Welcome to SignARama Canada

A Sign of the Times

2011-11-11T16:26:00.008-05:00

The iconic Sam the Record Man sign that hung at 347 Yonge Street for more than 50 years is not only a grand piece of Toronto's cultural heritage, it has personal meaning for this sign specialist.

I was 17 years old when I got my first job at Sam The Record Man, in what would become an almost 30 year career in the music industry. For many of us in the "record biz," Sam the Record Man was our version of McDonald's, a stepping stone to success.

Now, oh so many years later, I am old pro in the sign biz. The Sam's sign, as a true piece of sign art, has even greater significance in my life.

Ryerson University made a deal to preserve it, restore it and display it. There are a great many ways to fulfill their commitment and, at the same time, build an esthetically pleasing and institutionally functional building. If they need ideas, they are welcome to contact me.

This is Why You Need a Sign Professional

2011-10-19T13:06:00.004-04:00

The Toronto Star today featured a story on this very sad sign. I'd like to point out that this is exactly why you need a sign professional.

I've often said that anyone can make a sign -- and this is the evidence.

But if you need a sign -- or signs -- that help you achieve your goals, effectively designed, professionally manufactured, without spelling or typographic errors, please call, click, or come in for a free quote today.

It is not our goal to sell to everyone. Instead, we want to work with customers who appreciate the value of what we offer, and that includes professional signs.

Powerful Graphics Energize Your Space

2011-10-07T16:00:00.004-04:00

Physiotherapy Fix, wanted to power up their studio. Check out the brilliant, high-powered graphics.

We worked with our client to choose and style the images to fit the space. Our full colour graphics are digitally printed on adhesive vinyl and laminated with a matte finish to protect and preserve the life of the images.

Physiotherapy Fix clinics offer integrated restorative health services including chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, orthotics, psychotherapy and fitness.

Let us help you power up your space. Call, click or come in for a quote.

Mouth-watering Signs

2011-09-23T16:19:00.000-04:00

The reviews are in. Holy Chuck is a hit! And the signs are pretty awesome, too.

With reviews on UrbanSpoon.com saying things like, "The burger was melt in your mouth amazing," "I ate the best burger EVER," and "HANDS DOWN BEST BURGER EVER!!!!" it seems Toronto has a new hotspot for beef.

The Holy Chuck signs were designed by our client, AGFX Design.

Holy Chuck is located at 1450 Yonge Street, just south of St. Clair. We think you should go check out the signs! And maybe while you're there, have a burger, too!

Our Best Customer is a Repeat Customer

2011-09-04T17:09:00.001-04:00

In 2008 we updated the storefront for bespoke tailor, John Ferrigamo, of Stavros, the exquisite tailor at 93 Cumberland Street in Yorkville.

This summer, John decided to rebrand the store to carry his own name. He called us.

The updated storefront includes new vinyl graphics on the awning, the front windows, the glass flanking the door, the door and a beautiful corporate sign on the stone wall at the entrance.

If you're looking to update, rebrand or add new life to your storefront, please call, click or come in for a quote today.

A Little Desi Style

2011-08-19T19:00:00.001-04:00

Two sets of ruby red channel letters grace the front and back of the new Desi Beauty Salon & Spa in Markham, Ontario.

Designed by Sebastien Howden of Tunji Design and fabricated and installed by our expert team, the Desi sign incorporates the delicate beauty of traditional Desi-style and contemporary signage. Picture 2 shows the vinyl application detail, adding even more glamour to an already stylish design.

As a full-service sign company, we produce illuminated and non-illuminated interior and exterior signage for all types of retail, corporate, institutional and industrial customers.

Call, click or come in for a free quote today.

Get on the Go

2011-08-14T20:26:00.000-04:00

Go Transit unveiled its new Carpool to Go preferred commuter parking privileges at four stations in the GTA with these colourful pole banners. We're a very proud supplier of signage for Metrolinx/Go Transit.

We printed, finished and installed these double-sided banners at Go stations in Whitby, Burlington, Oakville and East Gwillimbury.

Everyone knows that parking at the Go lots can be a challenge some days. Carpoolers can register for free priority parking....and that's a reason to get up and Go!

For more information about the Carpool to Go program, click here.

For more information about pole banners for your parking lot, event, BIA or business, call, click, or come in.

Looking for Our Vehicle Wraps?

2011-07-18T20:16:00.000-04:00

We creatively wrap so many vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, service vehicles, boats, motorcycles, high performance cars, luxury vehicles, buses, and bikes, we couldn't include them all on this blog.

Please visit our dedicated vehicle graphics blog to see the latest samples of our work.

Our master wrappers can put vinyl on almost anything that moves.

Call, click, or come in for a quote today.

