Category: News

You’ve invested in your business by wrapping your fleet in graphics. It’s a decision that will pay off, so how can you ensure the longevity of your wrap? A vehicle wrap isn’t like paint. 

We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about vehicle wrap maintenance and answered them below.

Do I wash my vehicle wrap often?

Yes. It’s important to wash your vehicle wrap on a weekly, or at least bi-weekly, basis. When you wash your fleet graphics often, you remove contaminates that could stain or damage the wrap. Plus, you’re more likely to remove hard-to-clean to clean contaminants (like bird droppings and tar) before they can harden and become stubborn problems.

How do I wash my vehicle wrap?

Carefully. A vehicle wrap is durable, but it’s not made to be permanent like your car’s paint job. So, you should avoid abrasive and harsh cleaning methods like automated car washes and pressure washers. These methods can cause the vehicle wrap to peel prematurely.

Instead, handwash your fleet graphics using soapy water and the two-bucket method. Fill one bucket with warm water and a gentle detergent. Fill the other bucket with clean rinse water. As you wash a section of the wrap from the first bucket, use the second bucket to rinse. Then let your vehicle air dry or use a microfiber towel.

If you find yourself in a situation where a car wash is a must, try to use a touchless service. Pressure washing can be safe, too, if you use the lowest setting.

Where should I store my wrapped vehicles? 

The best place to store your wrapped vehicle when it’s not in use is in a garage. If you don’t have a garage available, parking in the shade is the next best option. Too much exposure to the sun can cause your vehicle wrap to fade or discolor. 

You can also apply a ceramic coating to your wrap to help protect it from UV rays and contaminates. Ceramic coatings improve the longevity of your fleet graphics by adding a second layer of protection, much like wax does for paint.

We’re here to answer your questions

Your fleet graphics are a work of art. With a little know-how and some simple maintenance, you can enjoy them for years. Signature Graphics is your partner in success, and we’re always ready to answer your questions. Contact us today.

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.

You’re planning a big outdoor event, and you want it to be a blockbuster. You’ve found the venue, booked the entertainment, and lined up the refreshments. The big day arrives, and you realize you’ve forgotten one critical thing: signage. All your event amenities are fabulous, but no one knows how to find them.

Don’t let this happen to you. Signage helps create an atmosphere and keeps your guests informed and comfortable in an unfamiliar place. Plus, signage is an excellent opportunity to inject personality and fun into your event. Read on for tips on using signs to make your next outdoor event the best one yet.

How to Plan your Signage

Once you have your event plan in place, it’s time to think about the event from your guest’s perspective. What questions will they have? What important areas will they need to find? How would you like them to flow through your space? Consider mapping out your event area on paper to get a big picture view. Although it’s not an exhaustive list, some standard pieces of signage are:

• Restrooms
• Entertainment area/stages
• Entrance/exit signs
• Social media/hashtags
• Wifi information
• Food and drink 
• Ticket or registration packet pick up
• Customer service

How to Get the Most Out of your Outdoor Event Signage

There’s good signage, and then there’s GREAT signage. Good signage is informative and easy to understand. In short, it does its job but not much more. Great signage surprises and delights its viewers. 

Research by the 3M corporation suggests that we process visual data 60,000 times faster than text. If you use text-only signs, you’re missing opportunities to connect with customers. Here are some different signage options that can easily be designed with your brand in mind:

• Branded tabletops or chairs
• Photo booth backdrops
• Floating signs
• Banners
• Feather flags and flying signs
• Event Tents
• Yard Signs

How to Create your Event Signage

To ensure your signage is expertly designed, call Signature Graphics. We are pros at creating event signage, so you know you’ll get a product that’s just right for you. Let us help you take your outdoor event to the next level. Contact us today. 

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.

Imagine entering a store you’ve never visited before. You look around for clues about where to start but there are no signs to direct you. Maybe you’re a bargain hunter and want to know where to find the clearance section. But because there aren’t signs, you’re stumped. You want to find an associate to ask for help, but don’t see any signs for the cash register. If you’re like most people, you’d probably feel frustrated enough to leave.

If your retail space doesn’t have wayfinding signage, this could be happening in your store. You might be missing out on valuable business because the customer is confused about how to navigate your space. Luckily, there’s a simple solution for this problem: wayfinding signage.

