SIGNAGE
Signage is the term used in graphic design which is use to convey information to a target audience, or a general population. The world of signage is vast and has been a fundamental element in trade, commerce and industry for centuries.
Modern signage include street signs (road signs) which is meant to inform pedestrians and drivers, while some that are geared toward an international audience only have an image. Most of these signs have a green background and may have white or black text. Some street signs accommodate for multilingual purposes such as and English street sign with the 2nd language under it. Street signage is probably one of the most simple of graphics, since its main goal is to have legibility above all. Pictograms and Ideograms are used in street-signage.
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Electric signage
There are custom-made signage which designed for business, to convey the name, location and personality of the business. Signage for a business is varied in the sense that a well recognised brand like Nike or McDonalds, one can make the brand symbol a signage. Digital signage is becoming a new way of life in the design world. This would include logos, banners and other navigational devices. With a vast introduction to the world of signage, it is also good to look back at how it began. Signage back then was a new way of life. People today, are being inspired by yesterday’s signage methods that they are trying it in the graphic design today. |
Signage will continue to be a fundamental factor in our economy as long as there is a need to identify a place of business or express a reason for its existence. In the 14th century, signs were optional in England except for the pubs. In 1393, Richard II required publicans (tax collectors) to exhibit a sign, but it was not compulsory for other business locations. In the 17th century symbol signs became common in Europe such as Booksellers, Perfumers, locksmiths, apothecary, barbers, shoemakers, grocers and pawn brokers.
Bible
Civet Cat Key Mortar & Pestle Red & White Striped Pole Shoe Sugar Loaf Three Golden Ball |
Bookseller
Perfumer Locksmith Apothecary Barber Shoemaker Grocer Pawn Broker |
England was the pinnacle of endless colourful signboards hanging from shops and banking houses along the streets. These signs were very artistic and the supports were elaborately worked in wrought iron or in wood carvings. As the time pass, signboards began to become more elaborate and heavier which causes a danger to the pedestrians passing below. This led to regulations that limit the extension of signs and control over its height so it would not hurt the heads of horsemen.
Throughout the world, the same problem arises, which a ban was instated to remove all over hanging signs.
Without street names or building numbers, signs were used for providing directional information for newspapers and other forms of communication. Signs were therefore used not only by tradesmen and their customers, but by the entire population. During the same period of time in France, and particularly in Paris in the 17th century, merchants also competed for trade by using larger and larger signs. Due to this result, a decree was passed in 1761 requiring signs to be fixed against shop walls and projection from buildings was limited to four inches.
Throughout the world, the same problem arises, which a ban was instated to remove all over hanging signs.
Without street names or building numbers, signs were used for providing directional information for newspapers and other forms of communication. Signs were therefore used not only by tradesmen and their customers, but by the entire population. During the same period of time in France, and particularly in Paris in the 17th century, merchants also competed for trade by using larger and larger signs. Due to this result, a decree was passed in 1761 requiring signs to be fixed against shop walls and projection from buildings was limited to four inches.
The first illuminated sign dates back to 1840 when P.T. Barnum’s Museum was advertised by a gas-lit display. Gas lighting continued to be used on theatre marquees, drug stores and other retail stores until the electric lamp was introduced.
In 1881 the first electrical sign was built with incandescent bulbs in London, England and featured the word “EDISON” during the International Electrical Exposition in January, 1882. The United States pioneered the night display type of outdoor advertising, and the era of the illuminated sign is distinctly American.
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In concluding, I state that signage is a way of life. History has given us an insight on how elaborate and the risks into making your business recognizable. The risks involved and success. Vintage signage is still relevant in today’s society, as graphic designers find it interesting to draw them out in 3D modelling software.