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Signs Den

Displaying His Pride For Signmaking

By Blog Posts

Strolling down the streets of Port Credit in Mississauga, Ont., one is met with an abundance of sharp and captivating dimensional signs, which grace and enhance the neighbourhood’s diverse storefronts. The mind behind these projects is Ernest Florentino, the founder and owner of Signs Den Graphics Inc.

Florentino opened his shop in 2007, five years after coming to Canada from the Philippines and laying the foundation for the knowledge and skill he is known for today. He takes pride in his down-to-earth approach with his customers, as well as his commitment to laser-accurate detail and execution of their signage designs. Sign Media Canada spoke with Florentino about the history of Signs Den, along with its recent projects and specialities, and his plans for the shop’s future.

Sign Media Canada (SMC): What is the history of your shop?

Ernest Florentino (EF): When I first arrived in Canada from the Philippines in 2002, I had no clue that I would eventually own and run a sign business. I was a mechanical engineer, who had gained experience working in sales.

One of my first jobs here was as a signs division manager for an architectural company in Fort Erie, Ont. While I was there, I started exploring signs in general and focused on quality signs for home builders. Later, I was employed by a company in Brampton, Ont., where I learned all about laser cutting and engraving.

In 2007, I founded Signs Den, which helped me expand my knowledge of digital printing. Together all those experiences seemed to complete the puzzle that was running my own sign and printing company. Signs Den is a place where signs are made with seriousness, talent, experience, and skills, resulting in a quality finished product. I also wanted the name to signify being the king of the industry. The lion logo is meant to show that dominance.

SMC: What makes your company unique?

EF: I specialize in knowing what will look best for my customers’ needs, based on my 20-plus years in the industry. My experience ranges from sandblasted concrete, stone, and porcelain residential signs to laser-cut, engraved, and digitally printed commercial signs. Over the years, I’ve become more attracted to the look of laser-cut acrylic and seen the vast varieties of signs I can craft using my creativity. My team is also well-versed on the different types and qualities of print media. Our use and knowledge of design and editing software helps us stand out from the rest, as it is very critical to show how a sign looks on paper before it becomes a reality.

It’s also my passion to make good-looking signs. Travelling throughout Canada, the U.S., and Asia, we get to see what looks good and bad. I take pictures of great signs whenever I travel. However, a lot of the signs I see locally are made “wrong,” whether it’s wrong choice of font, spacing, colours, materials, size, placement, or shadows.

Another key aspect that makes Signs Den unique is our approach to customers. We treat each customer on a down-to-earth level, where they can easily air out what they want, talk to us in layman’s terms, and explain things with simplicity. We also inject humour into our conversations,to help lighten up the relationship. We’ve been praised and admired for our ability to be personable, and to some extent, customers don’t mind paying extra if they feel their needs are met. Our belief is to serve five customers with undivided attention, rather than serve 10 customers with little attention.

SMC: How large is your facility?

EF: Located on Lakeshore Road East in Mississauga, Signs Den is a total of 69.6 m2 (750 sf). It’s situated in Port Credit, a quaint city within a city with a variety of specialty shops, including bakeries, cake shops, bubble tea shops, pizza houses, Greek restaurants, jewellery stores, house furnishing shops, dentists, denture clinics, and pet shops. Passing through the area, I can point out the signs we made, and confidently say they look better than the signs we did not make.

SMC: What type of signage does your shop primarily install?

EF: We do a wide range of signs that utilize 3D, or what are known as dimensional signs. We love trying out different thicknesses and materials. We can be creative, especially when the customer gives us the challenge of coming up with the design. We specialize in 3D reception signs, which prominently display company logos. These can be lit or unlit, but they never compromise on the details.

SMC: What type of projects have you been working on recently?

EF: We’ve been busy with a lot of storefront signs, reception signs with channel letters, and acrylic laser-cut signs. We’ve also been printing and manufacturing signs and doing installations for a company in Australia called KUBE Design Services since 2019. They needed a company that would give them undivided, in-person attention; have the skills to understand what they required; and implement the production and installation of the signs. More importantly, they needed a company that would be committed to their timelines and deadlines.

