Blog
Protect Your Outdoor Signs
Outdoor signs are vulnerable to many factors. Most notably, weather. However, you must also factor in vandalism, and competition. It is essential that you protect your outdoor signs from all of these conditions, otherwise, your sign will degrade, be destroyed, or blocked. Vital Signs understands the sign industry because we have been a major player in it for many years. Our staff will help you optimize your outdoor signs so that you can derive a significant return on investment. As previously stated, weather is one of the biggest detriments to outdoor signs. Wooden signs are often ravaged by rain. This can be deterred through the application of thick wood, sealer, and other weather proofing techniques. Regardless, weather is something that you must live with when you decide to invest in outdoor signs. It is unpredictable, but with the proper finishing techniques, you can increase the overall longevity of a sign and ensure that it survives the advertisement cycle. Outdoor signs frequently suffer from vandalism. Preventing vandalism is tough. If your sign is low to the ground, it is susceptible to vandalism. In order to protect your outdoor signs from vandalism you need to research the area you plan to place it in. If you place it in a dangerous neighborhood with a history for graffiti, you are setting yourself up for disaster. Outdoor signs placed along major highways are often avoided as they are remote. This is an advantage. However, if you want to place your outdoor signs in a risky area, increase the height of the sign. This will deter vandalism as it will increase the overall risk factor by increasing the level of effort required to complete the act of vandalism. Vital Signs strives to produce high quality outdoor signs that are resistant to the effects of weather and vandalism. While this is not always easy, we work with all of our clients in order to achieve this. We offer various signage solutions to customers throughout Toronto, Concord, Brampton, and the...
read moreInvest in Additional Store Sign’s for Your Business
You’re no stranger to the design process. In the past, you commissioned a large sign for your store or company, one that displays your name and other relevant details. However, sometimes one sign isn’t enough. More is not always better, but in some cases, you need additional signage. This type of sign is often referred to as an alternate store sign. Commonly, they are open and closed signs, a single product that you may offer, or a small display that highlights your product and services. Vital Signs offers store sign design solutions, big and small. The Effectiveness of an Additional Store Sign An additional store sign may not be as flashy as your main store sign, but they are still important. Do not skip out on these important signs during the sign design process. First, the effectiveness of an open and close sign are self-explanatory. Not surprisingly, they tell a customer whether your business is open or closed. Shocking, right? Still, many businesses forget about these essential signs when purchasing signs for their business. Don’t be one of those businesses, think ahead. Does your business offer a specific product or service? For example, a tattoo parlor may display a bright ‘tattoo’ neon sign. This store sign clearly states what product the business offers. Potential customers like this as it saves their time and it engages their visual senses. The sense of sight is the most important factor in the signage industry. Obviously, without sight, a store sign will not be seen. Is your business a little more complex? For example, restaurants will often use a store sign to display their menu or their best dishes. This allows customers to quickly read a menu and decide whether or not this restaurant will work for them. If you are in the market for signs, hire the right sign design company. Choose Vital Signs, we offer storefront signs, additional store signs, and many more. All of our services are offered to clients through Toronto,Thornhill, Richmond Hill, and the...
read moreThe Science behind Neon Signs
Have you ever wondered how neon signs work? They succeed at grabbing our attention, but why do they glow and how do they work? Vital Signs loves working with neon signs. Creativity really shines when you work with this type of sign. There is a little science behind neon signs, but it’s not too complicated. Neon is an inert gas, similar to argon, and helium. These elements struggle to react, unlike many of the other elements found on the periodic table. How Does this Translate into the Famous Glow of Neon Signs? Excellent question, and an easy one to answer. Neon signs glow because the neon gas that is trapped in the tube is stimulated by an electric current. The current cause’s electrons to be released which results in the neon gas glowing. The color in neon signs is dictated by the color of the tubing. It’s as simple as that. Basic chemistry results in a spectacular neon sign. How Long do Neon Signs Last? The average life expectancy of a neon sign is anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on how often the sign is used. If a sign was never turned off, it would last for around 10 years or 80,000 hours. However, most businesses do close and a neon sign would only be turned on for a select period of the day. In this case, you can expect your neon sign to last well over 20 years. In the end, it all comes down to quality and how well you maintain your sign. Neon signs are a great way to advertise your business. They are catchy and fun. Vital Signs has worked with neon for many years. We are experienced and we are able to take your ideas and turn them into beautiful neon signs. We offer our services to customers located in Toronto, Mississauga, the GTA, and most of Southern Ontario....
