


Posted by John Grigoli
Dec 1, 2015 2:00:00 PM
Posted by John Grigoli
Nov 17, 2015 8:30:00 AM
Clear Vision called us when they decided it was time to add signage to their welcoming area. We were very happy to get the call and help. After listening to what they wanted, taking some measurements and checking the walls, we reccomended the use of acrylic dimensional lettering. We also made sure the logo was one that is conducive to this type of application. We suggested 1/4" thick acrylic routed in the shape of their logo and letters. We then printed the colors on high quality vinyl and a laminate was applied to add protection and give it a polished look.
To finish off this beauty, we used 1/2" offsetting mounts to give it some depth. We also suggested using opaque white acrylic to go along with the blues and greens and help provide a tie-in with the South Florida color scheme and decoration they have around the office area. The above pictures capture the results.
Clear Vision is a marketing and sales organization focused on building relationships and continuous development of it's people. They foster innovative thinking and a high level of professionalism for their clients and partners. Through business development, marketing, data analytics, and systems development, Clear Vison provides custom services to drive orgamizational and business results. Cleveland is one of 10 offices around the United States.
When it's time to bring in the sign hardware for the office environemnt, such as lobby signs, office plaques, directories and even wall murals, call Epic Signs & Graphics. We have innovative ideas, designs and services to help your organization decorate and deliver brand messages wether for interior or exterior signs. Give us a call for a free consultation today!
Posted by John Grigoli
Nov 11, 2015 9:00:00 AM
This is why I love this business....something new to work on all the time. The Library gave us a call not too long ago, and wanted to know if we could wrap a book drop. I thought about it and asked for a picture. She sent me the picture along with the art under consideration. While visiting on the survey of the box, we determined that it was something we could easily do, so after we listened to the customer's goals we provided a quote and a rendering....Voila', we were off and running before the snow starts to fly! Below are pics and the rest of the story for this business sign.
The librarian that contacted us said they wanted people to see the box easily as they drive up. They are trying to get people to use this box rather than the other one, so this would be a good way to get this box noticed....I have to agree! They also wanted to let people know the hours they are open so that message wer eaily incorporated into one of the panels and can be seen as you pull up to drop off books.
This type of project really has a lot of flat areas to work with, so applying vinyl is not a problem. We used 3M premium vinyl with a gloss laminate applied. Four rectangular panels were printed plus a panel for the top. On each of the corners, the vinyl wrap is over lapped so that the seems are concealed and barely noticable so that the image looks continuous. The other plus is that we applied this to metal, just like a vehicle wrap. So the direct adhesion is the same. The vinyl wrap will last for years delivering the message to many library users in the future. That is the goal of a business sign, delivering messages over a long period providing many visual impressions.
Full color vinyl graphics has many uses besides for vehicle wraps and truck decals. You really need to think out side the box.....sorry for the pun. For example we have provided a local manufacturer with new control panels for their machines since the ones they had were worn out after 20 years of use. Since it was something usually bought from OEM, the prices were really high since it was a "custom" part. An astute engineer at the manufacturer gave us a call and asked if we could replicate the images on the control panel. We we're able to and provided a heavy duty floor laminate over the vinyl print and they saved money since they no longer needed to buy from the OEM. Full color graphics are available every where these days.
As I mentioned above, I really enjoy every day because new challenges are always the norm and we at Epic Signs and Graphics are always ready for the challenge. Give us a call to check on your project idea, there are many materials available to get your message out there wether it is on a vehicle as a wrap, decals for machines or cut vinyl letters on equipment, we may a solution.
Posted by John Grigoli
Nov 6, 2015 9:29:00 AM
Morgan Management called Epic Signs & Graphics not too long ago and wanted to see alternatives for directory signs and window lettering. One challenge they had is the apartment complex is confusing to walk through since it has a lot of twists and turns. The building is one of those cool brick factory buildings converted into apartments located in downtown Cleveland in the warehouse district, so it lends itself with unique layouts. We came in with some ideas and they settled on cut vinyl wall lettering as a way to point people in the right direction, and then we settled on some nice designs for their windows based on their brand guidelines.
In the above picture, they chose a specific color for the business signs on the front leasing office windows. Because of that, we printed the letters and logos in full color, laminated and then plotted out the shapes. In this process, we transfer the plotted out images onto transfer tape. The transfer tape is then brought on-site for application to windows or walls. Our installers take careful measurements to make sure the graphics are centered or positioned as intended on the agreed upon proof.
When we first started this project, the managers were thinking about using a substrate base to apply the vinyl onto such as PVC or acrylic. After providing an estimate and a rendering, it was decided to go in the direction of direct vinyl applied to the wall. We used the same process as the window graphics, that is print and cut. Same install as well by bringing the images on location with transfer tape so they could be applied direct with ample latitude to position as needed.
