Window Graphics? Yes We Can!

Posted in Wall Murals, Window Graphics with tags , , , , on November 14, 2011 by The SignMan

Some say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. There is even scientific proof that suggests that this is true based on your pupil diameter and dilation, blinking, even iris patterns. A powerful metaphor for sure, if this is indeed the case, then windows must be a key feature of any building. What are your windows saying about your business?

Many businesses have large glass areas, obscured by blinds – don’t waste the space! Window graphics are an innovative, cost effective way to make use of advertising space and create new business opportunities. An interesting surface with almost limitless possibilities for creativity, window graphics and graphics wraps allow you to retain your building’s privacy and turn your windows into unique, eye-catching advertisements. For example, using the latest advances, the illusion of etched or frosted glass can be created at a fraction of the cost, creating a rich effect without the expensive price tag. Whether it’s for a short-term promotion or a long-lasting campaign, window graphics are a great, interesting way to get your message across. From your opening hours, to full-blown exquisite window graphics wraps, they can become apart of your unique retail presence. Designed to allow as much light and visibility as your building requires, they can also reduce the amount of heat, lowering your air-conditioning costs. If you have a big message you need to shout about, the image experts at The SignMan can help you design full color window graphics that can be installed across multi-panel window and door fronts seamlessly to maintain your professional brand image. They can be installed indoors or outdoors and paired with wall murals deliver an eye popping and traffic-stopping message to potential customers.

Surely you’ve noticed our Color Revolution building on Shirley Street – it definitely stands out in the crowd. We can help you do the same! Don’t keep your eyes shut anymore!

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Company Culture: It Matters Most

Posted in Culture with tags , on October 19, 2011 by The SignMan

Twitter employs a woman named Elizabeth Bailey Weil as “Head of Culture”; her job is to create “branded goods to bolster employee morale” and ”to make a rapidly expanding company feel small.”[1] Biz Stone, co-founder of the micoblogging site says that they hired her to make sure that they didn’t ‘end up like the child actor who found success early and grew up all freaky.’

Google’s culture is highly popularized for its ‘nap rooms’ (I tried to suggest something similar at The SignMan) and its ‘afternoon talent shows’. They hire they say for ‘ability’ not experience and pride themselves on having employees that speak ‘dozens of languages from Turkish to Telugu.’[2]

Corporate Culture is defined as ‘a blend of the values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals and myths all companies develop over time.’[3] Over time, a business starts to take on a personality of its own, it becomes the collective consciousness of its employees and it involves every facet of a business’s life from how employees interact with each other to how customers experience its service. It is easier to recruit like-minded employees when you know what you’re looking for and they work better together because they are in pursuit of a common goal.[4] It tells people how to do their work. Because a company’s culture is embedded in your customer’s experience, it is the bottom line.

One of the most important aspects of a company’s culture is that it is DISTINCT.

The SignMan has been fostering its family-oriented-team-driven-slightly-eccentric-do-whatever-it-takes-to-get-the-job-done-right attitude since we opened for business in 1990. You have to be tough, hard working, innovative, smart and a little…off the wall to fit in at The SignMan.

“New employees are not left to discover company culture on their own. Employee “indoctrination” (and I mean that only in the most positive of ways) begins at orientation and is an ongoing effort. As a result, culture is transmitted and propagates from one generation of employees to the next.”[5]

This is certainly true at The SignMan. If you have ever worked for Peter Bates, you have heard him say, you need to ‘sign on’. This is what he means -

  1. We are solution-engineers, not order takers. The SignMan takes its role in the custom manufacturing business seriously – it means choosing the best possible material, size and location for every single sign product.
  2. Finish it in time to do it again, whatever “it” may be, by working backwards from your due date and time to make sure that you get whatever you promised to whomever you promised it to…
  3. On time. Every time. Exactly as Promised! Our word is our bond!
  4. Yes we can. Whatever, whenever, however. It doesn’t really matter what the question is.
  5. Do It Now! If it can be completed in the time it takes for you to explain what needs to be done, then JUST DO IT!

The SignMan is full of people with personality, with a hard-work ethic and a ‘yes we can’ attitude. There is no hiding the fact that the reason The SignMan is so successful is because of the amazing people who work here and the way we foster each other’s ingenuity and creativity by building on a great company culture.

[4] Hornik, D. (2011) Company Culture Counts. Available: http://www.businessinsider.com/company-culture-counts-2011-8

[5] Hornik, D. (2011) Company Culture Counts. Available: http://www.businessinsider.com/company-culture-counts-2011-8

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Matchy-Matchy is Back In!

Posted in Architectural Sign Systems, Directories, Services with tags , , , , , , , on October 7, 2011 by The SignMan

Our friends in the fashion world tell us that matchy-matchy is out. Your shoes do not need to match your purse and they don’t need to be the same colour as your outfit. In fact your shoes should be your statement piece (that is a blog for another time, another place). We get it. Let this be our fashion disclaimer. However, there are some…subtle differences when it comes to picking out signs for your building or office. And in this case, you should consider The SignMan your Vogue of what’s hot.

Our image experts say that there has to be some level of consistency and dare we say – you can even go the fashion-faux pas matchy-matchy with your office’s signs. They concur that it’s professional and aesthetically pleasing to your building or office patrons, insuring that they find the correct department, person or area as efficiently as possible, this is known as wayfinding. Therefore, it is important that your architectural sign system (a unified network of wayfinding or direction signage) coordinate throughout. Signage is commonly employed to enhance wayfinding efficiency; they provide instructions about turns and decisions and adding signage has been shown to reduce wrong turns and backtracking, limiting clients’ frustration. Directories are an important component of your wayfinding system, consider them your shoes, your statement piece – they can make or break your outfit…I mean your sign system! They set the tone and act as a channel, directing traffic where it needs to be.

If you’re not quite sure how to go about putting this look together, our experts at The SignMan can help you. The SignMan has designed, manufactured and installed full architectural sign systems with stunning directories that extend all the way from your main monument sign to your office door or desk sign. Whether you need for indoor or outdoor, we can create a wayfinding system that is consistent with your existing signage so that it blends and harmonizes. Having an architectural sign system that is consistent and well thought out indicates to your clients that you are organized, efficient and professional. The SignMan can work with you to create innovative, functional and beautiful solutions to any of your directional or identification needs.

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