Posts Tagged graphics
The World’s Coolest Dimensional Logos, in the World.
Posted by Craig in case studies on April 27th, 2010
Every so often I confess to Bojan that I dream of selling widgets. Imagine if we only had three products: an A, a B, and a C. We could focus on being the world’s best A, B, and C provider, in the world. Further more, imagine that we only sold those widgets to Zoos. Then we could further focus on being the world’s best provider of A, B, and C’s to zoos, in the world. Doesn’t that sound easy?
Easy but incredibly boring. Instead we get to sell all sorts of things to clients in just about any industry. Makes the job exciting but is it ever hard to focus. As an example lets look at dimensional signage, specifically logos.
One of the things we do best is dimensional logo work. We produce logos in lots of different materials, finish the materials in different ways and then install them on all kinds of surfaces. We make logos out of things like router cut Sintra (a pvc material), laser cut acrylic and waterjet cut aluminum. We then finish those logos with paint, or laminate or polish. Finally we mount the logos directly to the wall, pin-mount them to the wall, or mount them to some sort of panel which can be metal or acrylic or wood. As you can imagine the possible combinations are infinite (approximate not actual).
That sounds a bit complicated so let’s just say we can take your logo and put it on the wall and make it look just about however you want it to look.
Recently we finished a project for Surgical Specialists of Charlotte which consisted of producing and installing lobby logos and custom ADA signage in three of their recently rennovated locations. The project was brought to us by a talented local interior designer named Chris DeSantis with Studio1616. We’ve worked with Chris on numerous projects in the past and he came through again with a really cool project. If you are in need of an architect or interior designer we recommend you contact Chris.
For this project Chris specified one of the finer dimensional signage materials: waterjet cut aluminum (WCA). WCA letters are the Caddy of dimensional letters in terms of fit, finish and price. One of the primary advantages of WCA letters is the finish, especially the edges. When you cut letters out of aluminum and then polish them, the surface as well as the sides look the same. It’s expensive, but the final product is sharper looking than just using a metal laminate on sintra and painting the edges. The finish pictured here is the anodized clear finish which is one of our favorites.
Install was really trick because of the rough stone finish, lots of holes to drill in all sorts of cracks and crevices. Getting everything level and plumb takes some skills. Remember that the next time you are shopping for a logo. Pretty concept pictures are one thing, the finished product on the wall is another. We rock at installs.
To compliment the lobby logo we also did some additional dimensional letter work above the check in and check out areas as well as some custom ada signage for the offices and exam rooms. Once nice touch on the ada signage was going with two stand offs instead of four. That really lightened up the visual weight of the signs and as an added bonus, reduced the cost. We might try that again.
HHS1971 Innovation Inspired by Ancient Chinese Wisdom
Posted by Craig in new products on February 17th, 2010
Several years ago I was travelling abroad and had the opportunity to visit the city of Xian, an ancient Chinese city in the Shannxi province. Xian is one of the four great ancient capitals of China because it has served, at different times, as the capital city for some of the most important dynasties in the history of China. It’s filled with museums, monuments, numerous institutions of higher learning and believe it or not has become known lately for a vibrant rock scene. Needless to say if you going to China, it should be on your list of places to visit.
One of the most striking features of Xian is the city wall. It’s one of the most well preserved though not necessarily the most famous of China’s walls and it’s huge. Walking along the top, which is wide enough to hold three or four lanes of traffic, is quite an experience. Families mingle with soldiers and beggars, artists and musicians in a wriggling freeway of humanity. It was while walking along the top of this wall that I met Han.
At least, that’s what he said his name was. He was a sort of beggar, hustler, sage type of guy in ancient looking robes and rocking a long wispy fu manchu. He stopped me as I passed and in remarkably good english, asked me if I would consider a free piece of advice. Not one to turn down free anything, I said “sure.” He motioned with his long, gnarled fingers for me to come closer, which I did. Then he whispered, “in the Spring, when snowfalls blanket the land, it is then you shall offer a complete line of outdoor display products.” And with a another wave of his hand, I was dismissed.
I puzzled at his words, filed them away to chew on later and rolled on in search of some dumplings. Years went by, the memory faded and for all intents and purposes my encounter with Han was forgotten. It was only recently as Bojan mentioned wanting to add an outdoor section to the website that I remembered his prophetic words.
So its almost Spring, snow is blanketing much of the land and HHS1971 is rolling out a complete line of outdoor display products for your perusal. No matter what sort of message you need to communicate, we can help. Weather resistant? Got it. Wind resistant? Got it. Volcano resistant? Okay maybe we don’t got it, our apologies to Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest.
In all seriousness, if you have an outdoor graphic/signage need, please take a look here. We’d love to help you outside with the same quality and attention to detail we’ve given you inside.
Truth be told, Han may have said “in the Spring, when snowfalls blanket the land, it is then you shall offer three leaves and grain of rice,” but I am pretty sure I remember him saying “a complete line of outdoor display products.”
Buffing Up Some Buff Seasoned Babes.