Corporate Signs are Our Specialty

2011-07-07T19:58:00.002-04:00

We love bringing our clients' brands to life.

Our client, Cheelo Graphics, designed this bold corporate statement for their client, Speakers' Spotlight. The sign is the centerpiece of the reception area, incorporating both their logo and their corporate tagline. Made of 1/2" laser cut acrylic with a beautiful brushed aluminum laminate finish, each letter is mounted offset from the wall with added vinyl accents. As the wall curves into the space the sign becomes almost fluid. The contrast of contemporary style and natural wood enhances the decor, just as the designer envisioned.

We have a particular expertise (and passion) for corporate signs. We pride ourselves in bringing our clients' brands to life in order to make a powerful first impression. We'd love to add your brand to our collection of corporate signs. Call, click, or come in for a quote today.

Houndstooth Decor, Twitter and Facebook

2011-06-16T20:45:00.007-04:00

It's not very often that we get tweeted by one of our customers! You can follow Houndstooth Decor and check out their stunning designs and decor. They have their interior sign as their profile pic on their Facebook page. Of course, we have to LIKE that!

2011-06-10T20:29:00.000-04:00

We've updated our dedicated vehicle wraps blog to showcase a few of the sizzling hot new vehicles we've added to our fleet, including a matte black Lincoln Continental and custom striping on a custom BMW M3.

We've also put together a checklist to help you request a quote for your vehicle graphics package.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre

2011-04-28T22:14:00.008-04:00

The magnificent specialty retail carts positioned throughout Yorkdale Shopping Centre all have dimensional signage precision-cut and installed by Sign*A*Rama.

Whether you are shopping for hi-tech accessories, skin care, jewellery, sunglasses or more, you'll see our signs identifying each retailer. Our specialty in corporate signs includes illuminated or non-illuminated signs, indoors or outdoors, large or small. We work in a wide variety of materials, including acrylic, PVC, aluminum, stainless steel, cast metals and so much more.

Call, click or come in and let us bring your signs to life.

Show Stopping Signs!

2011-04-21T20:02:00.007-04:00

Imagine you're walking the trade show floor. Suddenly a wall of yellow grabs your attention and draws you into the booth.

Check out the PharmaFreak retractable banners. Positioned all in a row, this makes a powerful, show-stopping statement to prospective customers....

...which is exactly what you want to cut through the noise of your competitors.

Let us help you choose the right materials and the right media at the right price to help you achieve your trade show marketing goals.

Call, click or come in for a quick consultation and quote.

Signs of Spring

2011-04-18T23:22:00.004-04:00

The new spring fashions have arrived at Dumond Canada.

Dumond's two Canadian stores feature the sophisticated and daring designs of Brazilian shoes and accessories for women.

Our signs grace the storefront and the graphics installation in-store.
You'll find Dumond stores at the Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket and the Mapleview Centre in Burlington.

While you're there, don't forget to check out the shoes!

Our Latest Vehicle Wrap is Electrifying!

2011-04-11T19:59:00.008-04:00

We just wrapped one of Canada's first iMiEV all-electric vehicles for one of our favourite clients, AutoShare.

AutoShare members enjoy convenient, 24/7 access to Toronto's most fuel efficient fleet of rental vehicles at more than 100 locations across the city. If you're a city dweller without wheels, you can reserve a car for as little as an hour or for days at a time.

With the greenest rental fleet, including 3 different kinds of hybrids, AutoShare now adds its first 330-volt all-electric four-seater to the family. This is a 0-emission vehicle that is sleek, stylish and smart. With speeds up to 130 km/hr, the iMiEV lets you love driving and the environment at the same time.

AutoShare was a founding signatory to the North American Car Sharing Industry's Code of Ethics, which includes a commitment that "businesses should protect and improve our environment, promote sustainable development, and conduct business affairs in a way that is socially responsible."

To find out more about AutoShare, visit them online, or call 416-340-7888. Reservations can also be made using Smart Phones with mobile data plans.

For more information about the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, click here.

That's What We Call a "Brand" New Sign!

2011-04-04T22:40:00.005-04:00

Our challenge was to work with our client's many logos, bringing them together to make a stunning first impression for visitors to their Canadian headquarters. This installation combines a variety of metal laminate finishes with multi-dimensional elements to bring their brands to life.
Let us help you design and execute a corporate sign for your reception area or conference room. Call, click or come in to our showroom. We'd be happy to consult with you to find the right materials, colours and textures to help you make your best first impression.

Remember: your sign doesn't just have your name on it, it has our name on it, too.

Pick a Card, Any Card!

2011-03-29T23:37:00.003-04:00

Pick a card, any card! We've just installed our new card printer. We're now producing membership cards, gift cards, loyalty cards and photo ID cards with a wide range of features including signature strips, magnetic strips or Smart (chip) Cards. Call, click or come in for a quote today!