The same type of graphics were applied to their pet spa area and other walls to dress up the building through out. Below is a picture showing their logo.
Using cut vinyl lettering and logos through out a facility or even on front windows for a retail store is very effective way to brand your image. There are many ways we can apply graphics within a particular budget. There are vinyls that do not require printing which eliminates a couple steps in the process so it will save on costs. We can also create shadowing affects or a dimensional look and we can also use many types of fonts. Keep in mind, the more intricate the design, the more work involved so the design will need to be one that can be converted without hindering production.
Epic Signs & Graphics prides itself on the ability to design and create custom signage for many types of applications. Give us a call or visit our web site to see our work. We would love to provide a free consultation and figure out the best options for your project.
Posted by John Grigoli
Oct 28, 2015 9:08:18 AM
We are often approached by clients that say they want a full car wrap. I usually ask, are you sure you want a full wrap and not a partial wrap or cut lettering and decals? I can almost hear the the deflated expression on the other end of the phone. Then I ask, do you have a budget for this project? After finding out some peripheral information about the vehicle targeted for a wrap, I give an idea what it could cost.
If it is a car or SUV, a full wrap can run anywhere from $2000 up to $3000 depending on the curves involved, if the roof has to be done, how much detail needs to be lined up, the design, and other factors. In order to do a good looking design for a truck wrap or car wrap, planning is an essential part of the process, and it takes time to do a good quality job. If a vehicle wrap plan truely supports the brand and the splash it can provide on the raod, then I am all for it!
When we discuss the goals for a business, we usually start to see the ROI benefits of a well designed and placed car decal or truck decal along with cut vinyl lettering. In many cases, we see vehicles on the road that, quite frankly, have lost the message amongst all the fancy images....that is a wasted opportunty to get your message across affectively. Many opportunities in vehicle marketing may involve a very short amounts of time, so make sure the design and message can be seen and absorbed quickly to maximize the opportunities.
Take a look at the sample above for iVideo. The images are simple, clean and eye catching in a fast paced invironment. Someone can quickly decipher who it is without much effort. They can get the company name, phone number and website...bammo! That is your goal....mission accomplished. In the below photo, we place decals on all new Relmec vans that arrive. They don't want anything more than what you see, since their trucks are everywhere, the branding works because it is memorable.....keep it simple!
Now don't get me wrong.....I would love to get your vehicle into a wrap, I would prefer to do it however, with an effective design that is conducive to installing vinyl that allows for stretching and bending so that images can line up easily and go around curves without losing the integrity of the image. Ultimately, you want to have a message that is readable because you only have a few seconds to make an impression in some cases. The top photo above illustrates a great truck wrap design for State Farm. Attractive and easy to read and easy to install.
At Epic Signs & Graphics, we really want you to be succesful. If we can help you do that, we'll be around togther for a while and that's how we want to build long term business relationships. Call us for a consultation and we would be happy to review your vehicle, goals and branding that provides the best ROI for your money.
Posted by John Grigoli
Oct 23, 2015 9:07:56 AM
Hmmm.....I would walk in on George, the proud new owner of Inforno pizza while he was seasoning his new brick oven and the aroma took me to a place perhaps somewhere in Sicily, with a earth tone brick oven and smoke drifting out of the chimmney while we prepare ourselves with what's to come while sipping a nice glass of Nero D'Avalo wine. This is serious pizza at it's best. True Napoleona pies baked with real wood fired heat, minutes after you make your selection. Doesn't get any better than that!
Oh...and by the way, we helped with the sign installation. That included channel letters and the vinyl letters on the wall. They gave us a call and when I heard what he was doing, I had to get over there quick and see since I too, have a passion for that kind of cooking.
In the photo above, you can see all of the words displayed on the wall. When we met to discuss this project, we reviewed what the vision was and also looked at the available vinyl colors. They chose to go with a metallic gray color. It helped that they have an eye for design and knew what they wanted so it was really our ability to listen and understand that vision, and then putting into design and implementation. Our designers were able to type set with various fonts and then vary the size of the words so they would fit within a given space. Our installer as well was able to adjust words dependent on how it was starting to actually layout so it turned into a great process from begining to end.
The channnel letters were produced with a specific color red required by the client. We compared other signs around the area and decided to include red LED light sources to further enhance the red look. The result is a bright rich looking red that goes along with the theme of the warm toasty fire roasted atmosphere. Business sign programs often include an exterior sign component and this one was done with channel letters that were mounted to a raceway for ease of installation. Channel letter signs are made with aluminum construction and translucent acrylic faces They contain LED light sources and are UL listed. They are usually fabricated within 4 weeks of art approval, however that depends on volume at the time and weather conditions can affect installation time.
