Branding is the heart that beats at the core of any successful business. It’s the spice that sets a company apart from its competitors and creates a lasting impression in the minds of consumers. But what exactly is branding, and why is it so vital to the success of a business?
Branding is the creative process of crafting a unique identity for a product or service. It’s about creating a persona for your business that resonates with your target audience. This identity is conveyed through a symphony of elements, including a company’s name, logo, slogan, and overall visual aesthetic. Signage is one of the most powerful tools in this symphony, it’s the face of your business that greets customers as they approach your store or office. A well-designed sign can make all the difference in the first impression a customer has of your business.
But branding is not just about having a pretty logo or a catchy tagline, it’s about creating an emotional connection with consumers and establishing trust and loyalty. Think of some of the most iconic brands in the world, such as Coca-Cola or Nike. These companies have masterfully used branding to create a strong emotional connection with consumers. When we see the iconic Coca-Cola logo, it evokes memories of sharing a cold soda with friends on a hot summer day. Similarly, when we see the Nike swoosh, it invokes feelings of determination and athleticism. These brands have successfully created a narrative that goes beyond just their products, they have created a lifestyle that consumers aspire to be a part of.
One of the most crucial elements of branding is consistency. From subtle colors and fonts to obvious design aesthetics, consistency in displaying a brand is key for recall and loyalty. In the Nike example, the iconic swoosh can be portrayed in a multitude of colors, but it is always proportionally the same size and aligned in the same manner. You recognize the brand without the written word Nike included with the swoosh.
St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA is no stranger to the importance of consistency in brand. Throughout its campus, they have been diligent in incorporating consistent brand elements in all its signage. This contributes to the creation of an overall consistent look and feel at the school. Our team worked to incorporate tiny design details into the signage to match their brand. Interior and exterior dimensional letter signs use the same font. The material vary in the various applications, but the missionary look in the anodized bronze is consistent throughout the campus.
Consistent branding also helps to establish a company’s credibility and authority. A well-established brand can command a premium price for its products or services, because consumers perceive that brand as being of higher quality and value. A strong brand can help to build trust with consumers, which is crucial in today’s marketplace where there is so much competition.
Another important aspect of branding is the role it plays in differentiating a company or school, from its competitors. In today’s world where consumers have a plethora of options to choose from, it can be challenging for a business to stand out. But a strong brand can help to make a company more easily recognizable to potential customers, it can make the company’s products and services more desirable and valuable, it can give the company a sense of exclusivity and make it more desirable for consumers to choose it over others. Signage is one of the most powerful tools in this process, it helps to make your business stand out and be noticed, it helps to create an emotional connection with customers and differentiate your business from your competitors.
Signage plays a vital role in creating a consistent brand; it helps customers to easily identify your business and create an emotional connection with your brand. A well-designed and well-placed sign can make all the difference in whether or not a customer chooses your business over your competitors. How does signage play a role in your brand identity? What consistent elements do you showcase through signage? Does your signage reflect your brand? Our team at Sequoia Signs can help you answer these questions and create beautiful branded signage.
We are proud to share some examples of our best Wall Wraps & Graphics in the area. One of the latest trends in large format digital printing are custom designed Wall Wraps & Graphics. At Sequoia Signs & Graphics we are excited to share this trend with our customer to enhance their spaces. It’s a great solution for either branding, interior design or to communicate a message. Let’s take a look at some recent projects.
Wall Graphics Lobby Sign
Wall Graphics are a great alternative for a low budget lobby sign, opposed to a dimensional lobby sign. Furthermore, here is an example of a wall graphics used in combination with a dimensional lobby sign.
Wall Wraps for Advertising
In the picture below you can see an example how a wall wrap is used to advertise a product. A wall wrap is very versatile in terms of design and there are no limits. Furthermore, it’s a good solution for temporary advertising. We have the option of removable vinyl, being able to remove the wall wrap after a certain period of time without damage to the wall.
Communicate a Message
As stated above, the design options for Wall Wraps & Graphics are endless. Therefore making it a great tool to communicate a message. For instance, a message can be in terms of wayfinding, providing directions on the wall. Other examples of communicating a message are displaying a company vision or a company history.
