SIGN DESIGN
Here at ESSA PUNT, we create and manufacture graphic elements that allow us to offer a solution for situations that generate dilemmas in people’s behaviour
Our main goal is to help people access the services they need using visual combinations that get information across tangibly, clearly and precisely. To do this, we adapt the pieces to each specific situation, depending on the environment where each system is located.
Sign design is much more than just putting up signs that guide vehicles or people. It’s a specialisation in graphic design that covers developing signs to be used in many situations, from risk prevention to corporate information, security or even marketing.
Here at ESSA PUNT, we believe that sign design is an art form that involves distilling information, putting words, instruction or even thoughts or feelings into shapes and colours.
Sign design and signage:
the difference between the concepts
There is a slight difference between the two terms, but it’s important not to mix them up since, many a time, they are used as if they were synonyms, when they really aren’t. Each of them has a different framework for action although they do have one common denominator: the object involved is the same, signs.
Signage is the design of indications that follow a standardised code, in order to create visual guides, commonly known as signs. In this case, it doesn’t matter where the sign is put up because anyone would be able to figure it out. It shouldn’t focus on the nature of its environment because this has no effect.
On the other hand, sign design is a discipline that is closely related to graphic design. Therefore, the environment where the sign is going to be used must be taken into consideration to adapt it to each specific situation. This is the edge that moves it away from what we understand as signage.
Here at ESSA PUNT, we create visual combinations that are adapted so that people can easily identify the access to certain services in a particular environment. What’s more, we also help to boost brand image through sign design. In any case, aesthetics plays a key role since it distinguishes a sign with personality from a generic sign.
Stand out with good sign design
Here at ESSA PUNT, we believe that, if you want sign design to meet the goal of providing information, it has to meet these four premises:
Brief
The most important thing is for each symbol to have passed through the design phase.
Attractive
We need to make each symbol as visually appealing as possible.
Effective
It must fulfil its function and meet the needs for which it has been created.
Precise
Any person connected with the environment must be able to understand the message clearly.
As specialists in this kind of graphic design, here at ESSA PUNT, we know all the materials and contrasts to get perfectly defined shapes.
We work on sign design based on the creation of various elements: posts, cut lettering, directories, lettered signs, on plates, supports, etc. made out of materials such as iron, methacrylate, aluminium, steel, glass, mesh, etc. and finishes such as engravings, lacquer, satin, varnish, digital printing, LED lighting systems, cut vinyl, etc.
We should always distance ourselves from any design that could lead to misinterpretations, that’s why we pay attention to the font, since it should express the message we want to get across clearly.
What’s more, lighting is also a key element in sign design. It is of the utmost importance that the final design does not have any glare since this could affect the message.
Lastly, sign design must blend into the environment, but without changing it, in other words, making the route possible by placing each of the signs in a way that doesn’t affect what’s around them.
Types of sign design: which do you need?
Sign design can be broken down into various types. According to the support system or location, we can differentiate between wall sign design, hanging ones, and coterminous ones.
They can also be classified in terms of the material they’re made of or where they are to be placed.
When it comes to designing and manufacturing graphic elements, here at ESSA PUNT, we take into consideration each of these criteria to ensure that they are functional and attractive and blend into the environment where they are placed.
Direction sign design
Their role is to orient the individual in an environment. This could be the signs we may find in a park, for example.
Information sign design
They are designed to inform the user about anything in an environment that needs explaining.
Road sign design
These are specific traffic elements that provide information for vehicles and pedestrians about the rules they have to follow.
Identification sign design
These transmit information about services or locations, such as the signs for ladies and gents toilets.
Ornamental sign design
In this case, the graphic elements play a decorative role, for example, a floral motif on an office wall.
Safety and emergency sign design
These warn people and protect them from different risks. They are, in turn, divided into three types:
Prevention | Restriction | Prohibition
Functionality and aesthetics: the basic pillars
The factor that sets sign design apart from any other sign-related business is its ability to get functional design to blend with aesthetics.
The priority for sign design is to be understandable at a glance, without having to focus too much on the graphic elements. However, the design needs to be pleasing to users, in other words, eye-catching and pleasant.
Here at ESSA PUNT, we work on sign design from two perspectives: functionality, since all signs must be understandable for all users; and aesthetics, in order to provide added value through aesthetic variation.
