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Pole signs are an essential part of modern-day advertising. They're a great way to promote your business, attract new customers, and increase brand awareness. However, creating an eye-catching pole sign can be challenging. Especially if you don't have the right knowledge and skills.
That's why we've put together this guide on Pole Sign Design, which you can use to create an impressive display that stands out from the crowd. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketer tasked with creating a new campaign, these tips will help you create a pole sign that gets noticed.
From choosing the right color palette to selecting the right font and images, we'll cover everything you need to know to create a pole sign that is both attractive and effective. So, let's get started!
A pole sign is a sign cabinet attached to the top of a pole or post. You often see these used to promote roadside businesses. And, like billboards, they're especially prominent along highways and exit ramps.
Like cabinet signs, these signs can be two-sided so they can be seen by both directions of traffic. They are often illuminated using LEDs so they can be seen by travelers at night. And, they feature large and limited text that can be read within a split second. The difference between these signs and cabinet signs is of course the use of a pole. These poles usually range from 20 feet all the way up to 100 feet off the ground.
Here are some examples of effective pole sign designs that you can draw inspiration from:
McDonald's
McDonald's is known for its iconic golden arches, which are instantly recognizable around the world. The company's pole signs feature the golden arches prominently. The use of bright colors like red and yellow also makes the sign attention-grabbing and easy to spot from a distance.
Starbucks
Starbucks' pole sign features the company's iconic green logo, which is instantly recognizable around the world. The use of a simple and bold font, along with the company's branding elements, makes the sign easy to read and understand.
Scroll through to get some ideas and see what's possible with a pole sign...
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Designing a sign is not just about slapping your name and logo on a pole. It requires careful consideration of various elements to create an eye-catching and effective display. After all, most of these signs will be on the side of the road where drivers don't have a lot of time to look at it. Here are some tips to help you design a great pole sign.
Choosing the right colors for your pole sign
The colors you choose can have a significant impact. Colors evoke emotions and convey important messages to your customers. Therefore, it's essential to choose colors that reflect your brand and communicate your message effectively. When choosing colors for your pole sign, consider your brand's color palette, the nature of your business, and the emotions you want to evoke. Bright colors like red, yellow, and orange are attention-grabbing and can be useful for businesses that want to stand out. On the other hand, muted colors like blue and green can be useful for businesses that want to convey a sense of calmness and reliability.
Typography and font selection
The font you choose for your pole sign is just as important as the colors you choose. Your font should be legible, easy to read from a distance, and reflective of your brand's personality. Avoid using fancy fonts that are difficult to read or too small, as they can be hard to read from a distance. Instead, choose a font that is simple, bold, and easy to read. San-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, and Verdana are excellent choices for pole signs because they are easy to read and legible from a distance.
Incorporating your branding in pole sign design
Your pole sign should be an extension of your brand, and it should reflect your brand's personality and values. Incorporating your branding elements like your logo, colors, and slogans into your pole sign design can help you create a cohesive and consistent message. Make sure that your branding elements are prominent and easily identifiable on your sign so they can easily be seen from far away.
Designing a pole sign can be a daunting task, especially if you don't have the right tools and software. Fortunately, there are several software and tools available that can help you design an eye-catching and effective pole sign. Here are some popular design software and tools:
Adobe Illustrator
Illustrator is a popular design software that is widely used for creating vector graphics. In fact, it is probably the gold standard for web design. It is an excellent tool for creating logos, icons, typography, and other design elements required for a pole sign.
Corel Draw
Next to Illustrator, Corel is the go-to software for sign professionals. It creates vector based images that can easily be scaled from the computer screen to real world production size.
Canva
Relative to Illustrator and Corel Draw, Canva is a newcomer in the design world. Launched in 2012, Canva is often used to design graphics for social media and websites. It's known for it's easy to use platform that doesn't require a steep learning curve like the other two.
At Custom Business Signs, we're here to make sure you get the service you deserve. We conduct a site visit, design based on your ideas, and provide a mock up that you approve before we do any work. Reach out today to get started!
Before installing your cabinet sign, it's important to understand the local regulations and permit requirements. In most cases, your local sign company will handle this process. But, here are some points on the topic of sign regulations.
Obtain Permits
In most cases, you will need to obtain a permit to install a pole sign. Contact your local government to find out what permits are required for your area.
Follow Specific Guidelines
The biggest factor for a pole sign will be the height ordinance within your location. This is determined by the local zoning. Of course you will want to make sure you're in a location that even allows anything significant, over 20 feet for example. If you are in an urban area, or a design district, you may be limited on what you are able to install. That's why you should always research the requirements of your area, or ask local experts, before spending any money towards a sign.
Hire a Professional
As we've mentioned, a sign company can guide you through the process. They can answer any questions and work on your behalf when getting permits and approvals from the right agencies.
Designing an effective pole sign requires careful consideration of various design elements, including color, typography, and branding elements. By following these tips , you can create an eye-catching sign that reflects your brand's personality and values. Remember to prioritize readability from a distance, choose colors that reflect your brand, and incorporate your branding elements in your design. With the right tools and software, you can create a pole sign that is both attractive and effective in promoting your business.
If you think you would like to start the process of getting a pole sign for your business, we can help. Contact us to get a quote or ask us any questions you have about custom signage.
Oklahoma Sign Makers
Sign shop in Oklahoma City.