How The Right Signs Can Grow Your Business

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It’s a new year, and you’re probably thinking about how you can grow your business. Did you know that quality signs could be the best way to start? No matter what kind of business you’re hoping to grow this year, good signs can help. 

If you own a brick-and-mortar shop, it might be time to refresh your exterior with signage that catches the eye of potential customers. If you set up a booth at trade shows, local markets, or expos, you need durable banners that travel well. If you have company cars, vans, or trucks, vehicle graphics can help you make your brand visible all around town!  

What makes a “good sign?” As it turns out, you need four things: 

  • visual appeal
  • consistent branding
  • quality materials
  • the right fit. 

Here’s why these things matter when creating quality signage for your business.

4 Ways Good Signage Helps Your Business 

  1. Visual appeal boosts brand trust. 

Have you ever driven by a storefront or logged onto a website and felt confused — or worse, visually repulsed? Bad signage leaves a bad taste in our mouths. Instead, you want potential customers to be intrigued by your brand. When your sign has visual appeal, they’re more likely to remember it when they need what you have to offer. 

Additionally, audiences associate quality signage with a quality company. On average, potential customers only need seven seconds to decide about a retailer. In that time, they likely have not yet spoken to you. They also haven’t had a chance to interact meaningfully with your products or services. That means they’re making their decision based on visuals. 

If you want to grow your business and build brand trust, it’s the perfect time to invest in signs that appeal to your ideal customers before they even say “hello” for the first time. 

  1. Consistent branding helps in marketing efforts. 

Marketing is a string that connects you to your customers. It draws them in until they reach their goal: purchasing your product or booking your service! If you want your marketing efforts to go further, make sure to implement consistent branding across your business — and yes, that includes your signage. 

Think of it this way: if clients see an ad for your company on social media, they’re being introduced to your official branding. Then, if they drive down the street the following week and see the same branding on a storefront, they’re already making a valuable connection. 

When they enter your store, they might find matching interior signage, from floor graphics to sidewalk signs to labels on each of your gift bags. All of this connects your customer to your brand, putting your marketing to work for you. 

  1. Quality signs save you money over time.

It’s true that you can find signs at just about any price point. But in reality, choosing the cheapest option can actually become a bigger expense over time. When you invest in quality signs, you’re opting for value over cost, which can save you time and money in the long run. 

Quality signs are made with quality materials, which means that your sign will last longer, especially with proper care and positioning. If you buy a temporary banner annually instead of installing a permanent exterior sign that will last year after year, your total cost will be higher – not to mention the hassle of repeated reinstallation! 

When you work with a sign shop like Optima Signs & Graphics, you can get expert advice about how to get the best quality sign within your budget. 

  1. Ordering the right sign makes all the difference.

Even if a sign has visual appeal, a consistent brand, and quality materials, it might not help your business grow if it’s not the right sign for you. At Optima Signs & Graphics, we help customers in the Atlanta area and beyond create signage solutions that truly work. 

We’ll help you bring your signage dreams to life by recommending the proper materials for your needs, from vinyl banners to aluminum signs. Using our decades of experience in signage and design, we can also help you select the right colors, styles, and sign sizes to guarantee the right fit for your business. 

If you’re ready to invest in signs that will serve your business well in 2024, Optima Signs & Graphics is here to help. Contact us for a quote or get started with your design online today. 

Top 6 Unique Sign Designs in 2023 

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You may be familiar with “standard” vinyl banners and permanent exterior signs, but they only scratch the surface of the projects we completed in 2023. Our customers came to us with unique jobs of all shapes and sizes, and we had a blast designing and installing solutions for each and every one of them. 

At Optima Signs & Graphics, our aim is to create custom signs worthy of your business and brand—no matter how creative we need to get to accomplish that goal. Here are some of our favorite out-of-the-box projects from this year. 

Our Most Unique Sign Solutions in 2023

1. Custom “Wet Floor” Signs

The Los Angeles Airport Marriott wanted to be certain they protected guests from slips or falls when the weather gets rainy or a spill takes place. They called us to create 40 custom movable signs that they could use throughout the hotel property. We designed and printed them in-house before shipping them cross-country to their new home! 

Most people may only need one or two portable signs, but if you’re looking for a larger quantity, you’re in the right place. We’d love to help you create a sign that works — and we can ship your order directly to you when it’s ready!

2. Magnetic Roster and Record Boards

A local girls’ cross-country team here in Georgia had a good problem—they kept breaking their own records! This school was looking for an innovative way to update its roster and top times from season to season, and one of our newer products provided the perfect solution. Branded magnets aren’t just for vehicles anymore!

We updated all nine of their roster and record boards using a unique magnetic receptive material. While most magnetic systems use a receptive backing board and smaller magnets, this brand (Switch It) offers the reverse—a magnetic board with magnetic-receptive strips to place on it. 