Posted by Craig in case studies, new projects on January 18th, 2010
Managing client’s artwork files is consistently one of our biggest challenges. The proliferation of different types of files contribute to said challenges. When it comes to understanding file types, we cheekily divide most people into three categories. Those who understand the difference between vector and raster files, those who don’t and those we call The Digitized. They think that anything that has been digitized can be blown up and printed at any size they want. (“Don’t worry, it’s DIGITIZED!”) Throw ad agencies into the mix and things get even more interesting. Multiple parties, from multiple camps, all participating in the process, all insisting they know what can be done and all sure their expectations are reasonable. Phew!
Recently one of our clients came in requesting a 20′ display backdrop from a single image. Expecting the worst we were pleasantly surprised when the original file actually seemed scalable to the size we needed. The display is a fabric backwall, and fabric tends to be a little more forgiving when it comes to resolution, so we were feeling pretty good. “One more thing,” the client added (here it comes, wait for it, wait for it…) “we want you to remove the text on the banner and replace it with different text. “No problem, I’m pretty sure we have a magic eraser around here somewhere…
Buff seasoned babes aside (Shades is my personal favorite), we set to work and the results were, dare I say… Impressive. Following are the images before, during and after the alteration.
Here is the original image with the original text:
The client requested we remove the the text from the banner and insert new text. A bit of a challenge considering the wrinkles and the shading (on the banner, sheesh). It’s one thing to do a little photoshop work on a small image that is going to only be viewed on a screen. Making it look good at 10′ X 20′ is another.
This is what it looked like once we removed the text:
And finally, the finished product with the new text:
Here are some close ups of the before, during and after stages:
We have yet to receive the show shots of the finished display in all its glory. When we do we will follow up with a post to show what the finished product looked like. It turned out really cool and the client was pleased.
If you have a project requiring digital manipulation of artwork and large format printing, please consider giving us a call.
Getting Our Vinyl Groove On
Posted by Craig in new projects on August 24th, 2009
Woefully behind on posting. I will try to make it up this week. I know I need to get on some sort of regular schedule but the nature of our work makes it oh so difficult.
We recently completed a really cool direct applied vinyl and dimensional lettering project. The project for Bagby, a purveyor of “innovative ideas for lighting” was designed by our friends at A3 Design. The firm is top notch and Alan and Amanda are a pleasure to work with. We enjoyed partnering with them on this project and look forward to doing so again.
The design they came up with used solid colors of direct applied vinyl and painted sintra letters to add some interesting graphical elements to the interior and exterior of the new office/design center. The overall effect is similar to custom paint but at a fraction of the price. It’s durable, low maintenance and can be removed/changed/updated/added to down the road. The use of dark vinyl on light walls and viceversa really makes the graphics pop.
We really like the overall look of the finished project and would love to do some more. If this catches your eye, let us know and we will hook you up.
Notes on Attending the Charlotte Business Professionals’ July Meeting
Posted by Craig in general interest, new projects on July 23rd, 2009
Bojan and I had the pleasure of attending the Charlotte Business Professional’s July Meeting last night at Andrew Blair’s over on Monford Drive. The speaker for the meeting was Democratic Mayoral Candidate Anthony Foxx. The event was well attended, and consisted of an hour or so of meet and greet followed by the candidate’s speech and some Q&A. Hats off to Jason Mckinstry and friends for their hard work in making it all happen. For those of you who don’t know anything about Charlotte Business Professionals, I encourage you to take a look at their website and consider joining up. In these tough economic times, the more people you know, the better, and these are some great people.
At the risk of mixing business and politics, I have a few thoughts to share regarding Mr. Foxx, but before I get to those I want to make a shameless plug for one of our products.
We were fortunate to be able to work with Charlotte Business Professionals to provide a backdrop for the speech which, I believe, really added something to the production. The display used was one of our Xpressions displays, used partially as a media backdrop and partially as a way to display sponsor advertising. These displays set up in seconds, are very light weight because of the tension fabric, and are a great way to frame any sort of public event.
Our sponsor panel, was simple but cool and we received quite a few compliments on the display overall. BTW, the display was designed in such a way as to be able to add sponsor logos in the future so if you are interested in being a sponsor please contact Jason for more information. (My apologies for the quality of the photo, the lighting was terrible.)
On to my comments about Mr. Foxx. Leaning Libertarian as I do, I generally am in favor of candidates who represent the potential for as little government intrusion into my life as possible. Traditionally, fewer Democrats, rather than more, fall into this category. This was essentially my first introduction to Mr. Foxx and where he stands on issues that are important to me, I do not know. I am, however, rather pleased with several things he had to say but most importantly I am impressed by how he said them.
I did not take notes and I do not have an audio recording of the speech so I cannot quote him directly. I can say that one of the things that I found most refreshing was that he actually answered the questions that people asked him rather than deflecting them and tangentially addressing another subject. I found him to be determined, sincere, informed, frank, honest and dare I say, real. Again, it was my first introduction to him and I do not know what his positions are on most issues, but he struck me as somebody I would be willing to listen to and could work with. Given my political cynicism, that is a great start.
