Custom signage attracts clients, sets your business apart from the competition, and strengthens your brand identity. Here at DCI Signs & Awnings, we are proud to have helped hundreds of clients design, create, and install signs that get results. 

But have you ever wondered how the process works? Working with a custom signage company is a partnership and a multistep process designed to ensure that your signs meet your goals and get an excellent return on your investment. 

In this post, we will demystify the process of a custom signage project and show you how things work each step of the way. 

Consultation and Project Planning

Any good project begins with a robust understanding of the client’s needs, wants, and aims. At DCI, we work closely with clients to understand their business goals, brand identity, aesthetic preferences, and audience. Extensive brainstorming sessions help us clarify design expectations and functional requirements. 

Next, we conduct an in-person site survey. Assessing the installation site of the proposed signage is vital to determine the optimal size and placement for maximum visibility, as well as important environmental factors such as weather conditions, lighting, and any zoning regulations that will apply.

This stage of the process concludes with establishing a budget and timeline for the project. We collaborate with the client to ensure the proposed budget and the project timeline are realistic. 

Design and Concept Development

Following the consultation phase, we can begin developing a design concept and creating some initial mock-ups to present to the client. These designs will incorporate branding elements such as logos, particular fonts, and chosen color schemes to ensure consistency of brand identity.

At this stage, we use various software tools to create 3D renderings, giving clients a visual preview of their sign and how it will look in situ.

The design and development phase is an iterative and interactive process of refining and improving our designs based on client input. We will always secure final approval and sign-off before the fabrication process begins. 

Selecting materials is also a vital component of this phase. It is important to choose the most suitable materials based on the sign’s intended location (for example, will it be placed indoors or outdoors?), durability needs, and aesthetic preferences. Some of the most common materials used for commercial signage include metal, acrylic, vinyl, and wood.

Permitting and Compliance

We also need to understand regulations such as local zoning laws and building codes, which can be lengthy and complex, as they apply to commercial signage. This is why preparing and submitting design plans to obtain necessary permits is an important part of the service we offer our clients. 

Signs should also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other safety standards. For example, to be ADA-compliant, signs must have a high contrast ratio in their color schemes, a nonglare finish, and be written in clear and distinguishable fonts. You can learn more about ADA compliance for signage at accessibility.com. 

The Fabrication Process 

Once the concept and designs have been approved and all relevant regulatory requirements have been addressed, fabrication of the signage can begin. 

Here at DCI, we use advanced technologies such as computer numerical control routers, laser cutters, and welding equipment to create the various sign components. Precision is vital to ensure that the final product matches the client’s approved design.

We also use various methods for applying graphics to signage, including high-resolution digital printing, vinyl cutting, and even hand painting. Sharp, vibrant visuals create maximum impact.

Lighting elements such as LEDs are installed at the final stage of the fabrication process. These can enhance visual appeal and visibility, particularly for outdoor signage or signs that will be situated in low-lighting conditions. Upon completion, we test all lighting components for uniform brightness and energy efficiency. 

Installation

The signage installation phase begins with a thorough inspection of the installation site, followed by preparation of the necessary tools and equipment. For larger signs, it is particularly important to ensure the structural integrity of installation sites, complete with proper reinforcements. 

Our professional technicians will then mount the sign, secure it, and add any required wiring if the sign is to be illuminated. They will ensure that the sign is positioned for maximum visibility, that all elements work as intended, and that it complies with safety regulations and best practices. 

At DCI, we can offer our installation services to clients throughout the New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut tri-state area. We also work with a carefully selected network of partners nationally to serve clients farther afield. And, thanks to our fleet of basket trucks and vans, we can install signs at heights of up to 170 feet. 

Maintenance and Support

Our relationship with our clients does not end once their signage is installed. Regular cleaning, inspection, and repairs of any faults are essential to maintain the sign’s appearance and functionality. Many signage providers, including DCI, offer services such as replacing damaged parts or updating graphics where necessary. 

We also offer long-term support, such as warranties and service agreements for ongoing care, as well as recommendations for extending the lifespan of a sign, such as applying weatherproof coatings, repainting, and annual power washing. 

Get a Quote for Your Custom Signage Needs

Whether you are just launching your business or ready to take your marketing efforts to the next level, custom signage could be exactly what you need. 

Since we started in the early 1990s, our reputation has grown, and we have become a nationally recognized provider of quality commercial signage. With multiple professional certifications, a highly qualified team, and a commitment to responsible and sustainable practices, DCI Signs & Awnings ensures you are in safe hands. 

Contact DCI today to learn more about our services, request a quote, or get started.