What is wayfinding signage?

Wayfinding is the process of navigating from point A to point B.  Wayfinding signage is a system of tools that helps with that process. They are some of the most simple and effective ways to help patrons navigate their physical environment and orient themselves in their location.

Types of signage and how to use them in retail

There are four basic types wayfinding signage. We’ve outlined a few popular ways they’re used in retail spaces but get creative! The main goal is to help your customer have a great, stress-free experience.

• Information: signs that provide extra information about the space, like Wi-Fi info, or what space is public vs. staff only or what items are on sale. These signs are great to use for educating customers about promotions or loyalty programs.
• Direction: signs that tell you what direction to travel in. Use the signs to nudge customers toward a certain path around the store, so they check out everything you have to offer. You can guide them with arrows or other directional signage. 
• Identification: signs that provide information about the space. Identification signs are critical for a good user experience and help customers know where to find the entry & exits, the changing rooms, specific sections of the store, or where to check out.
• Warnings: signs that help keep people away from danger. These signs, like “no smoking” or “caution wet floor” keep people safe and your operation running smoothly.

Why wayfinding signage is important for retail

Wayfinding is not just important for retail, it’s necessary. Without it, you risk a poor customer experience and lost sales. The good news is that wayfinding has a host of benefits including:

• Delight: functional and creative retail signage can help customers feel welcome and at ease, creating a sense of wellbeing and loyalty.
• Autonomy: Customers can easily find what they’re looking for without having to ask for help, saving everyone time and hassle.
• Branding: Wayfinding signage can pull double duty as a marketing tool. Keep your wayfinding signs cohesive with your brand and inform customers about deals and promotions. 
• Efficiency: because customers can navigate for themselves, your staff will likely be less stressed and have more time to focus on important tasks.

Get Help with Your Wayfinding Signage

If you need help creating or updating the wayfinding signage in your retail space, call us! Our design professionals are ready to collaborate with you. Together, we’ll develop the perfect wayfinding signage for your space. 

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.

You’ve poured everything into your business, so it hurts to see people walk past your storefront without a second glance. That lack of interest signals a lost opportunity to build a relationship, grow your business, and reach your dreams. If this sounds like you, maybe it’s time to maximize your space with attention-grabbing window and storefront signage.  

Captivating storefront visuals are a powerful invitation to would-be customers. When you align your visuals to the buying cycle, you’ll ensure that your graphics are aligned with your customer’s experience. A typical buying cycle looks like: 

• Awareness
• Consideration
• Intent
• Purchase
• Loyalty

We’ve put together a handy guide to help you think through the perfect graphics for your storefront. 

Activate Awareness

These graphics should be eye-catching and attention-grabbing. Don’t tell the whole story of your brand with these graphics; just enough to make a would-be customer curious. For example, large, well-placed window signage of your logo might work wonders! 

Cultivate Consideration

Now that you’ve drawn the customer into taking a closer look, you can use additional signage to give more information and details. This storefront signage should align with your brand and tell the customer what makes your business special. Maybe you’re a clothing store specializing sustainably or a French-themed coffee shop. Use a window graphic or storefront sign to introduce yourself!

Inform About Intention

Your storefront signage has caught the eye of a would-be customer, and they’ve walked over for a closer look. Now’s the time to offer an incentive to step in for a look around! Tell the customer about any special offers or unique value that sets your business apart from the competition. Maybe you’re offering a 10% off storewide sale or selling single-origin coffee from local roasters. Use signage to get the word out. 

Lead to Loyalty

Congratulations! You’ve walked the customer through the buying process and made a sale! Signage can turn a one-time customer into a loyal patron. Use signage to intrigue current customers with information about rewards programs or upcoming promotions to keep them coming back again and again. 

Contact Us

Using window and storefront signage for your business is easier than you might think. Our team of experts is ready to support you every step of the way. Installation is available nationwide, so maximize your space with professional design and printing from Signature Graphics. Contact us today to request a quote.

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.

Gameday is magical and involves much more than just what happens between the players. The countless hours of preparation, the arena, the sights, sounds, smells, and most especially the crowd combine to create electric energy.  