SMC: How much of the sign installation process is handled in-house?

EF: About half the signs we offer are done in- house. Some of the elements we outsource are the larger, systematically fabricated ones, such as computer numerical control (CNC) cut signs and channel letters. At our shop, we do the laser- cut and engraved signs, in combination with digital printing.

SMC: What tools and equipment od you currently use to complete your projects?

EF: We have a wide-format printer that can print on most vinyl and banner materials.
We also have two laser machines: one for engraving and another for cutting acrylic and other materials. Additionally, we have a laminator and a lightbox table to help with alignment when mounting vinyl to substrates.

SMC: What are some of the steps involved in your planning process?

EF: When we first speak with a customer, we ask what type of sign they need. We also ask for the logo, images, or text they want on the sign, as well as a picture of the storefront or the wall where it will be going. Next, we send them mock-ups showing our suggestions for the design and sample images of previous signs we have made, to give them an idea of how it will look. Most often, this verifies to the customer that we know what we’re doing. As we discuss the options for their sign, we also give them different scenarios with corresponding price ranges.

SMC: How is technology changing the way you run your business?

EF: Technology is changing, which is why we stay up to date with new features and utilize online tutorials and other specialty videos. Over the years, Florentino has gained an affinity for laser-cut acrylic proiects and seen the vast varieties of designs he can create with the material. Since today’s customers are well-versed in technology, it’s also easier to ask them for what we need, including “vectors” for their projects. Usually, they have an idea of how to use basic design apps, and sometimes I can get the files I need straight from one of the popular graphic design platforms.

SMC: What is the key to staying successful in this industry?

EF: One of our key strategies for staving successful is our online presence. We’re active on social media, and we also focus on search engine optimization (SEO) on our website. Additionally, our business profile so frequently updated to ensure it’s accurate. This has kept us top of mind when people in the area search for signs for their businesses.

SMC: What are your future plans for the growth of your business?

EF: My plan is for Signs Den to become a franchise, with a model that can be expanded using the principles of good taste, knowledge, and experience. With what we have established, I’m confident growing our sales is just a matter of spending more on social media content and advertising.

7 Amazing Ways Vehicle Wraps Promote Your Business

By Blog Posts

As a business owner, it can be quite confusing to make an investment in advertising. An effective advertisement can produce long-lasting results in business growth. One promotional option that has used for many years and is proven to be effective is the vehicle wrap advertising.

Vehicle wrap advertising is a portable form of advertisements or billboards that can promote all across the city. Even if it is standing in the parking lot, it’s promoting your business.

In comparison to a still advertisement source, vehicle wraps have extensive visibility. The average views is 30k to 70k impression in a day, depending on the vehicle’s movement. According to a study, it was concluded that people remember these vehicle graphics more easily than the other source of promotion, and this is a onetime investment with endless possibilities for business growth.

So what are you waiting for?

Give your business a hike with vehicle graphics to attain long term results with Sign Manufacturers Mississauga. Magnetic vehicle signage or vinyl lettering is an effective advertising option.

Sounds exciting!

How Can Car Graphics and Wrap Advertising Help Your Business?

#1. Attention Grabbing

Unlike the other vehicles one with custom vehicle wraps is a quick eye-catcher. The custom wraps put the vehicle in the spotlight among other vehicles on the road.

The bright peppy colors of your vehicle logo and lettering makes it stand out. A well-designed colorful vehicle wrap grabs huge attention on a daily basis.

The vehicle wraps are engaging, and represent your business showing your company brand name, logo and telephone number. You can utilize vehicle wrap graphics and lettering for trucks, car and vans.

#2. Reach a Wider Audience

With the colorful vehicle wraps, it is possible to reach a wide audience. Though, there are many factors that need to be considered, as vehicle wrap advertising is a superior form of advertising and almost always pays for itself very quickly.

Factors affecting advertising include:

• How many vehicles you have?

• How often they are on the road?

• How far they can travel?

Vehicle wrap advertising is a unique way to get your promotional message to the potential customers. You can reach a massive audience with this alluring form of advertisement.