The result? It’s easier than ever to update the boards, and these materials gave the entire space a fresh, updated look. 

3. Halo Lit Dimensional Logo 

We may not offer electrical signage in-house, but don’t let that stop you from finding the perfect sign solution with us! This construction company wanted a halo-lit dimensional logo in their interior lobby, and once we saw the space, we knew we had to find a way. 

Our trusted partner in metal lettering offers halo-lit cast metal options, so we coordinated with them to bring this dream to life. They manufactured the lit logo and then shipped everything to us for a custom installation. 

This may have been our first halo-lit install, but we bet it won’t be the last! Our team loved the finished product—and so did our clients. 

4. Oversized Fabric Banners

This medical company is always innovating new solutions to help others, and they often keep track of complicated biological equations on long whiteboards while they work on a new product. However, this room is also home to countless conferences and meetings! They wanted to find a way to keep their notes on the whiteboard while hosting others for meetings. 

Together, we designed an oversized fabric banner to cover whiteboards during conferences or meetings. It was designed to stretch across permanently installed hooks, and the entire piece of fabric sits just off the whiteboard, so as not to erase any of the important equations! 

After the meeting or conference ends, they can easily store the banner away until it’s needed again. 

5. Giant Individual Letters

We’re not strangers to individual lettering, but a local high school came to us with the biggest job yet. These letters are eight feet tall! 

We worked with the school to customize a solution that would stand out in any crowd, yet be lightweight enough to be held up by students and transported around the gymnasium. With letters this big, every pep rally is amazing! 

6. Chalk Box Decals

An entrepreneur we know came to us with a very unique problem. There were no manufacturers of quality writing chalk in his country, the Central African Republic. He had purchased the equipment to make chalk, and the boxes to put it in, but he needed an economical way to brand the boxes.

So we created custom decals for packages of chalk that literally made their way halfway across the globe! Now, kids can write on chalkboards using quality chalk, manufactured in their home country, fueling their creativity and assisting in their education. 

Creating Custom Sign Solutions for All

No matter what your signage needs are in the year ahead, Optima Signs & Graphics can help. Even if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for on our service menu, we’d love to hear from you. 

We come to work every day ready to dream up creative signage solutions for our customers, from the smallest decals to the largest exterior installations. We can deliver and install your order, or we can ship it directly to you! 

At Optima Signs & Graphics, the display options truly are endless. Start your next project with us by getting in touch today. 

How Long Should My Sign Last?

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The lifespan of a sign is versatile and varied, depending on its use and your preference! Some customers want a permanent storefront sign that will withstand the sun and elements for years, while others may only need a vibrant banner for a one-weekend event. 

So, how long should your sign last? The answer is as individual as your order. 

How Long Will My Sign Last? 

To make a long answer short: it depends. This is not a marketing tactic or a way to avoid answering your question—there truly are a number of factors that determine the lifetime of a sign or banner! Here are just a few factors to consider:

Is the sign painted, printed, or made from cut vinyl?

Dimensional letters and logos are usually painted with a durable, UV resistant finish that will last for many years. Some even come with a lifetime guarantee. 

Flat, two dimensional signs are usually printed or made from contour cut, adhesive backed sign vinyl. There are two main types of vinyl on the market today: cast and calendered. Calendered vinyl is rolled out from solid form until it is a few millimeters thick. Cast vinyl is created from a liquid pour. Cast vinyl is often referred to as “high-performance” vinyl. It has a higher price point, but also provides nearly double the lifespan of calendered vinyl in many situations.

Printing is a great choice for intricate logos or multicolored designs. However, ink fades faster than solid-colored vinyl, so keep in mind that your printed signs may need to be replaced more often than a solid vinyl sign would. Inks used for printed signs are UV stable and can last up to three years unlaminated and may last twice as long with a quality laminate.  

The substrate

The substrate, or base material that the image is printed on or vinyl letters applied to, varies, depending on how the sign is being used and how long it needs to last. When we first started our business almost all signs were made from vinyl letters cut with a plotter from rolls of adhesive backed vinyl,which were then applied to the substrate with transfer tape. 

Thankfully, the signage industry has come a long way! Even though we still make many signs using cut vinyl letters,  we make most of our signs by printing directly to the substrate.

Common sign substrates include: 

  • PVC/Coroplast — best for indoor or short term outdoor use. 
  • Acrylic — best for backlit outdoor signs. 
  • Aluminum or Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) — best for long-lasting signs. 

For example, a printed Coroplast sign might last a few months in a particular location, while an aluminum sign with high-performance cast vinyl could last for many years. The type of sign you should choose depends on your preferences and needs.  

