The Making of a Sign, From Idea to Installation

Signs are essential elements of any business or community, providing important information, branding, and messaging to a wide audience. From identifying a business location to directing traffic, signs play a vital role in our daily lives. Apogee Signs is known for creating high-quality signs that effectively communicate our clients’ messaging and brand identity.

In this article, we will explore the steps we normally go through to take a project from the initial concept to design to fabrication and production to a finished sign. We will discuss each step in detail, highlighting the critical components of the process and the considerations that we would consider. By understanding the steps involved in sign production, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the work that we do and the importance of high-quality signs in our daily lives.

Initial Consultation & Site Survey: During the initial consultation with the client we will discuss the goals for their sign. This involves asking questions about the intended purpose of the sign, the message the client wants to convey, and the desired style and aesthetic. We also take into consideration the location where the sign will be installed and any zoning regulations or restrictions that may apply.

The site survey is a critical step in the sign production process, and Apogee Signs takes it seriously to ensure the final sign meets the client’s needs and complies with local regulations. During the site survey, Apogee Signs visits the location where the sign will be installed to gather important information that would inform the design, production, and installation process. The team would take measurements of the available space, assess the surrounding area for visibility and obstructions, and note any unique features or characteristics of the site that could impact the sign’s design or installation.

Apogee Signs also assesses any zoning regulations or codes that apply to the location. These regulations could include maximum sign size, height restrictions, and other requirements that must be followed to obtain necessary permits and ensure the sign meets local codes. By thoroughly assessing the site, we can develop a sign design that not only meets the client’s needs but also complies with local regulations and installation requirements.

The team would use the information gathered during the site survey to inform every aspect of the sign production process, from design to fabrication to installation, ensuring a high-quality final product that exceeds the client’s expectations.

Design Phase: Once Apogee Signs has a clear understanding of the client’s needs, they would start the process of creating the sign concept digitally. This would involve several steps:

1. Sketches and Drafts: Many times, a customer will provide a concept drawing or Apogee Signs will create a rough sketch of the sign design. These sketches would provide a starting point for further refinement and development.
2. Digital Mockups: Using software tools such as Adobe Illustrator, the graphic designer at Apogee Signs creates digital mockups of the sign design. These mockups include details such as the size, color, and typography of the sign.
3. Client Feedback: Once the initial digital mockups are created, Apogee Signs will present them to the client for feedback. The client could request changes or suggest revisions to the design.
4. Refinement: Based on the client’s feedback, Apogee Signs will refine the sign design until it meets the client’s expectations. This may involve several rounds of revisions and adjustments to the design.
5. Final Approval: Once the sign design has been refined to the client’s satisfaction, Apogee Signs would obtain final approval from the client before proceeding to the fabrication and production phase.

Throughout the process of creating the sign concept digitally, Apogee Signs works closely with the client to ensure that the design meets their needs and aligns with their branding and messaging goals. By collaborating with the client at every stage of the process, Apogee Signs can ensure that the final sign product meets the client’s expectations and is a high-quality representation of their brand.

Material Selection: The materials selection phase is an important part of the sign design and production process, as the chosen materials will impact the final quality, durability, and overall appearance of the sign. Apogee Signs will carefully select the materials needed to construct the sign based on the design and client requirements.

During the materials selection phase, Apogee Signs also considers the budget and timeline for the project. The team will choose materials that meet the desired quality and aesthetic standards while remaining within the client’s budget and timeline. By selecting the right materials, Apogee Signs can ensure that the final product is not only visually appealing but also durable and functional, providing long-lasting value to the client.

Fabrication and Production: This is where sign design comes to life, and Apogee Signs uses a combination of cutting-edge equipment, skilled craftsmen, and quality. The fabrication and production phase are important in the sign production process, and we take great care to ensure that the final product meets the client’s expectations and the company’s high standards. By using the latest equipment and skilled craftsmen, we can produce a sign that is not only visually appealing but also durable and functional, providing long-lasting value to the client.

In this example, Apogee Signs used a CNC router to cut the polycarbonate sheets to the desired shape and size for the base and raised elements. Once the raised letters and logo were routed and painted, the team assembled the sign by attaching the polycarbonate letters and logo to the backer panel with quality hardware, ensuring that the sign is safe, secure, and able to withstand the elements.

Throughout the fabrication and production phase, Apogee Signs performs quality assurance checks to ensure that the final product meets the client’s requirements and our high standards. The team would inspect the materials and ensure that the sign is structurally sound and meets all necessary safety requirements.

Once the fabrication and production phases are complete, Apogee Signs will get the sign ready for the installation phase of the project.

Installation, Inspection, and Handover: The installation process is the final step in the sign production process and involves installing the sign securely and safely in its intended location. Apogee Signs uses a combination of skilled installation technicians, specialized equipment, and careful planning to ensure that the installation process is successful.

Before starting the installation, Apogee Signs would coordinate with the client to schedule the installation at a time that is convenient for them. The team would also obtain any necessary permits and coordinate with local utilities for dig tickets & power connections, if required.

Once on-site, the installation team prepares the location for the sign installation by clearing the area and ensuring that the foundation is stable and level. They then mount the sign securely in place, ensuring that it is straight, level, and properly illuminated, if applicable.

Throughout the installation process, Apogee Signs performs quality assurance checks to ensure that the sign is installed safely and securely. The team checks all wiring and connections, ensuring that they are properly grounded and protected from the elements.

In conclusion, the process of taking a sign project from the initial concept to a finished product is a complex and involved process that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and skilled craftsmanship. Apogee Signs works closely with our clients throughout the process, from the initial consultation to the installation, to ensure that the final product meets our clients’ needs and exceeds their expectations.

By considering factors like the site survey, design phase, materials selection, fabrication and production, and installation, Apogee Signs can deliver a sign that is not only visually appealing but also durable, functional, and compliant with local regulations. A high-quality sign can serve as a powerful tool to communicate messaging, brand identity, and information to a wide audience, providing a lasting and meaningful impact on the community.

At Apogee Signs, we take pride in our ability to provide exceptional sign products and services to our clients. With our state-of-the-art equipment, skilled craftsmen, and commitment to quality, we can create a sign that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Whether you need a sign for a subdivision, a large-scale commercial sign, or any other type of sign, we are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your sign needs and how we can help bring your vision to life.