Custom signage is a necessity for every brick and mortar business. It physically puts you on the map. It’s also some of the best mileage you’ll get out of your business’s branding. An increasing trend in signs we see at Legacy Ironworks (esp. in the restaurant, hospitality, and tech industries) is custom metal and iron signs. It takes additional steps and a bit of creativity to translate a 2 dimensional illustrator file. There is a lot of translation and creative liberties to consider. It is important that the metal or iron contrasts and compliments the existing landscape, building material and overall motif of the building and its architecture. I explain this my clients this every time, and it tends to get a lot of appreciation for what is involved. Lets look at the 3 largest perks of ironwork for signage.
The first one is the most obvious: it’s archival. It is impervious to vandalism (not withstanding graffiti), the elements and rarely needs any maintenance. It can be repainted and repainted or left to patina. Whats more, the elements can actually age and patina the ironwork giving it a desired effect that is quite popular and complimentary to contemporary desert architecture… its a pretty permanent installation. It can be tastefully lit and illuminated in a myriad of options.
The second and third advantage closely correlated so I’ll address them both. Your sign is essentially a work of art at the point of production. I’m not insinuating you become an art investor, however, lets examine the message it sends. It broadcasts your business has the taste, money, and means to have such high-end signage. Think about what that says about your brand, and how it is subconsciously perceived. Surely, to afford this high-end signage your business is successful or doing something right to afford it? Thus, there must be something consistent your business is delivering? Science shows this subconsciously resonates in peoples minds and is actually weighed into our decision making. Basically, “hey that a nice sign, lets go in and check it out” It says say my business is as permanent as this sign…neither of which are going anywhere any time soon! I can’t see how any business or industry couldn’t benefit from the beauty and archival charm of an iron sign.