All Systems GO!

2011-02-25T14:56:00.007-05:00

We've been installing signs at the GO Train station in Pickering. The new station is to be unveiled to the public tomorrow.

If you're standing in line to buy tickets, please take note of just a small sampling of signs, including the dimensional lettering for the ticket booths, the vinyl payment decals, directional signs to the trains and elevators.

The new washroom signs are designed with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in mind and include both raised tactile lettering and Braille. Because when you have to go, you have to know where to go!

Making a Signature Statement with Your Corporate Sign

2011-02-15T19:28:00.001-05:00

Asger Pedersen began selling insurance door-to-door in 1968. Now, more than 40 years later, Asger Pedersen Insurance Broker Inc. has grown to include a team of more than 35 insurance professionals offering a range of protection services for their clients.

Asger Pedersen wanted a sign to celebrate this corporate legacy so we recommended a beautiful gold mirror finish dimensional sign. The stylized AP are offset from the wall to add an additional element of visual interest and priority to the design. The rest of the lettering is mounted flush against the wall.

Without question, this sign makes a signature statement.

We often remind our clients -- and this is the perfect example -- your sign doesn't just have YOUR name on it, it has OUR name on it, too.

Award-Winning, Eye-catching and Effective

2011-01-31T18:57:00.000-05:00

Isn't that what you want your corporate sign to be?

Switch Skate & Snow was opening their second location in Ajax. The store interior features dark ceilings, wood floors and walls and lots of natural brick and stone.

We recommended a stunning chrome mirror finish for dimensional letters offset from the textured brick wall behind the cash desk.

Contemporary and cave-like meet in a clash of cultures. Switch store owner, Mike Behagg, says his clients always comment on his sign.

We submitted the Switch sign in a supplier's design contest where it was awarded The Dimensional Design Award of Excellence.

Award-winning, eye-catching and effective. Isn't that what you would choose for your corporate sign?

Call, click or come in. We'd be happy to help you create an award-winning, eye-catching and effective sign for your brand, company or special event, too.

A Sign of The City's Heritage

2011-01-21T18:50:00.002-05:00

We worked with Colonial Restoration, the general contractor, to recreate the historic sign for Fire Station No. 17 on Queen Street East just east of Woodbine in the Beach area.

These magnificent letters are painted stainless steel in a font paying tribute to the signs of yesteryear.
The colour, materials, size and style add the finishing touch to restoring the old building to its original beauty.

Whether you're looking for authentic and historic signage or something sleek and contemporary, we've got the sign for you!

It's the Hap-happiest Time of the Year

2010-12-20T19:53:00.004-05:00

We'd like to wish all of our clients, friends and family the very happiest of the holidays and best wishes for a safe and prosperous new year.

We will be closed on Friday, December 24 and Monday, December 27, 2010 to enjoy Christmas with our families. We'll also be closed on Friday, December 31 in lieu of New Year's Day.

What better way to ring in the New Year than with a New Sign?

Planes, Trains, Automobiles, Buses, Boats...We Can Wrap Almost Anything

2010-12-02T18:34:00.002-05:00

Bates Y&R advertising agency designed this stunningly creative wrap for the Copenhagen Zoo. Evidently it's so real that some passengers have been afraid to get on the bus.

We can wrap a big giant snake around any car, truck, van, bus, boat or plane. Call or come in for a quote.

With thanks to the Toronto Star for the story. You'll find even more creative photos here.

Everyone loves a Parade!

2010-11-15T20:32:00.027-05:00

Check out the parade of vehicles at Sign*A*Rama:

Today we added our 4th City Wide vehicle to the fleet. Our new client, North on Sixty, loved loved LOVED their truck. The Direct Antidote/Loyalty One/Air Miles team dressed up their third vehicle with us last week.

We can work with your designer or agency or we can design a wrap to suit almost every budget -- from simple door lettering to a full-top-to-bottom-end-to-end wrap -- or anything in between.

Bring us your vehicle and your budget and we'll help put together the right package for you.

As the largest full service sign company in the world, we have to admit that we love signs. But we really LOVE what we do with vehicles!

In the Winner's Circle

2010-11-09T19:10:00.004-05:00

We're proud sponsors of Johnny Spinelli of Mototek Racing.

As the racing season comes to a close, we're proud to share the podium with Johnny as he finished the 2010 SOAR (Southern Ontario Association of Racing) series at Cayuga with 4 Podium Finishes, 2 Race Wins and 2 Lap Records. Overall, Johnny finished 2nd in the Pro 6 Dunlop Challenge and 5th in the Blue Streak Racing Novice 600 Extreme class.

