Having a sign engraved may seem like a simple way to advertise the name of your home or business — or to announce the presence of your beloved family pet! In truth, though, there are actually many factors you should take into account before placing an order. For example, you'll want to choose a metal which is not only durable, but a colour that's in-keeping with the style of the rest of your home and garden; equally, if the sign will be mounted on a plaque, then that material should be weather resistant and aesthetically pleasing also. You can take samples home to check these things — but perhaps you've already thought about that. However, have you considered which font your sign will be written in? While it may seem like an innocuous decision, it can really affect the look and practical use of your sign. Consider the following:
Readability
If your sign is purely for aesthetic purposes, then you can pick flowery fonts to your heart's content! They certainly look attractive. However, picking a swirly and hard-to-read font for a practical sign may be an error — especially if the metal you've chosen is very reflective or shiny. For example, if it's advertising the name of your home and business, then it should be immediately obvious to any mailperson, client or passerby. As such, while a sans-serif font may not look as immediately arresting, it could be a better choice in the long run.
Size of Sign
If your sign will only be small, attempting to cram a lot of elaborate lettering into it is likely to reduce its visual impact. Simple, clear letters presented with a lot of negative space around them can be just as aesthetically pleasing as a complex cursive font.
Style
In the end, the safest choice may be to choose a simple sans-serif font anyway. After all, you've chosen to have a sign engraved for a reason — you want it to last. In ten years' time, that fun swirly font may not appeal to you as much as it once did. Opting for something that's arguably plainer is something you're less likely to regret; copperplate is classic and will never go out of style.
Of course, the expert engraving your sign will be able to help you with any questions you have — but it's always a good idea to be able to walk in with a strong idea of what you're looking for. Then, you can be sure you'll love the result. Happy shopping!
Share13 March 2017
Hello, my name is Melissa. As a former branding consultant and designer, I know a lot about creating images and signs for companies. I also know that you cannot just read generic advice and get ahead. Someone in the natural healthcare field, for example, needs to use different colours, shapes and designs than someone in another field. If you want to know which colours, designs, styles and graphics relate most effectively to the natural health care field, you have come to the right place. I am going to include tips, advice, analysis, facts, colour guides and more on designing signs for natural companies. Welcome and enjoy!