George and his wife have been catering wood fired pizza's around Cleveland for the last several years and have developed a big following. Their attention to service and sticking with fresh ingredients will no doubt gain attention and I can attest to the taste! Magnifico!
At Epic Signs and Graphics we also take pride in helping clients with their sign program. We know it is a big investment, so getting all the details in-line within an expectd time frame are important factors for a succesful implementation. Give us a call as we can help with interior and exterior signs including wall murals, illuminated signs, office signs, lobbies, vehicles and displays.
Posted by John Grigoli
Oct 13, 2015 8:30:00 AM
We were contacted recently about updating an exterior sign for the Waterford community in North Royalton, Ohio. The original sign was damaged so they needed a replacement. We responded with a survey of the site to take measurements, decide how to install, and determine the type of material to use. We new we had to reccomend a solution to hold up in all weather conditions...from hot summer months to brutal Northern Ohio winters.
As can be seen in the picture above, we were able to replicate the old sign and it was a stand out. The colors were so vibrant, the customer has inquired about more signs to install around the neighborhood. The sign was produced with high density urathane (HDU) which was routed and painted. HDU is often used for exterior sign applications because they are light weight, easy to route, takes paint well, and can be used in various applications since it can be glued or secured with screws. And that's not all! Insects are not interested in HDU, it repels moisture, and does not warp or bow.
Many exterior signs you may see around look like they were carved out of wood, but if you checked closely, in many cases it was made from HDU, routed to look like wood. The wood grain texture can be simulated to look just like a beautiful wood product. In addition HDU can be sandblasted to give it a sand or pebble textured look and feel. Because of these options and its stability, HDU offers flexibility in design and installation making it a popular option.
In this case, we were able to take a picture of the original design since we found the damaged original and we also saw how the plan for the new wall. Our knowledgable and skillful designers were able to duplicate the original very closely since the original art work was not available. Once it was approved by the customer we used 2" thick HDU board and set up digital files for routing. When the routing was complete we then applied a durable exterior paint good enough to weather years of harsh elements. We then made "Z" brackets that were secured to the back of the sign. The other half of the bracket was mounted to the brick wall with anchors and screws. The sign was then easily mounted in place and reinforced with adhesive for a very clean installation that does not show any screws or brackets.
Of course if you would rather have the real McCoy, we can also produce real wood signs as well using cedar or other hard woods. There will be cost differnces and it will also depend on the vision and scope of the project to determine the best alternatives and to justify the expense. We are hear to help you sort out the differences so that your project looks as you intended.
If you have a need for a sign to look like wood, but you need more stability or a light weight version, consider an HDU sign produced by Epic Signs & Graphics. We will customize your project to meet your goals or vision and guide the project for a successful installation. Call us today for a free consultation.
Rise Fitness is opening a new work-out facility in Medina and they used Epic Signs and Graphics for all of their signage needs. The project called for exterior channel letters, interior dimensional letters and logo signs as well as vinyl wall lettering and murals. Rise Fitness gave us a call during their planning stage and we were able to help them out every step of the way for their first store opening.
In the above photo, you can see the channel letter sign that was installed. The letters were individually produced with LED lights inside and each is mounted to a raceway. The black letters to the right have a white acrylic face with day/night perforated vinyl applied over the top. This provides a dark gray, almost black letter during the day, but at night they illuminate white so they shine brightly for people to see FITNESS and find them easily.
The first picture above is made with routed black 1/4" thick acrylic. The swoosh has color vinyl applied, while the GX is laminated with polished chrome. The letters were applied to the base peice with adhesive and the whole sign was mounted flush to the wall using studs and VHB double sided tape. The second picture shows another lobby sign and dimensional wall letters also made with black acrylic and laminated with the polished chrome. The two pictures on the bottom are cut vinyl letters applied diectly to the wall. This was done in various places around the facility.
Rise Fitness is a new gym to get your work-outs done and at the same time help two great causes; Wounded Warriors and the Imagine Foundation. Get all your work-out needs completed here for a great price but at the same time, also helping people in real need of help. See facebook for the class schedules and and check out their great prices. If you are a veteran, you may want to inquire about special programs as well. They plan on opening more facilities around Cleveland.
When Rise Fitness called us we quickly headed to their proposed facility early in the planning stages. We took measurements and listened to their vision while walking around. We were able to make suggestions about wall murals, dimensional lettering and also about the illuminated LED letters for the front of the building. Because we were involved early in the process, we were ready when the time came to execute the plans so they were ready with decorations when the doors were opened.