Of course my response could just be the effect of being in his physical presence. If he did not have the capacity to convey trust, he wouldn’t be in the running. At any rate, I was pleased to meet him and grateful for the opportunity to hear something about his life, where he has come from, and where he wants to take the city. I look forward to learning more.
The Charlotte Business Professionals’ meeting for August will feature the Republican Mayoral Candidate and I look forward to attending and meeting him as well. Hope to see you there.
Suspending Sweet Sintra Signs Southpark Style.
Posted by Craig in new projects on June 15th, 2009
Today we installed another set of signs for our favorite care care, travel and insurance providor.
This is a new location in Sharon Corners, near the intersection of Sharon Rd. and Fairview Rd. The store is located right underneath Jesse Browns. This location is the new location for the office that used to be located on East Blvd. near the intersection of East Blvd. and Scott. If you are in the area and looking for some AAA love, we highly recommend you stop by and check it out. Remember, no one can get you to Disney cheaper than AAA!
The signs are direct print on sintra and should last as long as the store does, if not longer. Direct printing on Sintra is a visually appealing and cost effective way to get large format prints on the wall and not have to worry about them getting dented or dinged. When hung with our super secret mounting system, they are straight, level and can easily be removed or replaced with newer images. Cheaper alternatives exist (the dreaded foamcore) but we refuse to use them because they are fragile and the edges usually come out looking like crap.
Sintra is also a great choice for interior signage because it can be contour cut on a router. This adds some design flexibility and can really spice things up for relatively little in additional cost. We often use Sintra for low cost dimensional lettering, whether plain, painted to match a pms color or laminated with one of the approximately one billion plastic laminates available from companies like Wilsonart or Nevamar.
Stay tuned for future posts on Sintra where we will try to imbue this most boring of all sign substrates with the street cred it deserves for being a great component of any large format signage production.
(Yes, I used the term street cred and no, we were not sucking up to our client in paragraph two. I have it on good authority that the word combination “street cred Sintra” is one of the most heavily searched terms in search engine history and we happen to really like our client. Really.)
Lustrous New Logo for the Lobby.
Posted by Craig in new projects on June 12th, 2009
Just installed a new dimensional logo for the lobby we share with the 1060 boys.
The sign is 1/2″ acrylic on brushed aluminum stand-offs with 1/4″ lasercut acrylic letters, custom painted to match our pms colors. Our tag line is in direct applied black vinyl because it was just a little too small to cut on the laser.
I think the overall look is really clean and the drop shadows on the wall will look really cool once we get the lighting package installed. It’s a fine example of our custom logo work and we’d love to put something like it in your lobby. Contact us today if you want to talk about it.
Have a great weekend!
Practical information center display.
Posted by Craig in new projects on June 8th, 2009
We recently delivered a set of information displays to the Department of Social Services division of the City of Charlotte/Mecklenburg County Government.
The displays, used to provide free information to the public in several DSS locations, feature pockets that can be configured to hold eighteen different 8.5″ X 11″ pieces, thirty-six different 4″ X 9″ pieces, or a combination of both. They are made from sintra and acrylic and feature a dimensional header that can be customized. They are rugged, easy to clean, germ resistant and guaranteed to make it easier for your target audience to find the information they are looking for. (Besides that vintage 1983 lit stand with the dark oak trim you are currently using needs to go!)
If you, or someone you know, needs a set, or sets, contact me today and I will hook you up.
Liquid Evil
Posted by Craig in tips and tricks on June 3rd, 2009
I’m going to start a new group called People Who Understand The Evils of Liquid Nails When It Comes To Hanging Graphics That Someday May Need To Be Changed, or PWUTELNWICTHGTSMNTBC. Ok, the acronym needs a little massaging, I’m open to suggestions.
Before you fire up the flamethrower, let me explain. I love Liquid Nails as much as any red-blooded American. It’s an awesome product to use when you need something PERMANENTLY stuck to something else, like someones keys to their desk. However, using it to attach graphics to a wall is bad idea number 38 on the list of the worst ideas in history.
Three things can happen when you have to remove a graphic that has been attached to a wall with Liquid Nails; all of them are bad. You either a) destroy the wall, b) destroy the graphic, or 3) both. This is especially true if you are using a cheap substrate like foam core. If you plan on having the same graphic on the wall in the same place for as long as you are in the space, then maybe, maybe, Liquid Nails is a good idea. If you are confident that the installer can locate it correctly and level it properly, because it is going to stay where it is, forever.
We recently removed some graphics for our favorite auto repair, travel, and insurance providor and ran into this problem. The walls in the old space will need to be patched and painted and none of the graphics came out looking good enough to be reused in the new space. Fortunately we have a solution to this problem and in the future, our client will be able to change or move graphics with no damage to the graphic and minimal damage to the wall. It adds a small amount to the cost of the graphic but is well worth the investment.
If you’d like to know this closely guarded secret for hanging graphics, call us (800-515-7058) or shoot me an email (chand at handheldstudio dot com) and I will share it with you.
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