The Sign Research Foundation is sitting down with sign and graphics companies to see how they are coping, and in some cases continuing to thrive, amid the challenges they currently face. Join us for some insights, solutions, and stories of our industry’s support in communities around the world. If you’d like to provide your story, contact SRF at info@signresearch.org.
Leslie Wolke, a writer and founder of MapWell Studio, spoke about post-Covid sign design with 5 different designers from cities like New York, Austin, TX and others. Specifically she explores how social distancing and safety are changing how companies are using wayfinding signs.
A Resilient Industry: Share Your Story
The sign industry has faced many challenges before, but the COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented. The Sign Research Foundation reflects on past and present challenges, and tees up a series of case studies on how sign companies have responded to the virus.
In This Together: The Industry Recovers
Everyone knows – and feels – the challenges COVID-19 has imposed. While grappling with physical, mental, and financial struggles, business leaders must comply with layers of stringent health and safety regulations while putting on brave, upbeat faces for customers. We appreciate that the sign industry is only as successful as its customers. Read on for several examples of restaurateurs and retailers positioning their businesses for success.
Kolar Design/Kolar Experience Institute
Synthesizing its 30 years of design experience, Kolar Design initiated the Kolar Experience Institute, a research and insight-focused group that’s focused on the intersection of people, process and place. KEI’s initial effort centered on the development of the Compass Return to Premises program, which offers a suite of materials and services that helps organizations bring its employees, customers and partners back to their facilities safely and in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.
Kelly David, Marketing Director at Kieffer | Starlite, describes how they adapted their processes to help the recovery effort by producing intubation shields and PPE masks.
Jim Teal, President of Ortwein Sign Company recounts how his manufacturing background helped their shop adapt to social-distancing restrictions and how a work-around kept its paint shop moving.
ISG (Integrated Sign and Graphic)
Aaron Anderkin, Executive Vice President of Lexington, Kentucky's ISG (Integrated Sign and Graphic), outlines how their shop shifted its production into PPE materials and how it persevered through trying economic times.
Teresa M. Young, President of Sign Biz, and Aaron Cradduck, Owner of Solano Signs, talk about adapting to the COVID-19 crisis while helping their communities.
Augusta, GA-based Keen Sign & Graphics mobilized quickly to provide sneeze guards for healthcare facilities, tax offices and retail stores. The shop has also produced banners for COVID-19 testing sites.
AZPRO Group in Avondale, AZ has produced printed signage and vehicle wraps since 2004. Their COVID-19-related contributions to the Phoenix area include producing free banners for local restaurants, and partnering with a construction company to produce yard signs for every Peoria (AZ) High School graduate.
Las Vegas-based Screaming Images has produced vibrantly hued wall wraps and promotional graphics for numerous Sin City shows. Its latest production is colorless; a series of router-cut acrylic barriers to ensure social distancing for casino table games.