Location 

Sun is the top factor in a sign’s lifespan. Western-facing signs fade the fastest, so if you can choose your sign’s location (or at least its direction), consider north, south, or east-facing signage. If direct sunlight is a concern, ask about our metal exterior sign options!

How to Prolong the Life of Your Vinyl Sign or Banner

Want to prolong the life of your vinyl sign or banner? These three tips can help. 

1. Choose quality materials. 

If you’re looking for a short-term option, we’d be happy to talk you through our most affordable sign solutions. But if you’re hoping for a l sign that stands the test of time, opting for materials that are designed to last can really make a difference. We like to think in terms of value instead of cost. 

While your initial price may be higher for top-quality materials, your value over time will actually be better, because you won’t need to replace it nearly as often! 

2. Use good transportation habits. 

Buying a sign that you want to use again next weekend — or even next year? Temporary banners are reusable many times, depending on care and use! When you pack up your banner, remember to roll instead of fold. 

This keeps your sign from getting permanently creased, which can eventually cause weakness. For the best results of all, get a tube to transport your banner from place to place.

3. Consider your location.

Today’s signs are made to last, but placement can greatly affect your sign’s lifespan! Remember that western-facing signs receive the brightest and harshest sunlight, and elevated or open spaces face higher winds. Placing your sign with these factors in mind could extend its life significantly. 

Your Custom Sign and Banner Solution

No matter what kind of sign or banner you need, Optima Signs & Graphics is here to help. Our team has decades of experience in helping customers create signs that last, and our on-site design team can bring your logo and your vision to life. 

We provide fast turnaround times, with same-week delivery for many vinyl banners and signs. And if you’re looking for even more signage options, we aim to be your one-stop shop! Ask us about our vehicle wraps, window graphics, custom decals and labels, and more. 

We love creating unique products and solutions, both locally in Georgia and across the country. Start your next project with Optima today! 

What Is the Difference Between a Sign and a Banner?

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It would be nearly impossible to count the reasons customers walk into our doors needing signage. From charity events to corporate conferences, home renovation sites to office boardrooms, retail stores to hospitals, every place needs a quality sign at some point in time. 

For every reason someone needs signage, there are endless ways to create a functional and beautiful solution. At Optima Signs & Graphics, we offer all types of signs, from permanent metal installations to temporary banners. 

Often, we can even help you determine what kind of materials work best for your needs. Many of our projects and installations fall in one of two categories: signs and banners.

Key Differences Between Signs and Banners

Differentiating between signs and banners can be tricky. We’ve been known to say, “All banners are signs, but not all signs are banners.” In other words, a banner is a type of sign, but generally, banners and signs serve different purposes. 

Temporary vs. Permanent

Most signs are installed as permanent fixtures in a space. They’re designed to last for years, even decades. Because of this, signs are typically created with text that won’t need to change very often. Common sign usage includes business logos, directional signs in a building, and commemorative plaques. 

On the other hand, banners provide the perfect temporary solution. Banners can be printed for lower costs with fast turnaround times, making them an expedient option that still provides both professionalism and durability. 

Although they are considered “temporary” options, a well-made banner can last for months or even years in the right location! 

Flexible vs. Rigid

Signs are created with rigid materials like plastic and metal. This makes them durable, but it also makes them difficult to transport—especially if they’re large or heavy! 

However, banners are easy to roll up and carry onsite for your event. Because they’re created with fabric, vinyl, or mesh, they typically offer easy installation and transportation. We’ve even had customers carry on banners for a flight! 

4 Popular Types of Banners

If you’re looking for a short or medium term signage solution, banners are a fantastic option. Consider these four types of banners for your upcoming event! 

1. Vinyl Banners

Known as the original temporary signage solution, vinyl banners provide the ultimate versatility in both size and design. With reinforced edges and quality grommets, they’re durable enough to last through many uses. 

Vinyl banners are often used indoors, but they also work well outdoors against a solid surface. With their quick turnaround times, easy transport, and reusability, a vinyl banner might be just what you need. 

2. Retractable Banners

If you’re looking for a lightweight signage choice with minimal setup and tear down, a retractable banner is the perfect fit. These transportable options are a common choice for trade show vendors, recurring conferences, and other traveling events. 

3. Mesh Banners

Want an outdoor signage solution that lasts in the elements without tears and rips? Mesh banners are your best option. 

While vinyl banners work well when tethered to a solid surface like an exterior wall, they can be prone to tearing (or flying away entirely!) under adverse weather conditions. Mesh banners solve this problem by providing a place for the wind to flow seamlessly, eliminating pressure build up. 

You may have seen mesh banners on construction site fencing, stretched across columns at a church or university, or in open-air outdoor settings like race finish lines or festivals. They function well even in dimensions that would be considered oversized with other materials. Our mesh banners are built with webbing in the hem to withstand an even higher wind load! 

