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Design Tips/FAQ
“Why laser engraving?”
A laser engraved sign will give you a level of precision, detail, depth, subtly and choice not found with other engraving methods. It’s the “cutting edge” of the industry.
CONSIDERATIONS
A well thought out sign will graphically
project information about who you are, what you do and how you do it. The
use of nametags, business card holders, cage, door, stall or wall signs
convey those messages in numerous ways.
Think about these elements as you plan:
color,
wording,
size, font,
logos/graphics/photos,
material,
attachments, care
“What about…?”
COLOR
Color speaks volumes and can set the tone of the message you wish to send. Do you want to grab attention or issue a warning? Then use “hot” colors like reds, yellows and oranges. Want to gently inform? Soothing blues, greens and earth tones would be the way to go.
Make your signs easy to read. Choose colors where there is a marked contrast between the foreground (surface) color and the engraved (core) color.
If you are going to add a photo to your sign, keep in mind that dark “core” colors generally allow for a crisper image.
Compliment your existing color scheme, or create a highly visible contrast, with one of the 40+ colors Baturin Designs offers. Want a color that you don’t see displayed in our color charts, then please contact us, as we may be able to obtain it or something similar.
WORDING
It’s best to limit the amount of text you use, since people have a tendency to stop reading if you get too wordy.
Limit text to what you really want the reader to know. Also, the more letters on a line, the smaller the wording will be in order to fit into the space available.
The size should be large enough for the wording to be easily read, and suitable to the amount of text desired. Use the following to help you decide on a size, but don’t be completely ruled by it: an average of 1” of letter height for every 10’ of viewing distance, for most signs.
When deciding on the size of the sign, keep in mind the typical distance at which your sign will be viewed, as well as the amount of text you wish to place on it.
Unless otherwise specified, Baturin Designs will size the text appropriately to the number of lines, the font and the sign you choose. We’re guided but not dictated by hard mathematical formulas for layouts. We use aesthetics, artistry and design, as well as readability, to create the right effect.
Type styles, or fonts, add to the impact of your sign. They can be classic, flowery, simple, whimsical or professional. The style you choose should be easily read and appropriate to the purpose of the sign and it’s message.
Baturin Designs offers 51 standard fonts/variations, of which you may choose one or more for each sign. When choosing your font(s) keep readability in mind and don’t confuse the eye.
Prefer a font you don’t see listed? Contact us about dozens of additional fonts we have available, or to ask about match services.
TIPS FOR THE SHOW ANIMAL EXHIBITOR
Consider fonts that compliment your breed. Some suggestions:
· Curly coated breeds, consider Curlz MT.
· Oriental breeds would look good in Papyrus, Tempus Sans ITC or Viner Hand ITC.
· Persian cats & Poodles look good in fancy types like Lucinda Calligraphy, Park Avenue D or Vivaldi.
· When simple elegance is the name of the game consider Monotype Corsiva and Georgia.
· Have a large breed? Try Britannic Bold, Engravers MT or Twentieth Century Poster.
Pictures speak a thousand words, are retained by the mind longer, and will act as cues to recall what you have to offer. Let your audience remember you by the image you display on your signs.
Baturin Designs will engrave your logo or create one for you. You may also choose from stock images or clip art for extra punch. For estimates on creation of logos or preparation of non-stock clip art, please contact us for an estimate.
Want to add even more pizzazz? Then consider an embellishment – a border or a decorative spacer or corner.
Prefer to have a favorite photo engraved onto your signs? We’re expert at doing that. Please contact us for submission details. There is a nominal one - time setup fee for each separate photo, which includes engraving on one purchased item. Add the same photo to any, or all, additional item(s) you order, at any time, for a small engraving fee.
Unless you otherwise specify, Baturin Designs will place the image where it best fits on the sign you’ve chosen.
SHOW ANIMAL EXHIBITORS - we are licensed to use the CFA logo and hope to have other registry logos available in the future.
Plastics are two-ply (surface and core color) very durable and available in a wide assortment of colors and finishes - matte, gloss, textured and metallic (not all colors available in all finishes) with sizes up to 24x12. Many are also UV stable for outdoor use.
Laser-able aluminum and brass (at this time limited to nametags, award plates and small signs) are not as durable as plastic. Brass and aluminum come color-coated for engraving and tend to scratch more easily. They should be limited to indoor use and carefully handled and stored.
Magnetic signs can be displayed on your vehicle and are easily removed when you don’t want them there. They are available in silver w/black, black w/silver or black w/gold in sizes up to 24x12. These signs are very durable and UV stable (except black w/gold.)
All of these materials will laser engrave beautifully, with more precision and detail than any other engraving method around.
Attachments, also known as “findings,” allow you to adhere your sign, nametag or business card holder where you desire.
We prefer to use industrial strength, two-part magnetic bars on many of our items. Of course, you may request Velcro, s-hooks, holes for chain, or double-sided tape instead. However, we think when you try the magnets you won’t want anything else!
At Baturin Designs, “findings” are INCLUDED in the price of your signs.
ANIMAL FANCIERS please note: our magnetic findings are strong enough to support our acrylic business card holder, filled with 60 business cards, on acrylic, fabric, mesh, plastic or wire caging. Now your business cards are easily accessible regardless of the caging you use or whether you’re at your benching area or not. Don’t miss any more contact opportunities!
MAINTAINING YOUR SIGN’S APPEARANCE
Baturin Designs will carefully package your signs into plastic bags. Your sign order will be shipped, for FREE, in a padded mailer, or bubble wrapped and boxed, as appropriate. We recommend that you keep your signs packaged the same way to preserve their appearance.
Fingerprints can be easily removed from plastic materials with a very soft cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol. For removal of minor scratches on plastic use a plastic polish to buff them out. Metal signs can be cleaned by lightly buffing with a soft cloth. Scratches on metal cannot be buffed out so extra care should be taken with them.
FUTURE ORDERS
Your layout will be kept in our database for your future use. You may order other signs at a later time using the original layout; modify parts or all of it, to be engraved on any of the materials we have available. No more attempts at matching additional signs to “something like” your existing pieces.
Click here to order.
Have questions? Contact us