As you look through the photos, notice how the theme of colors is carried out through the signs. Polished chrome letters and logo are used in various spaces and the vinyl wall letters carry the orange and black through out the facility. We were also able to install frosted vinyl for the kids play room so there will be minimal distractions of kids looking out yet allow a parent to check in through the window since they are not completely covered. We used top of the line premium vinyl on the wall quotes and on the dimensioanl busines signs for a professional lomg lasting look.
If you are re-branding, starting a new facility or are moving and looking for a fresh start, call or inquire through our website contact portal and let us help you get your facilty up to snuff with new wall lettering, wall murals, window graphics, dimensional letterts and logos, and even exterior building signs. We will work with you through every step of the way using great service and designs that work, accurate consultations, and fantastic installations.
Posted by John Grigoli
Sep 24, 2015 11:30:00 AM
With the innovative approaches to marketing that are available in the sign industry today, finding the right options for your business's specific needs can be challenging. Thankfully, Epic Signs & Graphics is dedicated to answering those needs for every client. When we were approached by our newest client for a custom wall mural to backdrop a televised event, we were thrilled to tackle the project!
The Washington Post contacted Epic Signs & Graphics with the need for a backdrop. The Washington Post, and Jones Day would be moderating the republican debate coverage, and not just any background mural would do! The televised presentation was quickly approaching, and our client was looking for a quick installation the morning of the debate. With the need for efficiency and a fresh design, our staff began the task!
The backdrop mural for our client was printed using the latest in printing technology. We used vinyl panels that measured to a final 12 feet high by 25 feet long for the completed sign. The individual panels allow for a more productive installation on the glass surface that we were adhering the product to, though in depth planning is required to ensure the right measurements are taken. The survey assisted with our need to have this mural installed correctly on the first attempt of application, so that our client would be ready in time for the debate. With the conclusion of the project, we were ecstatic with the results. Our client was happy, and the product was provided quickly, effectively, and cost efficiently.
The finished backdrop wall mural for The Washington Post can be seen in the image above and below. The vibrancy of the color is on point for the client's aesthetic, and the font is precise. It was exactly what our client was looking for!
At Epic Signs & Graphics, we are a custom sign and graphics company that provides the highest standards of products and services at an affordable price. Our mission is to ensure every client has the sign or graphic solution to their marketing aspirations. We achieve this with the utilization of premium materials, creative designs, in house fabrication, and trained professionals that will assess the best answers to your needs. We are located in Cleveland, OH, and we service the surrounding areas. Come in to see us today, and we will show you examples of the sign packages that can be tailored to benefit your business!
Do you have any questions concerning the recent project that was completed by Epic Signs & Graphics? Would you like to learn about products specific to your business's marketing needs? Reach out to us today, and we will put you down the path to a custom sign package!
Posted by John Grigoli
Sep 15, 2015 11:00:00 AM
Dearborn, Inc located in Berea, Ohio has been in business since 1947 but still did not have a sign on the front of their building when they called. We received the call and they explained they wanted their customers to easily identify their facility when they turn the corner so they would not miss it, plus they wanted to be seen from their unique position below a bridge. We were excited to get the call and provide answers.
There were challenges to install this sign, in particular the horizontal corrugated facing. In order to get the letters and logo to mount in place we had to drill support holes in specific locations on the flat face portion of the corrugation. Dearborn, Inc also wanted to make sure the sign was made with all standard color acrylics with no painting. The letters and logo are made with 3/4" thick acrylic. The logo was made in peices so that the black and orange parts were assembled like a puzzle which required precision planning and routing. Each letter and the logo has a 3 to 4 inch rod set into the back, that is placed inside the drilled hole with strong adhesive.
In normal circumstances, building signs like this one would have the logo and letters mounted securely on metal raceway tracking so the whole sign could be installed at once since it would be in one peice. We worked with their vision to have the letters and logo be the only hardware visable. WIth careful planning and admittedly some adjusting along the way to install, we were able to provide a professional looking sign on the front of their company as they dreamed. Using effective business signs on the front of your company makes it legitimite in the eys of the customer. Once they see your company with a sign, it announces who you are, and of course the style reflects company culture.
Dearborn, Inc is a high precision fabricator that can solve the most complex problems or provide highly specialized parts. They serve the aerospace, nuclear, paper, plastics, medical and steel industries. They provide internal machine components that are well beyond ordinary and they serve some of the biggest companies in the nation. They have built this reputation over the last 50 years.
If you need to brand your company on the outside with business signs, give Epic Signs & Graphics a call for a free consultation. We also like to help solve complex problems and we are ready to help so send us a note through the portal below.
We provide your organization solutions for a memorable impression whether it is an event, trade show, vehicle graphic, lobby sign and more.
Epic Signs & Graphics
3001 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
440-799-8235