4. Fabric

For indoor projects, a fabric banner can offer an aesthetically pleasing solution. One of our favorite recent projects involved creating custom fabric banners with permanent wall hooks to stretch over whiteboards in a conference room. 

This allowed easy access to the whiteboards when needed, while still creating a beautiful environment for meetings (without erasing important information!). 

Create Your Custom Signs and Banners

No matter what type of sign or banner you have in mind, Optima Signs & Graphics can help you bring your vision to life. 
If you’d like to discuss the best signage solution for your project, give us a call or stop by our Marietta, Ga. storefront. Already know what you need? Start your project online right here for a seamless process.

8 Questions to Ask Your Local Sign Shop

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Signs are everywhere, from retail storefronts and outdoor events to corporate offices and construction sites. Almost everyone needs signage at some point, and reaching out to your local sign shop is a great place to start. 

But before placing an order, make sure you’re working with a company who can offer customized products that fit your needs, timeline, and budget. Here are seven questions you should ask before you buy!

1. What types of signs do you offer?

If you have a specific need, it’s important to confirm that your local sign shop can provide it. However, they may also offer up a solution you haven’t considered yet! 

Exterior Signs

Exterior signs are designed to last, using acrylic, metal, and plastic to create dimensional solutions that could catch any customer’s eye. 

Interior Signs

From laminated logos to metal signs to full-wall graphics, there are lots of ways to spruce up an interior space.  

Temporary Signs

Whether you need a banner for a special event, a movable sign for your office, or a reusable yard sign, these options offer all you need even without permanent installation. 

Custom Solutions

Your sign shop may offer even more options for unique solutions, like presentation signs, vehicle wraps, or window graphics.  

2. What is the process when ordering a sign from you?

Get your sign shop to walk you through the process from start to finish, including design, creation, and installation. 

If you don’t have a finalized design, confirm that your shop has an experienced in-house designer who can conceptualize your vision and bring it to life. Some questions to ask include: 

  • How many design concepts / mockups will you offer? 
  • Are revisions included? How many rounds? 
  • What materials would you recommend for my sign? 
  • When can I pick up the final product?
  • Do you require a deposit? 

3. What is the turnaround for the type of sign I want?

Different types of signs can have widely varying timelines. Even though you may have seen an advertisement for “48-hour turnaround,” keep in mind that this is likely for simple printed  projects like temporary vinyl banners, not custom-cut metal lettering for an exterior sign or custom acrylic sign installation for your office lobby. 

4. What do you need from me to get started on my project?

Typically, your local sign shop will likely need a signed estimate or contract, your design files, and a deposit. Not all design files are created equally, so make sure you’re sending high quality vector files. 

5. What experience do you have with the type of sign I need? 

Make sure your sign shop is experienced in working with the type of sign you want! Signs are an investment into your business, and your local sign experts want you to be happy with the finished product—so ensuring they can deliver the results you want is better for everyone! 

6. Do you have examples or photos of similar projects?

A picture is worth a thousand words, and this is definitely true when it comes to signs and graphics. If you want to make sure you’re getting a quality product, check out recent work from your local sign shop, paying special attention to projects with a similar size and style as your own. 

Take a few minutes to read reviews online, too. Happy customers are a great indicator of quality and customer service! You can learn a lot from photos and reviews — they may give you the confidence you need to trust your local sign shop with your upcoming project! 

7. Can you help me with permitting and installation? 

Even after you’ve designed your sign, the process is far from complete! After your sign shop creates your sign, you may want them to install it. Confirm beforehand if they’ll be able to help so that you’re not stuck with the unexpected expense of hiring a third party. 

If you’re installing an exterior sign, you’ll probably also need to secure a permit based on your city’s codes and regulations. Most local sign shops are familiar with permits and can help you pull the right one — or even secure it on your behalf! 

8. Are you properly licensed and insured?

Working with a licensed and insured sign shop is essential for any project. Licensing enables them to pull all necessary permits and install your sign when it’s time. 

Insurance protects you from liability during the sign creation and installation process. If a business has chosen to get licensed and insured, you can trust that they’re reputable professionals. 

Your Sign Partner in Georgia

At Optima Signs & Graphics, we offer a wide variety of signs to meet your needs. As a licensed and insured company with experienced designers and professional installers, we can bring your vision to life from start to finish! 

Give us a call, stop in our Marietta, Georgia storefront, or start your project online. We offer quick turnaround times, countless style and material options, and a team of friendly experts that bring it all together. We can’t wait to work with you! 

5 Common Misconceptions about Custom Signs

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Have you ever stopped to consider what your potential customers’ first impression of your business might be? It isn’t great customer service, a perfectly laid out storefront, or even the quality of your product or service. Most people are introduced to your business through your signage before they ever interact with any of those other aspects of your business.