read moreThe Four Essential Qualities of Effective Signs
Not every sign is effective. In fact, some signs generate little exposure because they do not follow the four essential components of what makes a sign effective. The four essential components are visibility, readability, noticeability, and legibility. Each one is important as it provides a specific role that dictates whether a sign is successful or not. Vital Signs stands by these four factors and we incorporate them into every one of our designs. Visibility of Signs This one goes without saying. If your sign is not visible, it will not be seen. Generally, for lettering, you want to add one inch for every 10 feet of viewing distance. This will allow motorists to see your sign and ensure that the message of the sign is understood. In addition, location is paramount. If you place the sign in a bad location, expect bad results. Look for wide open space with little distraction, such as, a field, or along a freeway. Readability of Signs Every sign has a purpose. It is important that your message is obvious. If a consumer is unable to understand what your sign is advertising, they will move on and your advertising campaign will have failed in its task. Group themes together, use supporting images, and cut to the point. You only have a few moments to capture the attention of a consumer, cut to the chase! Noticeability of Signs Depending on location, ensure that you use colors that help your sign standout. Contrast is key in this department. Proper choice of colors will focus the attention of consumers on your advertisement. Legibility of Signs In the end, font and font size are vital components of a successful sign. You must strike a balance between imagery and font. Once this balance is found, it will increase the overall legibility of your signs. If you have any questions about our design process, please feel free to contact us. Vital Signs serves customers through Toronto, Markham, Newmarket, and the...
read moreWhat to Look for in Sign Companies
It is important that you choose a proper sign company for your signage projects. Most sign companies tend to focus on a specific type of signage. Vital Signs has the capacity to produce many different types of signs for all situations. Our manufacturing center is located in Markham, Ontario and is capable of manufacturing any type of sign that you desire. We are flexible and able to accommodate any of your needs. Dedication of the Sign Company Our sign company is dedicated to the industry and this means that you will get the perfect sign for your business. We work with all of our customers in an effort to design the perfect sign that will accurately represent their needs. Many sign companies are happy designing the bare minimum, but that is not how we operate at Vital Signs. We are passionate about each and every one of our designs, regardless of the scope of the project. We are readily accessible through every stage of the design process and we welcome your feedback. After all, we are designing a sign for your business. Your feedback is important to us. Do not hire sign companies that use cheap materials. If you do, you run the risk of your signs breaking down a lot faster. Ensure that the sign company that you choose uses high quality materials that will last through weathering and other conditions that will wear down the sign over time. Do not settle for sign companies that are unwilling to tell you what materials they are manufacturing your signs with. If they are hiding important details, it means that they are not proud of their designs and that they are likely using low quality parts. Vital Signs is a dedicated sign manufacturing company that is located in Markham. We serve Toronto,Markham, Richmond Hill, Concord, Thornhill, Newmarket, Brampton, Mississauga, the GTA, and all of Southern Ontario. If you are looking for one of the best sign companies, Vital Signs stands by its...
read moreThe Most Famous Neon Signs in the World
Neon signs are flashy and they are a classic nod to the industrial era. They exist all throughout the world, but there are certain neon signs that stand out above the rest. They are works of art in their own right and they are deemed as attractions to the cities which they are found within. Here at Vital Signs we are big fans of neon signs, we believe that they are a classic form of art and that they draw in customers with their unique style. Vegas Vic in Las Vegas When you think of neon signs, you think of Vegas Vic. The cowboy has been watching over downtown Las Vegas since the early 1950s. Vic’s design shows that neon signs can be more than just simple letters or words. In fact, they can be large displays that are full of personality. Schrafft’s in Boston Schraffts was a candy and chocolate company located in Charlestown, Massachusetts. While their factory has long closed, their iconic stretched and wavy neon sign still exists to this day. It is a nod to the nostalgic turn of the century period. Grain Belt Beer in Minneapolis Beer and neon signs go hand in hand. This famous neon sign has existed in Minneapolis since 1941. Its condition has been degrading for some time, but it is still an interesting design and worth looking at. The Coppertone Girl in Miami When you think of neon signs, you may not think of sunscreen. However, the Coppertone Girl, like Vegas Vic, demonstrates that neon signs are pieces of art and that they possess personality. This sign stands as a reminder to always wear your sunscreen. Remember, this list is subjective. If you are looking for some high quality and outstanding neon signs, Vital Signs is ready to help you design the perfect sign for your business. We offer our services to customers inToronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Concord, Thornhill, Newmarket, Brampton, Mississauga, the GTA, and all of Southern Ontario....
read moreWhy Signs? They are everywhere and They Work
Modern consumer cultures are littered with signs of all types, everywhere we travel there are signs. These displays provide us with directions, they advertise products and companies, and they tell us the laws. In our lives, we have become so adapted to signage that we sometimes don’t even notice that it exists. Still, they do exist and they make our lives a lot easier. Vital Signs strives to provide signs to all types of business. We work with individuals, corporations of all sizes, and the government. How many times do you think you interact with signage throughout your day? On your way out of the house you will spot a street sign. As you get into your car and turn onto the main street, you spot stop signs, speed signs, directional signs, company displays, school crossings, and many others. We interact with hundreds of signs throughout any given day and they play a vital role in guiding us. Do not underestimate the important roles that they play. Why are they so effective? Signs speak a universal language. Their message can be written or displayed through visuals. Regardless of what language you speak, if you are from a country that uses the numeric system, you will be able to identify traffic signs, and other pictorial displays. The language is universal and there is a reason why signs are used throughout the world, both in developed and non-developed countries. They also provide advanced warning to individuals who may be traveling to an area of construction or a highway that is suffering from traffic congestion. Regardless, they are an essential tool to our daily lives. Vital Signs is located in Toronto. We are dedicated to providing signs of al l types to customers throughToronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Concord, Thornhill, Newmarket, Brampton, Mississauga, the GTA, and all of Southern Ontario....