From the fans to the coach to the player, everyone brings their enthusiasm to the game-day experience. As a sports leader, it’s your job to help them have the best experience possible. Environmental graphic design can help create a game-day atmosphere that promotes safety, team pride, and an inspiring experience. When employed strategically, they help fans navigate an arena while instilling a sense of ownership and pride for their favorite sports team and will leave them talking about the game for months afterward! 

Whether you’re updating your current graphics or designing them for the first time, Signature Graphics can help. We’ve put together a list of considerations to help you pick the perfect graphics for your athletic venue. 

Environmental Graphics for Action, Identity, and Information

The opportunities for sports graphics are endless, so it’s helpful to focus on three primary functions for your graphics: action, identity, and information.  

Action

Environmental graphics that inspire action often take the form of signage with a clever or personalized message. Paired with team colors or a mascot, they might encourage viewers to purchase tickets, help keep the arena clean, or use a customized hashtag on their social posts.  

Identity

Think about your favorite sports team; what comes to mind? Most likely, you think about team colors, a mascot, or maybe a favorite player–that’s identity graphics at work! Identity graphics help establish a sense of place and purpose for visitors, employees, and players. These graphics can be employed in building facades and stadiums, indoor arenas, locker rooms, hallways, locker rooms, arena floors, and seating. If your institution manages multiple sports teams, you can even use sports-specific graphics while using unified branding.  

Information

Informational graphics, sometimes known as wayfinding graphics, impart important information such as where to find seats, how to exit, or what dangers to avoid. Good informational graphics are all about minimalism, giving viewers just the right amount of information at the right time. These graphics often employ a mix of carefully selected fonts and pictograms to get the point across quickly and effectively. They can be found on entrances and exits, walls, or even floors to help people navigate and avoid danger.

Fleet Wraps: The Venue and Beyond

Fleet Graphic Advertising is one of the most effective marketing strategies you can choose for your team. Studies show that vehicle marketing results in a 97% message recall for viewers, making it an excellent return on investment.   When you wrap your athletic vehicles, you mobilize your message outside the arena and into your community. With a vehicle wrap, you’ll have a chance to impact those who might not be familiar with your team. It can also serve as a way to connect with existing fans, generating a sense of pride and interest in purchasing another ticket. A vehicle wrap can be applied to your entire fleet: team buses, planes, employee vehicles, and even Zambonis!   

Contact Us

Environmental graphics is a powerful tool to enhance the magic of game time for your team, employees, and fans. Signature Graphics has a team of experts waiting to help you design and install the perfect graphics for your athletic venue. Contact us today to request your quote

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.

Groark Boys BBQ is an award-winning barbeque business that boasts its own line of barbeque products, spices, and barbequing guides. With over 451,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 3 million followers on TikTok, demand for Groark Boys BBQ products is high. Due to their growing success, Groark Boys BBQ recently transitioned from a pop-up tent to a Food Truck and needed to brand their new truck with vinyl wrap graphics. 

Client Goals

Matt Groark, founder of Groark Boys, had two primary goals: 

• Transition from a pop-up tent to a food truck, which required an adjustment to his business model. 
• Completely wrap one trailer to brand his new food truck business.

Obstacles

Food truck fleet graphics are satisfying projects, and Signature Graphics was honored to work with Groark Boys BBQ to develop their vehicle wrap. As with any project, we encountered a few obstacles on the path toward success. For this project, we faced:

• Custom vehicle modifications to the make and model.
• Signature Graphics suggested late creative adjustments to enhance the brand through the new custom vehicle modifications after installation.

Solutions

Results

The experts at Signature Graphics were able to correct issues quickly to create an engaging and high-impact food truck vehicle wrap that supported the client’s needs. The client was delighted with the final result and their experience with Signature Graphics.

Conclusion 

Obstacles happen, and we’re prepared to support our clients every step of the way. That’s why Signature Graphics leverages our experts to identify the proper make and models through visual inspections and measurements. In the rare instance of miscommunication or unexpected vehicle customization, we happily work with our clients to achieve their desired results. We go the extra mile for our clients, whether they have one vehicle asset or thousands of vehicles. Contact us today to learn more.

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.

