder legibility. The technical term for this is Kerning, which refers specifically to the horizontal space between letters.
- Line Height: The space between lines of text can also impact readability. Adequate line height ensures that the text is easy to read. This can also include the space between the top of your upper and lower case letters, and how much the ascenders and descenders are allowed to encroach into the space above and below the line.
Signage letters – your design choices
So, you’ve got your font all figured out and your colour scheme set. But how are you going to actually display your new signage? Let’s look at some popular letters of signs options.
Dimensional Letters
Dimensional lettering, whether in the form of fully 3D or built up letters, offer a bold and eye-catching way to elevate your brand’s visibility. By adding depth and dimension to your signage, you can create a striking visual impact. Here are the options for built up letters:
3D Letters: These letters have depth and can be made from various materials, such as acrylic, metal, or wood. They are often used for storefront signage, monument signs, and channel letters. They can also be combined with other signage features, such as various forms of lighting, or made just of the company name/logo with a supplementary sign containing other information nearby.
Raised Letters: These letters are raised from a flat surface, creating a subtle 3D effect. They are commonly used on building facades and wall signs -especially in the form of architectural signage-, but can also be used internally in high prestige buildings or places where branding is important, such as a reception area.
Pros of 3D Lettering Signage:
- Visual Impact: 3D letters stand out from traditional flat signage, drawing attention from passersby.
- Versatility: They can be made from various materials, such as acrylic, metal, or wood, to suit different styles and budgets.
- Durability: Well-crafted 3D letters can withstand harsh weather conditions and last for many years.
Cons of 3D Lettering Signage:
- Cost: 3D letters can be more expensive to produce than flat signage, especially for larger or more complex designs.
- Installation: Proper installation is crucial to ensure the letters are secure and aligned, and may not be suitable for all store fronts, such as those with only glass facades.
Flat Cut Letters
If you want your letters to stand out but don’t want (or can’t have) built up or 3D lettering, there are still ways to make the focus fall on to the text. Flat cut letters are self explanatory, and make for a visually appealing finish. But it is when they are combined with other elements, such as lighting, where they really come into their own. The main types are:
Acrylic Letters: These letters are cut from acrylic sheets and can be painted or backlit. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of applications.
Metal Letters: These letters are cut from metal sheets, such as aluminium or stainless steel. They are durable and weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor signage.
Illuminated Letters: superpower your signage!
Regardless of the design attributes of your signage, there are few examples that cannot be enhanced by lighting of some kind. This is even more important when you want focus to fall on your signage lettering. Illuminated signage letters offer several advantages. They enhance visibility, particularly at night, ensuring your business remains noticeable even in low-light conditions, such as bad weather or if you are down a side street and want a projecting sign that catches the attention of those on the high street from afar. Additionally, backlit letters provide a captivating visual impact, allowing for customisation with unique colours and designs to strengthen brand identity. Modern LED technology offers energy-efficient lighting solutions for illuminated signage, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Pretty much any sign style can be illuminated, and there are a variety of ways that this can be achieved. internally or externally lit, spotlit, lit by gas… There are so many options, it all just depends on the desired overall effect you are after.
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- Channel Letters: These letters have a front face and a back panel, with the sides open to allow for illumination. They are often used for storefront signage.
- Halo-Lit Letters: These letters have a halo of light around them, creating a dramatic effect.
- Front-Lit Letters: These letters are illuminated from the front, providing a bright and eye-catching display.
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- Neon or faux neon letters: Ignore the revival of neon signs and you will be missing out on an easy way to upgrade the branding of your location. Whether you go for true neon or an imitation neon sign made out of energy efficient LED lights, there are many applications for neon; from the main fascia sign to a fun internal text sign that carries a slogan to emphasise your brand personality.
Signs are more than the sum of their parts, but by carefully considering the typography and type of signage letters, you can create impactful and effective signage that enhances your brand and attracts customers.
If you’re on the lookout for new signage for your business, Medash Signs is a trusted choice for high-quality signage solutions. With years of experience, we offer custom designs tailored to your specific needs. Plus, we only ever use premium materials and advanced techniques, to ensure the durability and long lasting visual appeal of whatever sign you opt for. Moreover, our commitment to exceptional customer service ensures that you have a seamless sign creating experience from start to finish. Get in touch today to chat to our friendly team, we can’t wait to work with you.