#3. Non-Aggressive Advertising

In general, everyone is irritated with those radio ads or print ads. In the daily busy schedule, none has the time to hear or read long post. This interruption or disturbance is settled by the vehicle wraps, it promotes your business and generates great results. It can perfectly deliver your message to the potential customer.

These promotion signs don’t have an “in-your-face” approach which makes its effectiveness upsurge. Vehicle wraps are striking and people like the style of the presentation. Deliver your message directly to the public with with style and zest.

#4. Mobility of Marketing

These are one-of-a-kind marketing strategy that doesn’t wait for the potential customer, but move around the town to find much more in number. The mobility of these van graphics or truck lettering has is particularly a plus point about them.

With the mobile advertisement, you can reach people anywhere, anytime which leads to endless exposure for your business growth.

#5. Cost Effective Long Term Investment

Unlike other signs, for example billboard, print advertisement, which possess a recurring cost as long as you keep them in use. Instead, a vehicle wrap is a one-time investment with a constant return.

You can also change it, partially or completely according to your need and/or preference. The investment you have to make is a fraction of other long term advertisement campaigns and result in benefit for many years.

#6. Local Advertising

If your targeted audience is in your locality, then custom vehicle wrap is the best promotion option available for your business.

Local branding of your business persuasively attracts the potential customer in your locality.

#7. Protection

Last, but by no means least, vehicle wraps not only enhances your brand but it also act as a shield to the outer surface of your van against scratches & dents from road debris. And the best thing is that it can be easily removed without damaging the original paint of the vehicle.

Wraps also reduce the expenses on touch ups and repainting costs. These car wraps allow you to keep your vehicle in a good condition which extends their life.

Why Choose SIGNS DEN For Your Vehicle Wrap?

If you are looking of a one of a kind sign, which can grab the attention of potential customer toward your business, you are at the right place.

Signs Den is the Best Sign Company in Toronto, being in this field for more than a decade, it has acquired an experienced, skilled and specialized team to provide extraordinary service and value.

We provide everything from partial and full wraps to full color painting, vinyl lettering/ graphics, and truck lettering which perfectly carry out the message of your business.

Our vehicle wrapping experts are always happy to help, from discussion to the design process, manufacturing to installation.

If you need assistance with your new vehicle wrap design or if you have questions about how to get started, fill out our inquiry form, or call us today! So what are you waiting for?

Signs Den serves Mississauga and the greater Toronto area, including Markham, Vaughan, Brampton, Milton, Oakville, Burlington, and Hamilton.

Take your business to a new level with attractive, high-visibility vehicle wraps and graphics!

DIAL: 905.486.0072

What Are Acrylic Signs?

By Blog Posts

Laser-cut acrylic signs are one of the most popular choices for business signage on the market today

Because of their clarity and flexibility with regards to design and color options, and their beauty, they are frequently chosen for office buildings in lobbies, hallways, reception areas, for directional wayfinding signage, and much more.

The standard thickness for acrylic sheets is either 3 or 6 millimeters and is available in a multitude of colors that may be opaque, clear, or semi-transparent. Acrylic signs can also be backlit with LED lighting for gorgeous eye-catching illuminated signage.

With the available materials and laser cutting technology, the choices for your acrylic signs are nearly infinite.

You can have your text and graphics printed on a square or rectangle plaque, or the acrylic may be contour-cut to the shape of your logo and/or lettering. You can also opt for a border that is called a halo-cut to add even more striking impact, and white or colored halo lighting may be incorporated to set the desired tone and mood for your sign.

The edges of your acrylic sign can be polished for a glossy texture or beveled, and corners may be rounded.

Acrylic signs may be printed on the front or back of the surface. Printing on the front of the sign is called “standard” and printing on the back of the acrylic is called “second surface”. Second surface printing creates a depth and sheen, and the surface is less likely to be scratched or damaged once installed.

For easy installation, we offer optional drilled holes for your sign. The holes may be drilled to your specifications. Another option is to install your sign using special mounting hardware called standoffs to achieve a slightly suspended look, rather than having the sign mounted flush on the wall.

For outdoor acrylic signs that may be exposed to direct sunlight, a UV coating may be added to protect the printed portion of your acrylic sign. If you’re considering UV coating for outdoor acrylic signs, you should ask your sign maker if the chosen materials and colors will fade over time from exposure to sunlight and elements. With proper care and placement, you can expect your outdoor acrylic signs to last and look great for at least 5 years.