If signs are the first line of communication between your business and your dream clients, the signage you choose matters. To create the right signs, you need the right signage partner. There are lots of generic, templated sign options available today, but custom signs can give you the edge in your industry and catch the attention of your customers. 

At Optima Signs & Graphics, we’ve spoken to countless customers who felt like custom signs were out of reach for them, only to discover that they’d been believing some myths and misconceptions. It’s time to set the record straight about custom signs. 

1. Myth: Custom signs take a long time to create and install. 

When clients stop into our storefront or give us a call, we often hear, “I thought this job would take weeks or even months!” 

We quote every custom project individually, because each timeline depends on job volume and preferred materials. Depending on your needs, you could have a sign designed, created, and installed by our team in less than two business days! 

We offer our fastest turnaround times for vinyl signs and banners and A-frame signage. Metal signs and other materials that involve a third party manufacturer can take longer to create, but chances are, you can still have your custom signs designed and installed before you think. 

2. Myth: Custom signs are too expensive.

While custom signage can cost more than templated options, we work with a wide variety of materials to accommodate every budget. Plus, you’ll receive a product that doesn’t look like anything else on the market, which gives you the competitive advantage in a crowded world of visual advertising. 

Even more importantly, working with a professional sign expert can help you avoid costly mistakes. There are many ways sign design can go awry in the wrong hands, from errors in artwork to the wrong type of material. Even if your sign looks good in a mockup, it may be illegible after printing due to miscalculated size, color or font selection. Working with an experienced company can help you avoid all of these issues, saving you money with quality signage in the long run!

3. Myth: Sign shops aren’t design or branding experts. 

When you invest in custom signs, you should work with a signage partner who knows how to bring your vision to life. Our team is full of printing and installation experts, but we also have the graphic design experience needed to partner with you to create signage that works. 

We can build on inspiration from signage you love, create something new from scratch, or work with your existing brand to create a sign with the best dimensions, color selections, and typefaces for your needs. 

4. Myth: Custom signs need to list all of my business’s information. 

When it comes to great signs, less can be more. We’d be happy to discuss your sign needs with you and help you decide which pieces of information belong in your design. An overcrowded or “busy” sign can actually overwhelm potential customers. 

Instead, opt for something that provides everything they need—and nothing they don’t. Once we’ve determined what elements belong on your sign, we’ll help you choose a design that looks great.

5. Myth: Custom signs aren’t better than templates.

Signs are everywhere these days. From scrolling social media to driving down the street, people are constantly looking at branding and advertising. If you want to stand out in a crowd, your first point of contact can’t be generic and bland. 

Instead, we’ll help you create signage that perfectly encapsulates your business and your brand, catching the eye of potential customers from the start. Custom signs connect you with your ideal customers in a way that templates never could. Generic options may save you a few dollars, but custom signs provide you with the highest value. 

Your Custom Sign Partner in Georgia

If you’ve wondered, “Are there any custom sign companies near me?”, we’d love to introduce ourselves. 

At Optima Signs & Graphics, we love to work with local businesses, and we even create and install signs for clients nationwide! We hope to be your full-service signage partner, offering custom signs for projects of every size and budget. We offer: 

No matter what your signage needs are, give us a call or stop by our Marietta storefront to see how we can help. We’d love to make your custom sign dreams a reality!

Elevate Your Business Brand with Vinyl Wall Graphics

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You’re sitting behind your desk or your conference room table when it hits you — “We need to do something with that big, blank wall.” 

In offices, retail spaces, and businesses of all kinds, walls provide valuable real estate. They can serve as the canvas for bold branding, an aesthetic boost, directional information, inspirational quotes, or your company’s mission statement and values.

No matter your vision, vinyl wall graphics offer an efficient and effective solution. From custom cut letters to full panel photos, there are a number of options to take your interior walls from boring to branded. We offer a variety of vinyl choices that last on windows, walls and floors for the long haul. 

The Vinyl Graphics Process: Start to Finish

Whether you’re looking for ideas and inspiration or you’re looking for a company to print your in-house designs, make Optima Signs & Graphics your first stop for vinyl graphics. Our team can create a custom design to fit any dimension or shape. We also offer fast turnaround times for printing pre-designed graphics. 

Once we’ve received or created your design, we’ll help you determine which vinyl solution is best for you.

 

3 Types of Adhesive Backed Wall Materials that We Offer

1. Standard Vinyl

We offer laminated or unlaminated vinyl graphics for projects of all shapes and sizes. This is our most cost effective option, and it sticks to most walls and surfaces with ease. We offer custom vinyl signage for walls of any shape and size, from custom-cut lettering or logos,  to large printed wall murals that showcase your branding. 

