SMC: What equipment do you currently use to complete your sign projects?
DS: We use a variety of equipment in our shop. Two of the biggest pieces of our machinery include a MultiCam 3000 series 1.2- x 2.4-m (4- x 8-ft) four-axis computer numerical control (CNC) router and a MultiCam 1.5- x 3.1-m (5- x 10-ft) CNC plasma cutter.We also have five Miller welders, a hand-held plasma cutter, and a large assortment of power and hand tools.
Often what is unseen and hidden inside sign pieces is as much work as the outside. Here, Matt Marriot welds the inner structure of the Penguin ice cream sign, which is engineered to make the city authorities happy.
SMC: What does your planning and design process involve?
DS: Almost all our projects undergo a unique and separate design process. We hand draw our concept sketches using an iPad as an interface from my iMac. We prefer keeping things a little loose on purpose to allow us the creative freedom as we build.
Our signs are not last-minute afterthoughts pasted onto a building. Instead, we strive to make our signs an integral part of the project’s landscape and structure. For instance, if a project needs a single feature piece or something unusual—we collaborate with our clients to ensure the quality of our work exceeds their expectations. It is imperative signs tell stories—and inform clearly—without having to read the text. Our results speak for themselves.