Congratulations Johnny!

That's a Wrap

2010-10-29T18:40:00.005-04:00

We delivered our client's fully wrapped Nissan Rogue today. Yesterday it was silver and today it's a very proud purple. Yoba, our master designer, designed the vehicle based on the Home Instead corporate style guide and Larry, our master wrapper, did another extraordinary application.

Lisette Wirta owns Home Instead Senior Care serving Sudbury and Elliot Lake, Ontario. Home Instead offers in-home senior care, services and companionship. Lisette found us online and insisted that we had to wrap her vehicle.

Right after we started working with Lisette, I received this viral video via email. With almost 4 million views, this is worth watching -- particularly if you know any seniors (or perhaps happen to be one!).

Performance Vehicle Effects

2010-10-26T10:13:00.006-04:00

Check out the shiny new matte black Audi RS. You gotta admit that is one super hot sports car!

Do you know someone with a good looking performance vehicle? We can make it look even sexier!

Vinyl for vehicles isn't just for advertising messages. We can trick out even the hottest sports or performance vehicle.

We offer a wide choice of colours and finishes to suit your vehicle, personality and budget.

Please visit our showroom for a personal consultation or contact us by phone or email.

Art Requirements

2010-09-24T14:47:00.006-04:00

We've established these guidelines to help ensure consistently high quality graphics. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Acceptable File Formats - Vector, EPS, Ai, PDF and TIFF also accepted but they need to be 300Dpi. Please note: vector is our preferred file format

Not Acceptable File Formats - JPEG, Word Documents, Microsoft Publisher, Powerpoint

Artwork Do’s and Don’ts
Do include all linked and embedded files with your composite folder
Do design your artwork to properly fit the dimensions of your product
Do convert all text into paths
Do use and properly assign PMS values to your artwork to ensure accurate colour reproduction
Do NOT save JPEG and Word documents as any of the acceptable files, they will still have low resolution

Submitting Artwork Electronically
MEDIA: We accept files on the following media; CD, DVD, memory stick

E-MAIL: Files up to 5MB can be sent directly through email to design@signaramacanada.com.

For larger files, please use our ftp site. Contact design@signaramacanada.com for the url, user name and password to access the site.

WEB: You can design or upload your own graphics online with our on-line store. Visit www.signaramacanada.com. Our online store is open 24/7.

COMPRESSION: Zip larger files to send through email or use our ftp site.

***Please note: Each quote includes up to three revisions. For each revision over three a $25 charge will apply.

Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com

What Makes an Effective Logo?

2010-08-20T19:46:00.006-04:00

Over the past thirty years we have conceived, created, developed, nurtured, advanced and promoted hundreds of corporate logos and brands. We're often asked, what makes an effective logo?

Whether you're just starting up or have been in business for generations, you should conduct a regular review and evaluation of your design.

Simply put, an effective logo is one that is:

1. EASY TO READ

2. EASY TO DUPLICATE in a variety of media (print, web, outdoor advertising, banners) and shapes (portrait, landscape, square, horizontal, vertical)

3. RECOGNIZABLE FROM A DISTANCE

4. HAS STAYING POWER – you and your audience cannot tire of its design nor its colour scheme; font treatments and design elements cannot be trendy or time-sensitive

5. TRANSPORTABLE, your logo must work in colour and black/white

6. SCALABLE, that is, it works whether it’s an inch high or 6 feet high

7. RELEVANT – it tells your audience what you want them to know about you

When evaluating your logo, brand or design, try to objectively consider each of these on a scale of 5:

Easy to read................./5
Easy to duplicate............/5
Distance ID................../5
Staying power................/5
Transportable................/5
Scalable...................../5
Relevant...................../5

Now total your score:

Total......................./35

We can help you develop a logo or brand identity that fulfills your marketing goals and your advertising applications. Even if your logo is well-identified and positioned, we can help advance your marketing to the next level of success.

With more than 30 years experience in product development, marketing, branding, packaging and creative services, part of our "whole lot more" includes being an active partner in helping our clients achieve their marketing goals.

Because we always say.... WE MAKE SIGNS.....AND A WHOLE LOT MORE!

Sign of the Week - So Far

2010-08-04T20:07:00.004-04:00

Here's my favourite sign of the week....so far. Don't forget, it was a short week AND today's only Wednesday. There's still time for another stunning favourite or two.

Congratulations to Adam Silvertown, owner of PACE Pharmacy, newly located at 14 Isabella Street downtown and online at
www.pacepharmacy.com. Pace stands for Pharmacy And Compounding Experts. If you visit his store, please let him know that we referred you!

The Smart Choice to Wrap Your Smart Car!

2010-06-07T21:38:00.007-04:00

!
We love our Smart Cars!