2. High-Tack Vinyl

Want your vinyl lettering or logo to last for a long time – or to stick to tricky surfaces? Our high-tack vinyl just might do the trick. This vinyl type can also be custom cut to fit your needs, from small individual lettering to large printed panels. 

3. PhotoTex

PhotoTex is a non vinyl option. It is a printable, adhesive backed, polyester fabric material that will stick to almost anything. It can be removed for up to a decade without causing damage to the surface underneath.

5 Factors to Consider When Selecting Vinyl Graphics

We’ll help you select the right adhesive choice for your particular project. Some factors to keep in mind include: 

  1. Paint type: Did you know low VOC paints are designed to repel adhesives? Standard vinyl may not stick to certain types of painted surfaces. We’ll help you determine which vinyl signage for walls is best for your space. 
  2. Paint age: When you’re moving into a new space, it’s easy to have a to-do list that you want to check off in rapid succession. Unfortunately, vinyl does not adhere to fresh paint. Let your paint cure for at least seven days before adding vinyl graphics to your space. 
  3. Removability: Vinyl is designed to stick on surfaces – which is a great thing! But you may not get clean removability when it’s time to redecorate or relocate. After vinyl has bonded to the wall, it could bring paint or drywall along with it upon removal. If you need a graphic you can remove with ease, PhotoTex is your best choice. 
  4. Budget: We offer adhesive graphics for any budget, but remember that your costs may vary according to your selections and your surface. 
  5. Design size: Do you need small, precision-cut custom lettering? Standard plotter vinyl is usually your best bet. Want to display a large photo on an entire wall? PhotoTex or laminated print vinyl wouldbe your best solution. In general, laminated print vinyl graphics work best for custom cut options, while PhotoTex might be the best option for multi-paneled designs. 

If you need help figuring out what materials to order, we’d be happy to hop on the phone or plan an in-person meeting in our Marietta storefront! We also highly recommend testing any surface before ordering to ensure that the vinyl type you’ve chosen will stick without hassle. You can use a vinyl sample to test!

Your Local Partner for Vinyl Decals and Graphics

At Optima Signs & Graphics, we love to provide customized sign solutions for our clients. If you’re ready to spruce up your interior walls, windows, or floors with cut letters, paneled photos, or branded graphics, we’re here to help. 

We want to be your partner through every step of the signage process, from custom designs to fast printing to installation with excellence. Give us a ring, shoot us an email, or stop by our Marietta storefront to see how we can bring your next project to life. 

6 Ways to Make the Most of Movable Signs

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Permanent signs are a staple of every brick-and-mortar business – but they aren’t the only way to advertise well, educate your customers, or share timely information! 

Temporary and mobile signage options are a great way to enhance your business. Could movable signs be the solution you’ve been looking for? 

1. Use A-frame signs to provide directional information. 

If you’re looking to funnel street traffic to the right parking areas or help on-foot visitors figure out where to go, A-frame signs can be a huge help. From outdoor festivals to indoor expos, plastic Signicades are a simple and effective way to provide directional signage. 

This is a popular option for temporary events, but many brick-and-mortar locations use these A-frames as helpful tools for large parking lots or potentially confusing indoor hallways. Because Signicades are weatherproof and easy to move they are perfect to put on the sidewalk in front of your business to advertise a sale or special event.

2. Use ground signs to advertise your expertise on-site. 

Sometimes, the best way to advertise your business is to tell passersby about your work. Ground signs are a common option in many industries, from landscaping and construction to real estate professionals. 

Ground signs come in a variety of sizes and materials. A temporary 18×24 coroplast sign can stick into the ground just about anywhere, but if you want options that are built for lasting reuse, metal-framed signs with more durable materials can also be created. All of these options are movable, portable, and reusable. The longevity of the signage just depends on your preferred materials and budget. 

3. Provide information about time-sensitive changes with coroplast signs. 

Every so often, you need a sign in a snap. Perhaps you’re hosting an event, and there’s been a last-minute venue change. Maybe temporary construction means customers must navigate a detour to get to your business. 

Whatever the case may be, coroplast signs are your quick and easy solution. They can often be printed within 24 hours (or even the same day), allowing you to get important information out when needed. 

4. Share highlights and unique selling points with retractable banners. 

If you promote your business through pop-up shops, industry expos, or conference booths, you know the importance of easy-to-move signs. Retractable banners are the perfect fit for settings like these. 

They’re lightweight, provide simple setup and take down, and are easy to customize with the information you need to share. Highlight open career opportunities at a job fair, easily list pricing at a pop-up event, or share company values in an easy-to-read format—the options are endless!

5. Get the word out about sales and announcements with foam core easel signs. 

Even in a world of digital communication, physical signage is still a crucial part of distilling important information. Foam core easel signs are a simple way to alert employees or residents of large buildings about current events and announcements. 

