Powdered to perfection

by marika_gabriel | 24 May 2024 11:00 am

By Marika Gabriel

When The Powder Room shifted to a newer, bigger location, it sought signage solutions which would not only mirror its expanding brand identity, but also improve its visual presence at its new street-corner location in the Port Credit area of Mississauga, Ont. The mom-and-pop team behind the medical esthetics and skincare boutique—Dwayne and Kelly Carr, along with their daughter Taylor—turned to Signs Den Graphics Inc. to spearhead this endeavour. Thus began the reimagination of The Powder Room in 2023, which included the creation and installation of four large outdoor signs, a reception wall sign, frosted vinyl adorning the glass windows, and a host of additional signage enhancements. Led by Ernest Florentino of Signs Den, various additions were installed with precision and expertise, translating brand identity into tangible visual expressions.

The partnership between the boutique and the local sign shop dates back to 2017. It started with the creation of The Powder Room’s logo and expanded to encompass a variety of signage and marketing solutions. These included upgrades to their promotional materials, as well as signs and branding elements for their reception area. Notably, the reception area signage involved a combination of laser-cut brushed silver acrylic and clear acrylic, resulting in a distinctive shine. Each piece was crafted using techniques such as laser cutting, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, vinyl cutting, and printing.

When the time came to produce the signage at the new location, Signs Den sought to collaborate with manufacturers Gemini and Sign House Inc., to produce a variety of different solutions. Both of these partnerships proved advantageous, as they brought forward the capabilities to produce signs beyond the scope of local providers. Further, their commitment to quality and access to expert consultation ensured the successful realization of the client’s vision.

Spectrum of signs

Outside signage

The four large 3D outdoor signs were crafted by Sign House, using 25.4-mm (1-in.) thick black acrylic, and employing CNC cutting technology for precise detailing. They are mounted on brushed aluminum composite material (ACM), a durable and visually appealing substrate. Each sign measures 4.5 m x 1.2 m (15 x 4 ft) and features the boutique’s name and logo.

Vinyl glass window frosting and service lists

Experienced installers applied vinyl frosting to the boutique’s glass windows, implementing various design schemes to achieve the desired level of privacy, while maintaining esthetic appeal. The frosting also allows for the display of service lists and other relevant information outside, providing both practical functionality and additional branding opportunities.

Reception area

The new location required a much larger reception sign, which was fabricated by Gemini. It measures approximately 1,066.8 x 863.6 mm (42 x 34 in.) and is comprised of light-coloured acrylic, which is 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) thick. Signs Den also prepared a digitally printed retractable banner to augment the indoor signage package.

Name tags

For additional branding, the shop created name tags with the company logo for each employee. They were engraved on laser-engravable material called lamacoid for a long-lasting finish.

3D lettering

Crafted using a laser cutting machine, the indoor 3D letters reading “Beauty Bar” are made from 6.3-mm (0.2-in.) thick clear acrylic with white vinyl facing.

Each fabrication technique used throughout the project was carefully considered during the planning process. Laser cutting and engraving the lamacoid helped achieve intricate designs and details. Utilizing a CNC router to cut the acrylic allowed the team to precisely shape and contour certain elements. Vinyl cutting was also employed, particularly for the frosted windows. Lastly, digital printing for the retractable pull-up banners allowed for high-quality graphics and vibrant colours to be displayed with clarity.

Trials and triumphs

Throughout the process, the team tackled several challenges using quick thinking and innovative solutions.

Design

Most of the designs were conceived by Signs Den, who worked closely with the clients before execution. For this project, initial ideas were sketched on paper, then proofs were created to visualize how the designs would look in reality. A variety of schemes featuring different backgrounds and colour combinations were sent to the client, fostering a collaborative back-and-forth dialogue.

Installation

The visuals for the large outdoor signs required numerous iterations before arriving at the final design. Once the fabrication process was complete, they were affixed to the storefront with the help of a bucket truck, to ensure a safe and efficient installation. Additionally, angle bars were placed behind the signs to facilitate easy application
and removal, in the event the boutique decided to relocate.

Budget considerations

Other challenges also arose during the project, including the delicate balance between esthetic integrity and financial constraints. These were addressed through transparent communication and creative problem-solving, offering the clients a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Since additional features such as illuminated letters would increase the overall expense, Signs Den proposed various alternatives and outlined any additional cost implications. In the end, the client chose the package best suitable for their needs, without compromising on the overall quality of the project.

Throughout the collaboration, the Carr family expressed their admiration for the shop’s work ethic and attention to detail. The Powder Room’s new signage has revitalized both the image of the business and its surroundings. Each meticulously crafted sign has transformed the space, infusing it with vibrancy and identity that captivates all who encounter it.

Source URL: https://www.signmedia.ca/powdered-to-perfection/

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