Here's a sneak peek at the Joe Pantalone for Mayor Smart Car booting around the GTA.

A Smart Car is a smart vehicle investment for marketers. The cute little cars already grab the attention of every motorist on the road so when it's tricked out with eye-catching graphics, the result is absolutely irresistible.

Let us make your marketing message memorable. Tell us you saw this post on-line and you'll save $50.00 on your Smart Car graphics.

PS The No Dumping Sign in the background is ours, too

2010-05-07T18:18:00.004-04:00

Every morning our inbox is overflowing with customers who have ordered their signs, decals, stickers, window graphics, and promotional materials while we were sleeping. Want to know how easy it is to shop for signs on-line? Watch our new video - it's easy!

Oh Canada!

2010-02-05T21:37:00.003-05:00

We're celebrating! The 2010 Olympic Games are only 6 days away. In honour of these world games, the dedicated athletes and this great country, we're giving away a FREE Canadian flag window decal or bumper sticker to EVERYONE who comes to visit our showroom starting Monday, February 8, 2010.

Please tell your friends to come visit us, too. Click here for directions to our showroom.

While quantities last. One per person so bring everyone you know!

We were inspired by Oh Canada by Classified. Click the pic for a little Canadian pride!

We're Open 24/7 with Our New Online Ordering

2010-01-18T22:05:00.007-05:00

We're pleased to announce our new, comprehensive web-based design and ordering service. With the convenience of 24/7 service, you can create your own design from scratch or modify any of the thousands of templates available. Graphic designers, ad agencies and marketing departments can upload their high-resolution graphics and order signs, decals, merchandising, banners, and more around the clock.

Choose to pick up at our store, have your order shipped to you, sent to multiple locations in or out of town or to trade shows or other events across the country or around the world.

Sign*A*Rama is the first franchise sign company to offer online design and ordering capabilities. Of course, you can still always choose to benefit from the in-store personal service you've grown to trust as well as the convenience of ordering anytime online.

Visit our website and take the new system for a test-drive. For more information, please contact us: 416-285-5110 or via email.

Holiday Wishes

2009-12-23T11:30:00.003-05:00

We'd like to wish all of our customers, friends and colleagues a very Merry Christmas. We thank you for your business, your referrals, and your kindness throughout 2009. We wish everyone health, happiness and prosperity in the new year and always.

Designing Signs that Work

2009-11-28T00:54:00.006-05:00

Anyone can make a sign, but the value we add to your business is that we make signs that WORK!

There are a number of factors that influence an effective sign. Consider the following:

* How will your sign be experienced by your customers? Outside? Inside? Permanent? Temporary? Will it hang from the building or mount between posts? Is your sign to be illuminated? Are you looking at one sign investment or a series of signs or displays? Will you be adding graphics to your vehicle? How much 'noise' is in the area of your sign? Will your sign compete for attention with other signs in close proximity?

* How far is your sign from your target customers? If you're planning an outdoor storefront consider how far it is from the other side of the street to your sign message. How near or far from your location do you want your customers to be able to identify you?

* How fast is traffic moving past your storefront? Sign readability decreases as the speed of traffic increases (which explains why highway sign lettering is so big and easy to read).

* Who is your target customer? A mall customer may differ from a street customer. Gen Y customers respond to different designs than Baby Boomers. Business people look for different services than consumers. Use appropriate language, colours and images to speak to your target customers.

* What are your critical sign elements? What is your primary sign message? Are you promoting an event? A product? A brand? Do you need to include your address, phone number or website? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Remember, you are designing a large graphic, not a small print ad. Less is usally better, but don't leave out important information!

* Does your sign have contrast? The most impactful signs have high contrast and simplified use of colours. Colours can affect emotions and make a statement about your business. Make sure that the statement you make is a positive one! Use your colour combinations to ensure that your sign is easy to read and inviting to your customers.

With more than 30 years' experience in marketing, advertising, branding and product development, our expertise is part of the value we add to your sign, visual display or retail merchandising.

Not only does your sign have YOUR name on it, but it has OUR name on it, too!

*With thanks to Paula Diaco of Sign*A*Rama Vermont for inspiring this post.

How Much is that Vehicle Wrap?