At Signature, innovation has been a watchword of our success. A keystone of the Signature
experience. One which drives our branding beyond the bounds of the ordinary and redraws the
limits of the possible. Signature’s guiding philosophy has always been to not only be an industry
leader but also a pioneer in the most technologically advanced and data-driven branding strategies.
As we strive to revolutionize the branding industry, we have come to the realization that structural
changes are needed to accelerate our digital transformation.

“We have made it our signature to never stagnate and ever evolve. We don’t want to be the ones that
merely move with the shifting sands of technology; we want to be the ones that shift it. We recognize
cutting-edge technology as the ability to see something in real-time, and to drive the shift in this
direction, we need an infrastructure that supports this level of transparency,”

President and CEO of Signature, Timothy Guse.

On April 1st, Signature will complete our migration to a new enterprise resource planning (ERP)
system that will promote transparency and operational efficiency to support our global clients. As we
navigate this new terrain, we want to assure our partners that we will work tirelessly to guide, advise,
and smooth the path ahead should there be any unexpected bends in the road.

Signature partners can soon expect:

• An upgrade to our documentation such as invoices, packing slips, and purchase orders.
• Greater level of internal transparency to the status of branding orders at every phase of
  construction.
• An enhanced suite of online ordering capabilities.
  And much more.

We want our partners to know that as we break new ground to foster the branding technology of
tomorrow, you can expect our unrivaled responsiveness throughout.

For questions, you may reach our Signature team at 800-356-3235.

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.

As a business owner, you know that effective and consistent marketing is a critical ingredient in running a thriving business.  But with all the marketing options available in today’s digital world, how do you know that fleet graphic advertising will be the strategy that turns your marketing dollars into a business investment?

We get it, investing in a new strategy can feel daunting.  To help, we’ve outlined research-based benefits to fleet graphic advertising. 

Vehicle Wraps are the Most Effective Signage on the Market.

As a rule, consumers need to hear or see your message seven times before they will convert.  Vehicle Wraps provide consistent visibility in markets you serve, effectively and consistently reminding consumers of your services.

• US drivers travel an average of 159 miles per week. Of those drivers, 64% notice vehicle graphics. 
• Those vehicle graphics generate 30,000 impressions per day ^[1]
• Vehicle marketing results in a 97% message recall for viewers (compared with only 19% recall with stationary signs!) ^[2]

Vehicle Wraps Offer Outstanding ROI

Vehicle Wraps are the most cost-effective signage you can buy, they beat the competition in both impressions and durability. 

• The cost per thousand impressions (CPM) for fleet graphics is $0.48. Compare that to billboards ($3.56), magazine ads ($21.46) or radio ($7.75). ^[3]
• A wrap can typically last up to five years depending on usage and type. This means you make a one-time investment and reap the benefits much longer than other marketing strategies!

Vehicle Wraps are Customizable and Tax Deductible

Vehicle Wraps can be professionally designed based on branding, consumer needs, budget, and services.  Best of all, because your fleet is comprised of commercial vehicles, both the design fee and the cost of the vehicle wrap can be tax deductible!

Signature Graphics Expertise Can Meet your Vehicle Wrap Needs

Fleet Graphic Advertising is one of the most effective marketing strategies you can choose for your business.  Still, how can you be sure you’ve chosen the right design, materials, and methods?  At Signature Graphics, we’ve got you covered.  We understand that our clients’ needs and offer a highly consultative, hands-on approach to manage the maze of logistics as a partner, not just a supplier.  What’s more, thanks to our relationship with parent company Omnicom Group and our partnership with 3M, we’re able to bring you:

• Specialists with innovation, razor sharp insight, break-through strategies.
• World-class manufacturing methods backed by a solid warranty. 
• A national and global Installation network
• Proprietary graphics and installation software with brandRESPONSE.

We leverage our relationships and expertise to offer our clients a worry-free way to bring your brand to life.

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Let Signature Graphics maximize your advertising efforts. Contact us today!

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^[1] ARD Ventures,

^[2] RYP & Becker Group

^[3] https://oaaa.org/

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.