In summary, acrylic is a nearly perfect substitute for glass due to its’ strength and durability and can be a great option for outdoor signage as well as indoor use depending on its placement. The material will maintain its shine and luster for several years in most climates; however, the color may begin to fade after a few years if exposed to a high amount of direct sunlight. If you live in a very hot climate, it is advisable to ask your sign company about the ideal placement for outdoor acrylic signage.

Another consideration to keep in mind is that the surface of acrylic signage can be scratched and should be handled with care during installation. The acrylic sheets are shipped with a protective film on both sides and your finished sign may still have the coating on its face when you receive it. The protective film can be easily peeled off once the sign is securely installed.

As you can see, there are countless ways that you can customize your laser-cut acrylic signage.

We serve Mississauga, Toronto, and surrounding areas, including Oakville, Markham, Milton, Vaughan, Hamilton, Burlington, Brampton, Meadowvale, Riverview, Cooksville, and Erin Mills

Get the perfect custom acrylic signs for your business at Signs Den!

We have extensive knowledge in the industry. Call today for all your sign needs including channel lettering, etched frosted glass vinyl window clings, vehicle wraps engraved signs. If you need any kind of sign, you’ve come to the right place.

Signs Den serves Mississauga and the greater Toronto area, including Markham, Vaughan, Brampton, Milton, Oakville, Burlington, and Hamilton.

Excellent Sign Design Can Boost Your Business

By Blog Posts

If you’re looking for a way to improve your business exposure, signs may be the answer. Excellent sign design can help improve your business in several ways by increasing visibility and building brand recognition. Well-placed outdoor signs can help improve foot traffic and ultimately increase revenue. Indoor signs can help draw attention to specific areas or help people navigate and easily find what they need.

Sign Design Best Practices

There are several things to consider when choosing the best signage for your business. First, you’ll want to consider the location of your business and the number of people that will see it daily.

If you’re located in a busy area, you’ll want to choose signage that is highly visible, easy to read, and fits the style of the landscape and nearby architecture. The size, colors, materials, and sign placement must all be carefully considered when deciding on your sign design.

Additionally, you’ll want to consider the type of business you have. For example, if you have a retail store, you’ll want to choose signage that is eye-catching and inviting. If you have a professional service or medical practice, you’ll want to choose signage that looks warm and trustworthy.

Many businesses are often missed because the signage is not prominent and eye-catching enough to grab the customer’s attention. If your signage looks shabby and outdated, it might be time for an upgrade.

No matter what type of business you have, new signs can be a great way to improve your company image.

If you’re looking for a way to increase visibility and foot traffic, an updated attractive sign design might be just what your business needs

Signs are an important part of any business. They help customers find your location, inform them of what you offer, and create a visual representation of your brand. Signs also play an important role in marketing; they can be used to announce sales, new products, special events, and much more.

Excellent sign design is effective for driving sales and distinguishing you from your competition. Simply by adding a customized touch to your signage, you can boost your marketing campaign.

To enhance the effectiveness of your signage, read on to learn some of the most tried and true successful sign design techniques

Choosing colors is one of the most challenging parts of sign design, in fact, color psychology plays a huge role in creating a brand’s image.

Corporate branding is important when it comes to promoting a business. It’s essential to keep your messaging consistent across all your signage, and it can help build your brand’s identity.

You can use the same logo, colors, and designs on all your signage and promotional materials, including your website, social media, and printed advertising materials. This uniformity will ensure that viewers understand the messaging that your company uses. You’ll be able to identify your business and its products and services with ease and reach a wider audience with a consistent image and message.

While choosing the right colors, make sure it reflects the overall brand image of your business. Neutral colors can blend into the background while bright hues stand out and catch the eye. Using the same colors for your signage will make your message more effective and your branding consistent.

You can also incorporate your corporate logo in the text of your signage. Consistency will help your business gain a positive image in the community. You can use the same colors and designs on all your outdoor and indoor signs.