2009-10-31T00:08:00.007-04:00

Consider the following research on the impact of vehicle advertising:

Cox Communication/Eagle Research reports:
* 48% of respondents to a recent poll reported vehicle wraps as the most unique advertising medium available
* Vehicle graphics and television ads were viewed as the two most memorable media
* 47% of 18-34-year-olds surveyed found car graphics especially memorable
* Vehicle wraps rank highly among advertising media for positive associations
* Of the target population, 61% spend over 1 hour per day on the road and 33% spend more than 2 hours

The OAAA (Outdoor Advertising Association of America) and Driving Revenues, a vehicle-advertising specialist compared consumer impressions made with a $20,000 advertising investment. A $20,000 ad budget will buy:

* 8.4 million impressions from vehicle wraps (in only ONE YEAR!)
* 900,000 listeners reached by radio (10-12 30-second commercials over 6 weeks)
* 700,000 impressions in one month via billboards
* 600,000 impressions in two months from 5-7 buses
* 600,000 households via home-mailing Value-Pak type envelope
* 200,000 addresses reached with direct mail

If a vehicle wrap costs $3,500 (some cost more, some can cost much, MUCH less) and can last (with care) for 3 - 6 years, you can expect a marketing cost of about:

* $700.00 a YEAR
* about $58.30 a month
* less than $13.50 a week
* less than $2.00 a day!

That's less than a fancy coffee every day -- a budget that every business should afford.

It was White Now Black and Read All Over!

2009-10-30T10:00:00.003-04:00

It started out in the morning white and a few hours later it was transformed into a powerful advertising vehicle for our client, The City Wide Group.

This is the third full vehicle we've designed and wrapped for The City Wide Group. Click here to see the "twin brothers."

Thank you Harry Cavan and son, Chris, for entrusting your brand to us.

Chris was so impressed with the transformation, he wrote: "I will certainly bring all of our future vehicles to you and your team."

Is that LED sign really as cheap as you think it is?

2009-09-25T10:24:00.016-04:00

LED signs offer the ability to display custom text messages, graphics, and video that create a dynamic visual impact at an affordable cost.

Are you really sure of what you are buying when it comes to an LED sign? We get frequent requests from customers for electronic message centre (LED) signs. Often those same customers are enticed to purchase much cheaper signs from our competitors.

If you're tempted by one of the much less expensive LEDs, we want you to know a little more about what you are purchasing.

It's Not a Deal – Many of these are much too expensive for what they really are: Low quality indoor LED signs not designed or approved for outdoor use.

Approval - Many of these signs are not listed for approval in Canada and the U.S. Approval is necessary to make sure your LED signs meet all the fire prevention and electrical safety code regulations.

Conformal Coating – Many of the signs do not have a proper sealant, leaving components exposed outside and inside of the sign. Moisture, humidity, dust, and salt air cause the components to corrode and rod. This leads to sign failure in a very short time.

Cooling System – Some of the signs do not have an internal fan cooling system. They simply overheat and fail in the summer months.

Cabinet – Many of the signs don’t have rubber gasket seals and moisture easily penetrates the cabinet, leading to quick failure.

Daytime Readable – Some of the signs use poor quality LED’s and are not bright enough to be read in direct sunlight.

Mounting System – There are no exterior mounting brackets. An installer will have to drill into the sign cabinet, accelerating moisture penetration and sign failure.

Poor Software – The software is written in Chinese or Korean and is of poor quality. It will not be able to show images, messages, or video clips as you would like.

Little Tech Support – The sellers do not provide technical support or at the very least give limited support. They are not the manufacturer; they are a “middle man”.

Not Designed for Warmer Climates – Some of the outdoor signs will actually begin to melt in hotter markets.

(The above information is courtesy of I.C.E.)

We use only the most professional, reputable suppliers who stand behind their products with honourable warranties and can service the signs, if required. We believe in standing by our signs for the long-term. We don't want to lose sleep for the next year wondering if your LED investment is going to work in our cold, Canadian weather or if you'll have to pay for a new one if something goes wrong. It's important to us to know that your sign is going to perform not only how we promise it will, but how you EXPECT it to as well!

Your Award-Winning SignARama!

2009-09-15T18:48:00.007-04:00

We're pleased to announce our first award!

Jim Tatem, president of Sign*A*Rama corporate head office, presented the Top Store Appearance Award to co-owners Michelle Henderson and Ljuban (Lou) Kajganic. The award recognizes "those franchise owners whose expertise in operating their business exemplifies the high standards that Sign*A*Rama stands for."

Of course, we share our award with the team that proudly serves our customers: from left: Venus Moayedi, Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Yoba Sinnappa, Production Coordinator, Lou Kajganic, Sarah Minhas, Consultant, Michelle Henderson and Nader Yosofi, Production Assistant.

Each Sign*A*Rama is independently owned and operated. With more than 1000 locations in 53 countries, we're proud to be the largest full-service sign company in the world.

A Smarter Way to Promote Your Business

2009-09-08T19:06:00.004-04:00

We have a passion for vehicle wraps and designs -- with a particular expertise in Smart Cars.

Our client is a discount real estate broker needing a corporate makeover as his firm transitions from one generation to the next.