read moreHow to Design Outdoor Signs
Finding the right image and theme for your outdoor signs can be challenging as there are many factors to consider. Who is the target audience of your outdoor signs? Are you trying to engage a specific demographic? Is your product strictly regulated like tobacco or alcohol? Are you advertising a product, or a service? What location will you place the ad? How long do you plan to advertise your product or service with outdoor signs? While these are not the only questions to ask, they are good ones to ask if you are considering hiring a sign company to design your outdoor signs. Vital Signs has been working in the sign industry since 1991. We understand what it takes to design signs that are effective and durable. Outdoor signs only have a few seconds to grab the attention of a consumer. If they are too wordy, consumers will ignore the message and if the images displayed are confusing, they will move onto the next advertisement. Consumers do not like to waste their time and outdoor signs are usually placed in locations with lots of moving traffic. It is essential that your outdoor signs properly convey your message or else you will waste your effort. Your outdoor signs must strike a balance between readability and engagement. Consumers want to be compelled by your product or service. Your outdoor signs must remind them of why they need your business, and why they need your business immediately. You must convince consumers that your product or service is better than that of your competition and that yours is worth choosing. Furthermore, your advertisement must be memorable. This can be achieved through an interesting artistic direction or specific design elements, but the goal is to make consumers remember your ad long after they have viewed it. For example, most individuals can recall the classic Apple commercials or the Subway Jared Fogle campaigns. These are examples of effective advertising campaigns. Vital Signs strives to create the perfect outdoor signs for all of its customers. We are located in Markham, but we serve Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Concord, Thornhill, Newmarket, Brampton, Mississauga, the GTA, and all of Southern...
read moreInvest in Signage: Cheap and Effective Advertisement
Advertisement is an essential component of any marketing strategy. Choosing the right type of advertisement can be tricky and costly. Television and radio ads are costly to produce. Currently, to run a 30 second commercial during CBS’s The Big Bang Theory costs around $326,260, $264,575 for NBC’s The Voice, and even a low tier commercial will cost a business about $20,000. These costs do not include development and production. Commercials are timed, but our neon signs are not. They stand the test of time. Why Signage? It’s cost effective. Sign companies have one goal, to produce their clients top quality signs, such as neon signs, that suits their needs. A television company has no interest in your advertisement, in fact, they only care about filling time slots. Vital Signs is a company that takes pride in its work and we are dedicated to providing all of our customers with a high quality product. Research shows that outdoor advertising and billboards reach more people per dollar than any other form of exposure. The difficulty in using signage to promote your product or service is that you are limited in how large the message or image can be. Yet, the costs speak for themselves. On average, a sign will cost as low as $20 and upwards of $10,000 for a large outdoor display. Still, flexibility is a key factor of working with signs, you are in control of your campaign through the entire process and you do not have to meet the strict conditions of a television network. On top of being cost effective, Vital Signs provides a friendly service that is unmatched by uncaring radio and television networks. We work with you every step of the way to try and bring your concept to life. This includes input on the creative aspects, as well as the more technical ones pertaining to the construction of your display. We also offer an incredible array of products such as temporary, freestanding, channel letters, and classic neon signs. Whatever you need, we will find a way to create the perfect look for your business. Vital Signs provides businesses in Toronto, the GTA, Markham, Brampton, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Concord, Thornhill, Newmarket, and all of Southern Ontario with a wide range of neon sign...
read moreSignage Solutions Offered By Our Company
Here at Vital Signs, we have amassed an impressive amount of experience in our industry. Our company has been in business for over twenty years and we are proud of our creations. We offer many different products for all types of businesses. Channel Letters This is a popular type of signage that is often used to promote a company’s name. The letters tend to have a 3D look and come in all shapes and sizes. Sign Boxes Also a popular choice, they display a company’s name within a lighted box. Dimensional Signage These displays are characterized by 3D aspects. They show a company’s name and any images associated with the brand. They can also be featured as a neon sign. Awnings A type of display that hangs over the door and is made with aluminum. Pylon and Ground Signd These displays are found outside of malls and box stores. Typically, they are mounted on a pylon and advertise the various stores found within the mall or specific details pertaining to the business. They are usually placed near a road so that drivers can quickly identify relevant stores. Vehicle Fleet Graphics Signage We offer vehicle fleet decaling. Promote your company logo, motto, or image on any vehicle. Temporary Signs Are you building a condo or posting information about a construction project? Advertise the necessary information with the use of temporary signage. They are cost-effective. Other Options of Signage Do you want to design other forms of signage that were not covered by these categories? Our company possesses many different tools that allow us to cater a project to the needs of your business. Contact us today to discuss your potential project. We are a dedicated signage company with over two decades of experience in the industry. We believe in our products because we pour a lot of dedication into the creation of every one of our products. Vital Signs provides businesses in Toronto, the GTA, Markham, Thornhill, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Concord, Brampton, Mississauga, and all of Southern Ontario with a wide range of sign...
read more





