1-2 weeks*
The site survey allows you to see what your project will look like on location, before you make your final decision, and allows us to give you an accurate estimate.
The first step of the site survey is to take a straight on picture of the project that can be scaled for a detailed rendering.
The small difference of taking a few steps back to get a good picture can save you money by decreasing the amount of design time required for a project.
The next step is to take measurements. The more measurements you can get the better (i.e. width, height, depth, sizes of separate faces, base sizes, retainer size, under-clearance, etc.).
Other things to note: is the project illuminated? If so, can you tell if it is lit with fluorescent lamps or LED's? What material are used in the project?
Now you may ask, "What if there is a brand new project?"
Good question, and we will go into that right now!
You will need to take a straight on picture of where the project is going as well as a measurement of something on the same plane.
Having measurements on the same plane as where the project is going is useful for the rendering process so we can effectively show you how the finished product is going to look to scale.
Not every project is going to be completely accessible for you to be able to grab all of this information. No worries! Our expert team of service technicians will gladly come by to take a look and offer their opinions on what will and will not work for your location.
Any information that can be provided to us beforehand is always greatly appreciated and helps us get our estimates out to you quicker!
If you have any questions, always feel free to call us, and we will help you in any way that we can!
3-5 days*
Design is one of the first and most important steps in the creation of your final product. An astute graphic artist follows a series of steps before (s)he can begin the actual design work. Signs Etc believes that following this process is a way to ensure that we are delivering the exact outcome the client is expecting.
The first critical step to a well thought out design process is a briefing. This can be done in person, over the phone or by email. We ask our clients to give us a brief overview of what (s)he needs. The graphic designer will gather as much information as (s)he can about the client’s expectations, their company’s mission, vision, and goals, as well as their products or services. It’s worth noting that designers need to go beyond the surface level of what the company or individual does and dive into the benefit for their customers so that this component can be translated in the resulting design. Providing a design brief allows the designer to set the tone for what fundamental information is needed to begin the project, with an emphasis on the “need to know” over the “nice to have” information.
It’s important to remember that each and every element of a design is sending out a message to viewers, from colors and typography to the tagline and symbols.
Once all the information is brainstormed between the client and graphic designer, it is time to start the process of designing the artwork. Our design team will create several options to present to you so that you may pick the most suitable option for your specific need. You will then be given the chance to choose an option or make any design changes needed. We will work with you to make sure every detail is exactly how you want it. Please make sure that once you have made your decision on the design you choose that you carefully check the names, phone numbers, spelling, colors and sizes to make sure all information is correct.
Finally, the design is approved and you are ready to relax while we work hard to deliver the product you have been awaiting! The designer will hand over to the client or another team member to move the job on to the next step toward completion. We include any special instructions that the client has requested for surety of accuracy on the project.
*Exact times may vary
1-2 weeks*
Obtaining a permit can be a confusing process. Luckily for you, Signs Etc is experienced in navigating the rules and regulations required to submit forms and drawings to the various planning and building departments in Missouri and beyond. We will use either the agreed upon artwork that we have designed or your detailed drawings to submit the proper application to the city Planning and Building Department. Please keep in mind that the timeframe once the application is submitted is out of our hands and we cannot start production of your project until we have written approval from the city. Once we have received the written approval we are ready to start your project. We will provide you with a timeframe for production which usually runs around 4-8 weeks depending on the size and scale of your project.
*Exact times may vary
varies*
Production at Signs Etc can take many forms since we manufacture a multitude of different products. Because of this, we can’t tell you the exact process your product will go through but we can assure you that we will use high quality materials and components from start to finish. Whether the project requires signage to stand off a wall or float from the ceiling, the Signs Etc team of fabricators can produce architectural signage tailored to the most custom project’s needs. Our experienced staff will manufacture your product with the greatest attention to detail. And with our UL listed status, all lighted products go through a final testing process to ensure they will illuminate far above industry standards. Signs Etc is committed to using this process and the highest quality materials to guarantee that your sign or product will look great and last for years to come.
*Exact times may vary
1-3 days*
Each sign that we design, manufacture and assemble at Signs Etc is put in place by our expert installation team. Our trucks and cranes will travel to your location and bring your sign to life. We have the capability to install even the largest custom signs. Regardless of the size or complexity of your project, we offer a number of installation services and will recommend the most appropriate method based on your sign and environment. Signs Etc has the necessary equipment and will follow strict safety measures to ensure safe and proper installations. When you see our green trucks you know you are in good hands.
*Exact times may vary