We worked to develop his logo, business cards and vehicle design for his new Smart Car. The key line, "Net More...the SMARTer way to sell your home" was our clever contribution -- incorporating the Smart Car logo directly into the design.

Net More is a full service brokerage on MLS offering as low as 1% Total Commission. For more information, contact Mena Bishay, Sales Representative at 416-642-3994 or online at www.netmore.ca

Seeing Double, Thinking Green

2009-08-15T19:32:00.001-04:00

We wrapped twin Smart Cars for Air Miles, Canada's leading loyalty reward program, as part of their "My Planet" campaign. My Planet enables more than 9.5 million Air Miles collectors in Canada to make more environmentally sustainable choices in their everyday lives through green rewards, information and an online community.

Loyalty One, the parent company of Air Miles, is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through a series of innovative initiatives including the appointment of a chief sustainability officer, use of environmentally sustainable office materials and products, and changes to workplace processes and behaviours such as carpooling and videoconferencing. The company is building a fleet of shared Smart Cars at its head office in downtown Toronto to encourage employees to use public transit to get to work, and plans to equip its Mississauga Customer Care Centre with one of Canada’s largest building-mounted solar systems with more than 600 panels that will generate more than 100 kilowatts of clean electricity per year.

We're proud to have played a small role in this important campaign.

It's a Small, Small World

2009-08-03T01:06:00.005-04:00

Today Lou and I parked our Sign*A*Rama-mobile in the parking lot of the Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Michigan. We were in town (out of town?) for a family reunion since I am originally from Detroit. When we returned to our car we were a little surprised to notice a Sign*A*Rama business card under the windshield wiper. My first thought was that one of our cards had fallen out of the car and some kind stranger saved it for us.

Then we noticed that it was ever so slightly different.

Our next thought was that perhaps the local Sign*A*Rama franchisee had noticed our car. We couldn't wait to see who had left their calling card.

Imagine our surprise to learn it was Carl M. Ramsey from Sign*A*Rama San Francisco! In the same mall parking lot almost all the way across the country at exactly the same time in Novi, Michigan.

With more than 1000 locations in 53 countries around the world, you just never know when you'll run into a Sign*A*Rama professional! It's a small world after all.

Twittering Signs?

2009-07-22T20:12:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it unless I see it. Who wants to follow their favourite sign company? Follow me.

We're Passionate about What We Do

2009-07-22T18:27:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it's not about WHAT we do, it's about HOW WE DO IT!

Anyone can make a sign....

2009-07-18T18:28:00.000-04:00

From time to time I will point out that anyone can make a sign.... and some people do.

If you want a sign that helps achieve your marketing goals, call us. If you just want a cheap sign, call the other guy. Here's a sample of his work.

There are only 2 words in this sign and both are misspelled. We blocked out his phone number, but who knows -- it may have had a typo in it, too!

A Delicious New Awning

2009-06-26T11:03:00.004-04:00

Alex Reilly, owner of Sweet Tooth, a delectable baked goods boutique at 508 Danforth Ave., entrusted her new store awning to us. The deep fuscia colour required a custom color match on 19 oz. outdoor block-out vinyl with a double pass of ink to ensure rich colour saturation. We then applied a beautiful matte white vinyl and the result is a delicious new storefront!

2009-06-04T21:07:00.003-04:00

More pictures of our Guys & Dolls signs on Broadway.

Congratulations to OsteoSolution

2009-06-04T20:22:00.003-04:00

OsteoSolution, the first medically active supervised osteoarthritis and osteoporosis treatment centre, opened this week at 920 Yonge Street, Suite 605 in Toronto. We're proud to showcase the beautifully painted sand-blasted corporate sign that greets visitors to the clinic.

OsteoSolution has created a unique treatment concept which combines medical consultation and assessment with an active exercise program specifically designed to meet each individual’s needs. In addition, their aim is educate patients on how they can lead a healthier lifestyle through nutritional workshops and seminars, since maintaining bone and joint health is an integral part of maintaining a healthy body.

If you know someone living with osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, call OsteoSolution and benefit from the first active osteoporosis and osteoarthritis treatment centre in Ontario. Your bones and joints are worth it!

Before and After

2009-05-30T20:11:00.001-04:00

It started as an ugly duckling and when we were finished, it was a beautiful swan!

Signs Work!

2009-05-10T20:08:00.000-04:00

Fresh & Wild

2009-04-03T16:20:00.006-04:00

Fresh & Wild, the city's gourmet market, is celebrating the opening of their fourth store at 1605 Bayview Avenue in Toronto. The store is located in a beautifully restored art-deco movie theatre. We had a lot of fun designing the storefront signs. We think they look quite delicious!

This is the third location we've served for our clients. If you happen to stop in at the store, please let them know that Sign*A*Rama sent you!

Our Signs are a Hit!

