Sign Fails and How to Avoid Them: A Guide to Getting It Right
We’ve all been there – walking or driving by a sign that’s meant to inform or guide us but ends up making us laugh, scratch our heads, or pull out our phones to take a picture. Sign fails are surprisingly common, and while they might bring humor to passersby, they’re not so funny for the business they represent. From unfortunate typos to baffling design choices, these fails offer valuable lessons on what not to do.
Let’s dive into the top signage missteps and how to avoid them, so your signs leave the right impression every time!
1. The ‘Missing Letter’ Mishap
Fail: Missing letters can change a sign’s entire meaning in the blink of an eye. A simple “Fresh Sandwiches” turns into “Fresh Sadwiches,” and your intended message goes out the window.
How to Avoid It: Proofread, proofread, and then proofread again! Triple-checking your copy – especially before the final print – can prevent minor errors that make a big (and often funny) impact.
2. Font Frenzy
Fail: Combining too many fonts can create a confusing, chaotic look. Different styles compete for attention, and suddenly your message is lost in a sea of fonts.
How to Avoid It: Stick to a maximum of two fonts: one for headlines and one for the main text. Make sure they reflect your brand’s personality but prioritize readability above all else.
3. Overcrowding the Design
Fail: When there’s too much information packed into a single sign, readers can feel overwhelmed. A crowded sign may even turn people away rather than attract them.
How to Avoid It: Embrace simplicity. Highlight the most important details and leave white space to guide the eye naturally. Less truly is more when it comes to impactful signage.
4. Inappropriate Colors
Fail: Some color combinations are hard to read or even unprofessional. A neon pink sign with yellow text might be eye-catching but not in the best way.
How to Avoid It: Choose contrasting colors to boost readability. Consider what emotions your color choices evoke, and if in doubt, go with classic, readable combinations like black on white or a subtle background.
5. Ignoring Scale and Placement
Fail: A sign that’s too small, too big, or poorly placed can easily miss its target audience. A tiny sign hidden behind a tree won’t reach anyone, and an oversized sign can look out of place.
How to Avoid It: Match your sign’s size to its location and purpose. For outdoor signs, factor in how far away people will be viewing it and choose an area that’s easily visible.
6. Misleading or Confusing Layout
Fail: Sometimes, how text or images are arranged can lead to unintentional humor or mixed messages. Poor layouts often confuse viewers or make them misinterpret the sign’s purpose.
How to Avoid It: Before finalizing a sign, have a fresh set of eyes review the layout. An outside perspective can spot confusing elements that you might have overlooked.
These common sign fails remind us how important every little detail is in creating effective signage. At National Corporate Signage, we specialize in crafting clear, professional signs that get the message across perfectly – no double-takes or confusion required. Reach out to us, and let’s make your next sign a standout success!