People love to window shop and savvy retail professionals know that beautiful window displays are a powerful tool to turn casual browsers into paying customers.  Inventive window displays date all the way back to 1874, when R. H. Macy pioneered the very first Christmas windows in NYC.  Since then, major retailers have competed to outdo each other employing the likes of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali to tell the story of their brand. Macy was on to something: by leveraging imaginative window displays, he ushered potential customers into a magical experience they wanted to be a part of.

If you’re ready to leverage your storefront to convert more customers but don’t want to invest in expensive or theatrical displays, then we’ve got great news!  Any retailer can tell the story of their brand with vinyl window graphics! We’ve broken down the process into a couple of easy steps that will have people stepping off the sidewalk and up to the check-out counter in no time.

Pick a Theme

You know your brand better than anyone, so choose an aspect of your brand to draw potential customers in.  Select from seasonal ideas, product promotions, or a certain problem your products help customers solve.  The possibilities are endless, but success is in the focus!

Guide the Eye

Once you’ve picked an area of focus, it’s time to organize. Work with a professional window graphics designer, like our experts at Signature Graphics, to develop strategic visuals that guide the eye. With thoughtfully placed window graphics, the audience will naturally flow through the story you’re telling without a second thought.

Empathize with Your Customer

Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and imagine what would appeal to them.  Start with identifying one or two pain points that you can help solve.  Then, use your branded window graphics to lead them to the solution—but don’t give away the secret.  Encourage them to enter the store to find the solution.

Maintain Interest with Continuity

Studies show that stories have the power to keep our brains engaged like almost nothing else.  Keep your customers interested by continuing the theme of your branded window graphics inside the store.  You can utilize related displays and wall or floor graphics that continue the story you began before your customer ever walked inside.

Decorating your facility’s windows is a great way to maximize your use of space, and you can rely on the professional design and printing team at Signature Graphics to help you create and install eye-catching graphics that improve your business.  We offer expert, turn-key service that gives you the flexibility & confidence to tell your brand story in a way that will convert.

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Learn more about how window graphics can help grow your business. Contact Signature Graphics today to request a quote.

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.

If you’ve ever seen patrons in your space looking a bit lost, then your business or institution might benefit from wayfinding planning.  Wayfinding is the process of navigating from point A to point B and a system of tools that helps with that process. One of the most simple and effective ways to help patrons navigate their physical environment and orient themselves in their location is with Wayfinding signs.

Wayfinding graphics and signs are particularly important in complex environments like sports arenas, healthcare facilities, educational campuses and transportation hubs.  They guide people to their destination and enhance their understanding and experience of the space, which in turn helps develop a sense of safety and security.  Here are some steps you can take to ensure that your wayfinding system is effective.

Purpose: Determine Your Strategy

There are many ways you can guide a patron toward their destination:

• Signage
• Colors
• Maps
• Symbols

Think about the services you offer and the typical paths your patrons travel to create a system that’s helpful and efficient.  For example, healthcare settings might opt for simple, text-based directions, while airports might utilize carefully sequenced information and maps.

Location: Navigation, Orientation, and Landmarks

Decide how you will communicate the three main basics of wayfinding:

• Navigation
• Orientation
• Landmarks

How will you communicate which direction a patron should travel to move from point A to B?  How will you help them orient to where they are within their environment? Finally, how will you help them identify and recognize important landmarks they encounter?

Functionality: Familiarize Yourself with Common Tools

There are four basic types of tools in Wayfinding planning signs:

Information

Informational signs provide supplemental information about the space, like where you can find Wi-Fi or delineating what space is for personnel vs. public.

Direction

Direction signs do what you might suspect; they tell you what direction to travel in. 

Identification

Identification signs provide information about locations and landmarks and include door plaques and entry & exits signs.

Warnings

Warning signs like “no smoking” or parking information keep people safe and keep things running smoothly.

Design: Keep Your Branding Cohesive

Wayfinding builds trust with your patron so it’s important that the visual elements like font, color, and symbols are consistent with your brand.  This keeps surprises at a minimum and creates comfort and confidence for your patrons.

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Creating a system that works doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  At Signature Graphics we’ll pair you with an expert who can ensure that your wayfinding planning is both useful and beautiful.  Contact us today to request your quote. 

We proudly use 3M^TM graphic films and overlaminates.