2009-03-03T23:52:00.011-05:00

The Hartford Courant has a wonderful feature story about Kate Jennings Grant, a local girl playing Sarah in the new production of Guys & Dolls that opened on Broadway this week. Kate was pictured IN FRONT OF OUR SIGNS! (Note: this picture appears to have been moved!)

There are also a few great photos of the company in front of our signs here and here.

It appears the critics' reviews of the show are mixed, but the sets, including the sign design, by Robert Brill, got favourable mention, including a second and third paragraph mention on Bloomberg.com

One very bright shining light in the production is Lauren Graham. It seems that even the most die-hard Gilmore Girls fans didn't know that Ms. Graham possessed such imposing pipes! According to the Associated Press, "Gilmore Girl Lauren Graham is Broadway's New Doll."

And she looks great standing in front of our signs, too!

They Say the Neon Lights are Bright on Broadway

2009-02-20T20:36:00.004-05:00

If you're visiting the Big Apple to take in a little theatre this summer, we hope you'll see the new production of Guys & Dolls.

Those giant neon and chaser bulb signs you see recreating 1930's Broadway were supplied by US!!!! Here's a model of the stage we helped build....

To give you a sense of scale, I am almost 5'6" and the letter R in Burlesk is almost as wide as I am tall! Multiply that by 64 (the number of letters we fabricated).

This long awaited production stars Oliver Platt, Lauren Graham, Craig Bierko and Kate Jennings Grant. Our tie to the production is that the show's director is two-time Tony Award-winning director, Scarborough, Ontario native boy, Des McAnuff. Mr. McAnuff was recently named Artistic Director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, where he recently directed Romeo and Juliet and Caesar and Cleopatra (starring Christopher Plummer). His 2006 Broadway production of Jersey Boys earned four Tony awards, including Best Musical, and now has six companies across the world.

Oh, to be among such great company!

So if you're the audience when the stage lights up, you can think of us. And in case you forget, you'll find our credit in the program.

Being Nice

2009-01-20T21:12:00.003-05:00

We had a customer yesterday who was so happy -- happy about our price, about our delivery commitment, about our service. She was so excited that she wanted to hug me. Then she thanked me for not thinking that she was weird that she wanted to hug me. I told her that unfortunately, I was old enough to remember when we used to expect good customer service as a matter of course. It wasn't anything extraordinary, it just was.

Now, if we meet someone who's friendly, nice or helpful, we think we need to have a parade and name a building and a date in their honour.

Remember when it was just how people treated each other? With respect and kindness?

Lifes Ponderables....

2008-12-22T22:10:00.001-05:00

How can you tell when a sign-maker goes on strike?

Picture Me Vehicle Design & Wrap

2008-12-08T19:05:00.005-05:00

Our client sells traditional photo albums (like the kind your Grandma used to have, only better!) and scrapbooks on-line. His goal is to drive traffic to his site and generate calls/inquiries with his 1/3 vehicle wrap. We invite you to explore his wonderful products online -- please make sure you let him know Sign*A*Rama Canada sent you!

We can create vehicle designs to suit any budget. Call us to schedule a consultation. We'll help define your marketing goals and design the budget to help you achieve them!

Sign of the Times - Beware of Dog

2008-12-08T18:45:00.001-05:00

Recession Fighter

2008-12-02T20:07:00.000-05:00

We refuse to participate in the doom and gloom, the fearmongering, and unproductive, speculative conversations. If you'd like to talk about positive ways we can make a difference in the world, please give us a call or drop us a line!

2008-11-20T18:48:00.005-05:00

Our print and install for Universal Music in advance of the long-awaiting Guns N Roses CD release, November 23, 2008. We've heard that fans were coming from far and wide to have their pictures taken in front of the superbanner! For the record, that baby is 18.5 feet high x 18.5 feet wide! How can we help YOU get noticed?

City Wide Group Deja Vu

2008-10-01T19:33:00.003-04:00

The City Wide Group loved their truck graphics so very much they went out and bought a second truck two weeks later! Please click the image to see the detail.

The design concept was the vision of The City Wide Group's owner, Harry Cavan. Harry wanted to capture the magic of the Toronto skyline from end-to-end. The design went through COUNTLESS changes but it was all worth it when we delivered the first vehicle. Harry was like a little boy on Christmas morning, smiling ear-to-ear.

The application is four colors of traditional cut vinyl (using the black of the truck as a color to add dimension) applied in layers.

The City Wide Group is a twelve-time recipient of the Consumers' Choice Award for Business Excellence.

How can we make your business look outstanding?

Visit Us On-line

2008-09-01T21:38:00.000-04:00

at www.signaramacanada.com

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2008-08-01T19:55:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Sign*A*Rama Canada