Creative Cover

Sometimes when creating signage for buildings or entryways, we forget that there are other elements that can play a crucial role in the overall design. By collaborating with Architects and the structure of the building, awnings, canopies, and other elements of architecture can be cleverly integrated with sign graphics to create a unique environment and impactful design scape. Below are some unique canopies that are creative and inspirational.

The Writing on the Window

It never fails to amaze me that some people are reluctant to believe that good design is often less costly than bad design. Of course, I don't just mean the overall cost of the services and product, but also the return on investment.

Take simple window graphics, for instance. If you hire a Designer, the cost for the actual design is usually based on industry standard pricing guidelines, and fluctuates slightly based on the competency of the Designer. In most cases, however, the price for the actual design falls in a very specific range. The cost for fabricating and installing the window graphics is also more or less a fixed cost. Only varying slightly depending on the vendor. Some vendors offer design services for free. Beware, the cost of those services can sometimes be hidden in the total cost. Plus, the designers they have on staff are typically not the best designers in town. (My apologies to sign vendors, but in my experience it's true.) Most of my examples of bad window graphics are from the websites of sign companies.



In any case, these photo examples of beautifully designed window graphics versus very poorly designed window graphics clearly show which is the better investment. Poorly designed graphics can actually hurt a business in the long run. Which would you want for your business? See my point? I'll say it again, the price of good design often costs less than bad design.

Colored Glass

I have to admit, I am attracted to most things that are colorful and shiny. Glittering glass sculptures with their radiant color and reflected light can be especially inspiring. I've recently used tinted glass for Landmark Theatres entrance canopy, here in Baltimore. BHA Architects designed the canopy structure and coordinated the fabrication. Their original design had called for a clear glass canopy that matched the rest of the canopies along the building's facade. In order to make the Movie Theater entrance more pronounced, I suggested using a tinted glass in my entrance signage design.



Here are some other examples of how tinted glass can be used to enhance an experience. Below are some photos of the Hudson Hotel in New York City, designed by Philip Starke. As well as some other examples I came across online. I apologize, but for the life of me, I can't remember where I found them.