One essential thing to do throughout the design process is communicate with the designer. Communication about the creative process isn’t always easy, but it’s better than ending up with a design you’re unhappy with. As you start to piece together your ideas for a sign, start thinking about the crucial questions to ask your signage designer. No matter the question, they will likely be happy to answer.
Are There Additional Fees?
One of the things that you should receive on your quote is a breakdown of services and a fixed price. That said, sometimes designers will jump right into the process and start planning. Before picking out materials or other things for a sign, you’ll want to inquire about other fees.
These added fees can include mounting fees, permit costs, and redesigns. These costs do add up, so it’s good to ask upfront about any fees so that you can get your budget ready.
Do They Have Industry-Related Experience?
Not every designer is going to have the same industry experience as you. Some specialize in lifestyle, like fitness, and others focus more on retail and industrial designs. Link up with a company that specializes in your industry or has similar work experience.
Before signing your contract, make sure to look over the designer’s portfolio and make a note of their style. If it’s something you like, collaborate to create something that pulls your audience in and reflects the industry you work in.
What Materials Do They Use?
When talking about the varied materials the design company uses, ask about the benefits of using each one. Knowing what you can expect from your sign for years moving forward is worth every penny you spend.
Every designer works with different sets of materials, but if you want a material that doesn’t degrade, you should consider requesting that they use stainless steel for sign designs. This material lasts a long time and is completely reusable.
Would I Own the Rights to the Work?
The way copyright works for business signage isn’t too different from other customization services; the contract you sign determines who owns the rights. When discussing the final steps of the process, ask who owns the rights to the design to determine if you will be able to use it for marketing purposes in the future.
Will the Original Artwork or Clipart Prevent Trademark or Copyright?
If some part of the sign is not licensed or the artist didn’t have full permission to use a graphic commercially, your company may not be able to copyright the design later. If you plan to use the design in the future for signage or other forms of marketing, ensure the images used are all original work.
You have plenty of options when it comes to designing a sign for your business, but you need to make sure you ask the sign customization company a few crucial questions first. Without effective communication, you miss out on building a business relationship and making something amazing.