Call us at (805) 641-1387


Call us today for an Estimate at (805) 641-1387 or

Request a Quote Online

Call us at (805) 641-1387


What Makes a Great Sign Design?

Welcome to Ojai Monument Sign by Dave's Signs

The Sign Design Process

One of the most common questions we get at the sign shop is what goes into designing a sign. Or, perhaps more importantly, what makes a great sign design?

As with most creative processes, there are a huge variety of elements that factor into answering this question. Some of these elements hold much more weight than others.

Some of the primary considerations are: where the sign will be placed, the current branding of the business, and any considerations a client may have in what they’d like the sign to look like. Before beginning the design process, it is absolutely crucial that the designer sees the site, especially when it’s a storefront. The placement of the sign dictates it’s design.

Some of the key elements considered are:

Materials
A restaurant on a dimly-lit street corner may best be served by a hand-crafted neon sign that lights up the night and attracts everyone who passes it, where the sign welcoming newcomers to Ojai incorporates the natural beauty of the valley into a stone wall with inset painted lettering.

Colors
Decisions about color are best told in a non-fiction parable. About a decade ago there was a shop selling outdoor lawn furniture, with a large red and blacksign on the front. They came to Dave’s signs wondering why their business wasn’t doing well. After a quick conversation, a simple fact was revealed: the colors red and black appeal to men, but its women who generally shop for lawn furniture. A new sign was designed incorporating teal and other light colors, and sales immediately increased dramatically.

Attention
A sign’s entire purpose for existing is to capture attention and deliver a simple message. For this reason it should be eye-catching and clear. Anyone viewing the sign should understand it’s purpose in a matter of a few seconds.

Appearance
The sign should compliment your branding, reminding everyone who sees it of other materials they’ve seen that refer to your business. This consistency creates a sense for clients that the brand is reliable and trustworthy, and can have a major impact on your business.

Comprehension
To reiterate, the message a sign is attempting to convey should be understood immediately. For this reason, the message should be as brief as possible and extremely easy to read. After all, the last thing you’d want is someone driving by and thinking, “That was a cool sign. I wonder what it was for?”

Compliance
Rules and regulations are a very important consideration when building a sign, particularly when it is displayed on your store front. A little bit of research can go a long way in ensuring that your sign will be incompliance with the local law. These considerations are factored in to every sign we make.

These are a few of the key considerations that go into designing a powerful sign, wherever it may be displayed. If you have questions, or you would like to talk to a professional about designing a sign for your business, contact us and we will happily help to create the sign that’s “just right” for you.

Dave’s Signs Blog

This is a blog about signs. We highlight the different types of signs: signs we’ve created for our customers, history of sign design and today’s cutting edge sign technologies. Ask a question about signs, and you’ll likely find the answer here.

Case Studies

Spencer Makenzies Neon Sign

Here we go into detail on some of the custom signs we’ve done. Including Spencer Makenzie’s Neon Sign, Topper’s Pizza Neon Signs in the Oxnard Harbor, and The Historic Ventura Pole Sign. Check back with us. We’ll have more case studies of signs posted in the near future.

Custom Signs Near You

Saloon BBQ Custom Sign

We’ve designed, fabricated, installed and serviced signs all over southern California. Here are some highlighted areas near you including Ventura, Oxnard and Santa Barbara. Check back soon for more updates.

Call us today for an Estimate at (805) 641-1387 or

Request a Quote Online

Call us at (805) 641-1387


Neon Sign Design Computer

We Make Beautiful Neon Signs in Our On-Site Facility

Dave’s Signs has perfected the art of neon signs. We can handle all sizes of neon signage, from the small intricate signs to the eye-catching, large neon signs. Ask us for a personalized quote or contact us for any questions you may have about neon signage.

See Our Neon Sign Gallery


Dave’s Signs Makes Custom Office Signs

Whether you need a lobby sign, directional signage or ADA signs, Dave’s Signs can help you with all your office sign needs. We can use your logo and create a beautiful, distinctive sign for your office. We can also create custom building directory signs, suite signs, and directional signs to give the building a unique unified theme. Call us today to help you with all your office sign needs.

See Our Custom Signs

Custom Sign Design Grove Avenue