In high-rise buildings, easel signs can communicate elevator maintenance, construction hours, or resident events. These signs are also perfect in office settings, helping visitors find their way around or alerting the team to upcoming social events. 

If you’re in retail, an easel sign can also announce sales or deals to passersby! These movable signs are the simplest setup around, but they’re highly effective.  

6. Use acrylic signs to help guests navigate your next event. 

If you’re hosting a large conference for work or you’re celebrating impending nuptials, you’ll probably need a seating chart or other important directional info. Acrylic signs are the perfect solution. 

They are highly customizable, from size and shape to color palette, and they can add a high-quality touch to your seating area. Having a local sign partner is handy for custom jobs like this – we’d love to help you engineer a beautiful and creative solution! 

Your local custom sign partner

At Optima Signs & Graphics, we’re here to help you with all of your signage needs, from permanent installments to movable options. We offer every sign option we discussed, from coroplast ground signs, to retractable banners, to A-frame Signicades. 

Your business is always growing and changing, and we know your signage needs will too. That’s why we want to be your hometown partner for whatever comes next. We can turn your sign dreams into reality in as little as 24 hours – don’t hesitate to stop by our Marietta storefront or give us a call to see what we can do for you. 

What Are Dimensional Letters and Signs?

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Whether you’re launching a new company, moving to a new location, or finishing a rebrand, choosing the right signage for your business matters. 

Recent calculations have shown that the average American sees thousands of ads each day, from digital banners to billboards to exterior signs on storefronts. With so much competition, it’s never been more important to stand out – and many businesses choose to do so with dimensional letters and signs. 

Dimensional letters and logos are a 3D option that helps your business stand out. Dimensional options work for interior signage and exterior signage, and they can be customized to fit your needs and style. 

Why Choose Dimensional Signs? 

1. They make a good first impression. 

Have you ever driven right past a business without spotting it, even when you’re looking for it? It’s a frustrating experience. If a new client is visiting your location for the first time, spotting a dimensional logo will help them find you quickly. 

The layered effect of dimensional logos or letters of exterior signage catches their attention from the start, which makes them happy customers before they even walk through the door. 

2. They draw in potential customers.

Dimensional lettering and logos draw everyone’s attention, not just people who already know about your business! It only takes 7 seconds to make a first impression, so passersby will likely already decide on your brand before meeting you. Professional exterior signs go a long way in helping customers start their relationship with you on the right foot. 

3. They give a high-end feel to interior spaces.

If you’re looking for a way to wow customers as they approach your front desk, cash register, or lobby space, dimensional interior signs are the perfect solution. They provide a visual element that shows you care about both your space and your brand!  

4. Extend the life of your signage. 

Unlike some other signage solutions, dimensional options are built to last. If you don’t want to repeatedly replace vinyl banners or thin signs due to weather or wear and tear, 3D signs may be a better investment in the long run, even with a higher initial cost. 

How We Design Dimensional Letters and Signs

At Optima Signs & Graphics, your dimensional sign options are endless. We have a well-trained and highly skilled design team who can help you bring your vision to life, and we have fantastic partners who help us with a high-quality fabrication process from start to finish.

Determining Signage Needs

First, we look at your existing logos and graphics to determine what type of dimensional sign best suits your needs. We’ll chat with you to determine what kind of sign style you want. 

With these details in mind, we’ll help you select materials that match your brand’s style and your specific signage needs.

Choosing Materials 

Dimensional signs are typically made with metal, plastic, or a combination of both. Some materials function best indoors, while others are designed to be impervious to the elements. For interior and exterior signs alike, we most often use: 

  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Bronze
  • Stainless Steel
  • Acrylic
  • PVC
  • Formed Plastic

Which of these is right for you? It depends on your sign dimensions, including the size of your letters or logo and the desired thickness for that 3D effect. Some materials are heavier than others! 

Larger letters require a more robust metal to last over time without warping, and fabricated metal allows you to get a thick dimensional layer without the heaviness of a solid material. 

Implementing and Maintaining Your Signs

If these options seem overwhelming, don’t worry – helping you bring your vision to life is our specialty. Our team knows how to design a lasting sign while providing the look you want most. 

We’re committed to top-quality products, so we often avoid certain materials (like foam, which is prone to damage from weather or curious passersby who want to poke it!) and use trustworthy vendors. Our fabrication partner, Gemini, guarantees all of its exterior products for life.  This means that should any Gemini product fade, break or contain any defect, Gemini will refinish or replace the defective materials at no cost to you, as long as they are installed on their original location.

Dimensional Letters and Signs at Optima

Whether you’re looking for a new look for your existing logo or you’re hoping to create something custom and new, our team at Optima Signs & Graphics is here to help. Dimensional signs offer far more customization options than printed signs, and we’d love to help you find the perfect look for your business. 