Good to know!
As you can see the possibilities are endless! Wall graphics have the versatility to be used in almost any commercial environment. They can be used on their own or serve as a base and used in combination with other signage.
Wall decals work best when the surface has little to no texture. Textured surfaces affect adhesion and appearance. In addition, low VOC paints can also cause an adhesion challenge for vinyl on walls. Luckily, at Sequoia Signs & Graphics we’ll find a solution for every wall and can test surfaces prior to installation.
When it comes down to the vinyl material, there are a few options. Providing a solution for every requirement. We are working with calendared vinyl as well as highly confirming cast vinyl. Cast vinyl is mostly used for rough surfaces like brick or concrete walls. Recently we also started working with printable wall paper that provides a texture finish for full wall wraps.
All wall wraps & graphics are installed with a lamination, either gloss or matte. The main objective of the lamination is to protect the vinyl and increase the lifespan.
At Sequoia Signs and Graphics, our expert graphic design staff can turn your idea into a custom design. Call us today at 925.300.1066 to turn your inspiration into your new digitally printed masterpiece!
A Dimensional Lobby Sign for your lobby entrance can be a real statement piece. It creates a professional first impression by radiating your company branding. A lobby sign is not limited to a lobby or reception at an office though. Other spaces that can benefit from a professional dimensional lobby sign are schools, stores, restaurants, hotels, medical facilities and many more.
Dimensional Lobby Sign for Winebow
Recently we worked together with Winebow at their location in Benicia, CA. Winebow is a national importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits. Winebow has recently celebrated their 40 year anniversary, having locations all over the United States. At Sequoia Signs & Graphics we worked together with Winebow on a brand new lobby sign for their location in Benicia.
The end result of their lobby sign is a combination of a dimensional sign with a wall wrap. Their dimensional lobby sign is a custom sign made out of acrylic, painted in metallic silver for an elegant touch. Spacers were used to for the dimensional letters to create a floating effect off the wall. The dimensional letters are installed on top of a wall wrap. The wall wrap creates an extra dimensional element to the lobby sign display. Showcasing a beautiful picture of a vineyard emphasizes the overall branding of Winebow.
Different types of Sign materials
Acrylic is the most common material used for indoor Lobby & Reception Signs. It’s a very versatile material that can be used for cut out letters, as well as a back panel. In addition to the flexibility in shape it also gives flexibility in color. Acrylic comes in many different colors, as well as clear. So depending on your branding colors you might be able to use a colored acrylic. However acrylic can also easily be painted, resulting into endless possibilities in terms of design. In addition to painting acrylic a custom color, you can also apply a laminate. With a laminate you can create some very special effects like brushed aluminum, polished gold, or even wood grain. The main advantage of using a laminate on top of acrylic is the cost. A laminate is more cost effective then a solid brushed aluminum letter or wood.
Apart from acrylic there are some other common materials used for Lobby Signs. A cost effective option is PVC. This is more cost effective then acrylic because it has a slightly rougher finishing. However this can still be a great option, especially if you are looking at thicker dimensional letters, making it more cost effective then acrylic.
Routed aluminum letters can also be used for a lobby sign. This is a more expensive option though and often considered overkill for interior usage. An acrylic dimensional letter with a brushed laminate will create the same look and will hold up well over time indoor.
If you are interested to elevate your lobby, like Winebow, feel free to contact us for a free estimate or consultation! You can call us at (925) 300 1066 or fill in the contact form below.
Modern ADA Compliant Signs and Wayfinding Signs were part of the second sign phase for 1716 Lofts in Walnut Creek. Perhaps you will also remember our earlier blog about the entrance signs?
1716 Lofts in Walnut Creek is an exceptionally nice apartment building. As such, the architects and the developers, DCI Construction, wanted nothing but the best materials for the required ADA and wayfinding signage. Therefore Sequoia Signs met with the project managers, architects, and contractors at DCI to review their proposed materials and to guarantee that we could deliver the ‘look’ that they desired. While at the same time being ADA Compliant.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA stands for the Americans for Disabilities Act. The act was first enacted in 1990 and governs the required signage that makes a building compliant. There are several methods for making ADA compliant signs and one of the higher end processes is called Thermal Compression. These ADA compliant signs are very tamper resistant while also being aesthetically beautiful! In addition, while the large majority of ADA signage is 1/8” thick (or even thinner), the ADA signs at 1716 Lofts are mostly ¼” thick. Subsequently this thickness adds to the class and character of the ADA and wayfinding project.
