Signage typography is the manipulation and strategic use of stylistic lettering to convey ideas and aesthetics in a sign. Good typography is just as significant on a web page as it is in any other medium. The fact that it appears on a computer screen and not on a piece of paper is of no importance; it should still be enjoyable to look at and easy to read.
Here are some of the basic considerations that are followed when doing signage typography:
- Font Choice
Choosing the right font is important when designing a acrylic sign. Some companies have a font already in place, while others just use anything close to Arial. Each font has its own unique characteristics and so you should make sure that the font matches your overall business brand.
- Size
Each typeface/font has a different size, from being fat and wide to thin and narrow. For most custom-made signage, you should use a sanserif bold font, meaning a modern-looking font that doesn’t have “feet”. You should also strive to use as much of the space allotted as possible, making the text legible from far away.
- Scale
Some signs require much text, and so the most important text is done on a larger scale, while sub-text or sub-headings are slightly smaller. The larger text is then usually placed towards the top. Many of the larger signs you create must be legible from a distance, so large text is definitely necessary.
- Color
Besides scale, color can help to define the hierarchy, by showing the most important text in a color that really stands out, such as red. For most signage, you can try to use the corporate colors of your company or business, to aid in corporate branding. There are also certain colors that just make text very hard to read, such as yellow.
- Text Quantity
Sometimes less is more, especially when you are limited on space. So the amount of text is important in planning out the overall sign layout. Even with large signs, you do not always want to fill the whole space. While you want to fill the space, you also don’t want to overcrowd the sign area. It’s important to show your key business information, such as phone number and hours of operation, but any additional information can be saved for a different sign.
A Call Away
Typography is important in signage, architectural and environmental design. Signage typography makes a statement about the building and the organization in it. It also serves to identify and guide people.
Looking to start a signage typography? Contact us today at Street Style Signs and it will be our pleasure working with you.