Dimensional letters and logos start at a higher investment point than their printed counterparts, but they provide a higher-end look and a longer life for your sign. Our fabrication process can typically be completed in just 3-4 weeks, so it’s always a great time to start! 

Give us a ring, shoot us an email, or stop by our Marietta storefront. We’d love to discuss how Optima Signs & Graphics can create dimensional signs you’ll love for a long time

Tips For Getting the Best Sign and Banner Value For Your Money

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Whether searching for a temporary banner for an upcoming event or a permanent sign for your new business location, most customers want the same thing: a top quality sign that fits within their budget. At Optima Signs & Graphics, we work with hundreds of customers every year to find the perfect solution for their sign and banner needs. We’re committed to giving you the best value, which means finding the perfect intersection of quality and cost.

It’s easy to shop around for the cheapest sign or banner price, but this isn’t the wisest strategy. Quality and cost matter equally. A poorly constructed sign will deteriorate over time – or worse, will look unprofessional from the start because of low quality printing. This choice will cost you more money in the long run. 

If you opt for the wrong size, colors, or materials for your banner or sign, you may not be happy with the finished product. Working with a local sign expert can stop this problem before it starts, guaranteeing that you’ll receive a finished product that lasts and looks great!

Temporary Banners

At Optima Signs & Graphics, we primarily work with vinyl and mesh banners for our customers who need temporary signage. We customize our vinyl banners depending on your specific needs! Here’s how to determine which temporary banner will work best for you. 

Will your banner be displayed indoors or outdoors? 

If you’re displaying a banner by the road ahead of a weekend event, you’ll need a different style than you would for a banner behind your booth in an indoor trade show. For outdoor banners, we offer mesh vinyl that is built to hold up in windy conditions. Cheaper options with wind slits actually weaken banners over time, causing them to disintegrate and tear apart. 

How will your banner be installed? 

We offer a variety of grommet and pole pocket options to suit your installation needs. 

How long will you use the banner? 

Is this a single-use display, or will you be setting up the banner in different locations repeatedly? We have high quality vinyl options that are designed to withstand wear and tear, as well as various hemming options to help your banner look as good as new for a long time. 

Do you have the correct files? 

Sometimes, a logo that looks fantastic on a phone screen can look pixelated and distorted when it’s blown up onto a banner. We can help you determine if you have the high quality files your banner needs. If you don’t, our team can create a design for you that will look professional and crisp when printed. 

Permanent Signs

If you need permanent signage, we offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor options. We can help you find “the Goldilocks sign” – the perfect fit for your space in both size and style. 

Do you need an interior or exterior sign? 

Choosing the correct dimensions and materials largely depends on location. It’s helpful if you can bring us the dimensions of the space where the sign will eventually be installed, as well as photos of the space so that we can help bring your vision to life. 

Do you need permits for your sign?

Most exterior signs require a permit from the local municipality. We can help you navigate the permit process and any associated fees. 

What style would you like? 

Depending on budget and branding, some customers may want a dimensional sign while others opt for a flat sign. We always ask what “look” you want your sign to have. For exterior signs, we also ask about lighting options. 

Our team does not do electrical sign work, but we can help you choose the right materials and style depending on the lighting situation outside your business. 

How We Help Our Customers Choose the Perfect Sign or Banner

When you pop into our storefront with any sign or banner needs, we’ll start by asking you a few foundational questions. 

What is your budget? 

We offer many choices at Optima, so we’re happy to help you create a sign that fits your budget.

What is your goal?  

Do you want a large storefront sign that can capture the attention of anyone who drives by? Are you building name recognition? Are you marketing a specific event? Knowing what you’d like to accomplish helps us create the right sign. 

Do you have a specific design in mind? 

If you have example photos or general ideas about the kind of sign you’re hoping for, we’ll do our best to recreate it with high quality materials and within your budget. (If you don’t have a design in mind, our team is happy to advise!)

Once we’ve discussed your dream design, we can execute all the details that make it work, from color selections to readability. We can help you choose typefaces and color combinations and determine the correct spacing and dimensions. 

How long do you want your sign or banner to last? 

Regardless of style, material, or size, all of our sign and banner options at Optima Signs  & Graphics are designed to last. We don’t cut corners, because we’re committed to the option with the best value. When it comes to permanent signs, we often work with vendors who offer lifetime warranties so that your sign is guaranteed to look great as long as you’re in business.

Once we’ve discussed all of these details, we can help you bring your idea to life with a sign or banner that looks professional and stands the test of time for wear and tear. 

We love serving our community as a local sign shop, because we get to build relationships with you as we create signs and banners for you. Unlike quick online printing options, we can help you come up with creative solutions that are built to last. 

Get started online or come by our storefront in Marietta, Ga., soon!