Designing killer signage isn’t just about slapping your logo on a board and calling it a day. To nail it, you need to communicate your vision clearly to your designer (no mind-reading required). Whether you’re a small business owner hungry for foot traffic or a tradesperson ready to give your vehicle wraps some swagger, the right inspiration can make all the difference. But where do you begin?
This guide will help you find your creative spark and turn your ideas into eye-catching signage that screams your brand, grabs attention, and drives results. Let’s get inspired!
Why Great Signage Matters
Before we dive into where to find inspiration, let’s talk about why great signage is basically your business’s opening handshake. Whether it’s the sign on your storefront or the decals on your service van, it’s your first shot at saying, “Hey, we know what we’re doing—and we look good doing it.”
Picture this: you’re strolling down the street, hunting for a new café. Suddenly, a bold, quirky sign grabs your attention—it screams, “We’ve got great coffee and cooler vibes.” Without even realising it, you’re walking in. That’s the magic of killer signage—it’s like a magnet for customers, and it could be your secret weapon.
Step 1: Know Your Brand
Before you can start gathering inspiration, you need to know what your brand represents. Ask yourself the following questions:
What is my business’s personality? (e.g., playful, professional, innovative)
Who is my ideal customer? (e.g., families, young professionals, local businesses)
What are my brand colours, fonts, and logo guidelines?
All great signage starts with clear brand identity. Being consistent in your branding will help make your business more recognisable and trustworthy.
Step 2: Check Out Your Surroundings
One of the easiest ways to find signage inspiration is to look around you. Take a walk around your neighbourhood and pay attention to the signage used by businesses, especially ones in your industry. Here’s what to look for:
Fonts: Which typefaces grab your attention? Are they bold, modern, vintage, or minimal?
Colours: Notice what colour combinations stand out and evoke certain emotions. Bright colours may signal energy, while neutrals convey professionalism.
Materials: Do the signs use acrylic, wood, metal, or illuminated features? The material impacts both the look and longevity.
Placement: Consider where the signs are located. Exterior building signs, sidewalk sandwich boards, and window displays each serve different functions.
Once you’ve gathered these ideas, start noting which elements might fit your brand and business goals.
Step 3: Turn Online for Inspiration
The internet is a treasure trove of ideas for signage and wraps. When you're brainstorming concepts, jump online and explore these platforms for inspiration:
Pinterest: Search for "business signage ideas" or "creative storefronts" to find countless examples that suit your style.
Instagram (Hashtags like #SignageDesign or #VehicleWrapArt) feature real brands showcasing their signage in action.
Behance Dribbble collections highlight work from top graphic designers and creatives.
Save photos that resonate with you, even if they’re not in your industry.
Pro Tip: Look for ideas that push the boundaries while still staying on-brand. Your goal is to stand out—not copy someone else.
Step 4: Define the Purpose of Your Signage
Not all signs serve the same purpose. Being clear about what you want your signage to accomplish will help inspire the right designs. Consider these purposes:
Directional Signage (e.g., pointing customers toward your entrance or parking lot)
Promotional Signage (e.g., showcasing a sale or seasonal product offering)
Informational Signage (e.g., your menu, services list, or business hours)
Branding (e.g., large building signage that establishes who you are)
Think about where your sign will be placed and what elements need to be emphasised. For example, a roadside sign should focus on visibility and clear text since customers will only have seconds to read it.
Step 5: Look at Your Competitors
Competitors can be a great source of inspiration when done right. Start by analysing their choices in:
Design styles
Color schemes
Materials
Size and placement
Once you’ve identified their approach, ask yourself:
What works well about their signage?
How can I improve upon it for my business?
What can I do differently to stand out?
Use competitor insights as a springboard for crafting something fresh and unique.
Step 6: Lean Into Visual Storytelling
Great signage doesn’t just serve a functional purpose—it tells a story. Ask yourself how you can incorporate storytelling into your design.
For instance:
Showcase your craft with an image of your work or product on your vehicle wrap.
Bring your space to life through custom wall graphics that convey something about your business or values.
Capture your audience’s emotions with evocative imagery or clever taglines.
Visual storytelling makes your signage more memorable and creates a stronger connection with your audience.
Make Your Signage Stand Out
Your signage isn’t just a design—it’s a representation of your business. Whether you’re attracting customers to your storefront or getting noticed on the road with vehicle wraps, the process always starts with inspiration and clear communication.
Now that you know how to gather ideas and communicate your vision, you're ready to bring your dream sign to life. Still not sure how to start? Our design experts are here to help. At The Sign Shed we specialise in creating custom signage and wraps tailored to your business needs. Contact us today to discuss your project and stand out from the crowd!
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