ADA Compliant Signs in style
To keep the desired ‘modern look’ consistent throughout the building, we incorporated similar material and design elements into the apartment unit ID signs, exit signs and evaluation maps. These types of signs are often overlooked by the casual observer. Nonetheless they are necessary for wayfinding and evacuation in the event of an emergency. These are required by the ADA code, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have style!
ADA Signs inspection
DCI did not want to just go for the bare minimum of ADA regulations to pass inspection. As a result we worked together to create beautiful wayfinding evacuation maps. The maps are direct print – again on ¼” material. While most people will move past these without a second glance, the more detailed observer will note that 1716 Lofts has some of the nicest wayfinding evacuation maps in the area (if we do say so ourselves!).
Apart from the signs needing to be ADA Compliant to pass the inspection, there is one more crucial element to be taken into consideration. In order for 1716 Lofts to pass their final inspections, the signs need to be installed following the ADA Guidelines. To summarize, the most important factors for installation are the height and the location.
If you would like to learn more about ADA Compliant Signs to pass your inspection, have a look at our other blog here!
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Moraga, more than $340,000 was raised for the 5,000-square-foot La Morinda All Access Playground, located at 1425 St. Marys rd. The goal of the project was to build a playground where children with special needs and able-bodied kids could play side by side. In addition to raising the funds to produce the structure, more than 40 volunteers came together, assembled the play equipment, and poured the rubberized surface.
The play area is designed for children ages 2-12 and features more than two dozen pieces of specialized play equipment, including swings, slides, a wheelchair-accessible sandbox, drums, chimes, seesaw and metallophones. The play equipment is designed to be all inclusive and accessible for all children.
Sequoia Signs & Graphics is proud to be part of this cause, where our very own CEO, Tom Snchurr was one of the volunteers among the 40 people to assist with the assembly of the structure. Not only were we part of the assembly of the structure, our team produced the bronze plaque (pictured below) at the park honoring the memory of Russell J. Bruzzone, and recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Club, as well as the platinum, gold, silver and bronze sponsors of this amazing project.
If you have not visited La Morinda All Access Playground already, be sure to stop by with your family! They will have a blast at this unique all access park. While you’re there, take a moment and check out this very cool bronze plaque, and while you’re at it, snap a photo and tag @SequoiaSigns on social! We love producing high quality outdoor signage!
Want to know more about how we can be a partner in your next signage project? Give us a call at925.300.1066! Our team of qualified experts can turn your creative vision into reality!
Countless studies have all come to the same conclusion- one of the best ways to spend your marketing dollars it to add graphics to your fleet of vehicles. These vans or trucks travel all around almost every day and they are mobile billboards- advertising your services to all.
We recently had the pleasure of working on two delivery trucks for the Contra Costa County Library and they came out GREAT! The images are crystal clear and so is the messaging! One doesn’t typically think of a library as a warp customer, but we are all branding in some way or another. The art was designed by the library so we can’t take credit, but we printed and applied.
The vinyl we use when wrapping a vehicle is usually cast vinyl which is the highest quality. It allows us to wrap over curves or in the case of these trucks- over the rivets. Beyond that, it has the best durability against the elements. Let’s face it- in the long run, Mother Nature will win, but if we use high quality vinyl we can be comfortable that the image quality will remain robust for much longer.
We now offer FINANCING for Business Channel Letter Signs and Vehicle Wraps, click HERE for more information.
Sequoia Signs & Graphics is an architectural sign company that provides comprehensive signage solutions for multifamily housing developments, business parks, and campuses. Our innovative approach combines project branding with wayfinding to create differentiated and unique sign packages. As a full-service sign manufacturer, we manage projects from concept to installation throughout Northern California.