Lastly, make sure to use signage that is attractive and informative. The best signs will be well-designed and effective. With the right combination of colors, images, font style, and logo, signage can enhance your brand image and boost sales.

Achieve your goals with the help of a professional in the field of signage. When you hire a qualified, experienced sign maker, you’ll be well on your way to a successful branding strategy.

One of the best things about signage is that it’s affordable and easy to do. There are a variety of types of signs available, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs. Additionally, installing signage is a relatively simple process, and many businesses can do it themselves.

If you’re ready to improve your business, signage is a great place to start. By increasing your visibility and making it easier for customers to find you, signs can help you attract new business and keep existing customers coming back.

Ready to get started? Contact us today at Signs Den in Mississauga to learn more about our sign design, sign materials, and installation solutions.

We serve Mississauga, Toronto, and surrounding areas, including Oakville, Markham, Milton, Vaughan, Hamilton, Burlington, Brampton, Meadowvale, Riverview, Cooksville, and Erin Mills.

Neon Look – Eye Catching LED Signs

By Blog Posts

LED signs are a type of sign that uses LED lights to create a message or image.

LED signs are beneficial because they use less energy than traditional signs, they last longer, and they can be programmed to change messages.

LED signs are created by combining LED lights with a sign board. The LED lights are mounted on the signboard and wired together. The sign board is then placed in front of the LED lights. The LED lights are controlled by a computer program that turns them on and off in a certain order to create the desired message or image.

What are LED Signs?

How do businesses use LED signs? Businesses use LED signs to advertise sales, promote products or services, or provide information to customers. LED signs can be used indoors or outdoors. They can be placed in windows, on walls, or on the side of a building. LED signs are also used in public places such as airports and train stations to provide information about arrival and departure times.

Benefits of LED Signs

How are LED signs beneficial? LED signs are beneficial because they use less energy than traditional signs, they last longer, and they can be programmed to change messages. LED signs also offer a higher level of visibility than traditional signs, making them more effective at grabbing attention.

How LED Signs are Created

How are LED signs created? LED signs are created by combining LED lights with a sign board. The LED lights are mounted on the sign board and wired together. The sign board is then placed in front of the LED lights. The LED lights are controlled by a computer program that turns them on and off in a certain order to create the desired message or image.

How LED Signs Work

How do LED signs work? LED signs work by using LED lights to create a message or image. The LED lights are mounted on a sign board and wired together. The sign board is then placed in front of the LED lights. The LED lights are controlled by a computer program that turns them on and off in a certain order to create the desired message or image.

If you are considering an LED sign for your business or other needs, and aren’t sure if this is the best fit for you, we are available and happy to answer any questions you may have.

Signs Den serves Toronto, Mississauga and surrounding towns.

Benefits Of Interior Signage For Your Business

By Blog Posts

Advertising is a key part of promoting your business, which is why business signage is so important when it comes to marketing your company to potential customers. While many business owners have the impression that storefront signs are much more beneficial than interior signage, it is important to remember whilst exterior signage can draw a lot of attention from passerby’s, interior signage has a whole host of benefits of its own.

Advantages Of Interior Signs

Exterior signage may have the added benefit of drawing people into the business, interior signage plays a key role when it comes to improving the customer’s overall experience, resulting in a higher customer return rate.

Imagine yourself as a customer to your business, or any business for that matter. If you are greeted with bare walls, no indication of the route to take to certain areas of the building, and an overall whitewash effect, is that business going to fill you with the excitement of A) working with those involved in the business and B) are you going to be eager to return? Probably not.

Now imagine yourself entering a building with interior signs that advertise who they are, what they do, where to go, with brightly colored walls, and an overall happier feel. Wouldn’t this be the kind of business you would want to work with rather than the first scenario?

This is a perfect example of why business owners should be mindful of the signs they display throughout their building.

By taking the time to put some thought into the interior signage of your building, you can make your business much more attractive to potential clients. By doing so, you offer the client the thought process of your business being a professional, legitimate, and compliant organization. This positive image is what will keep your customers returning time and time again.

There are many options available to you when it comes to considering your internal signage, some of which may not have even crossed your mind.

Some Internal Signage Examples

Business Branding signs – These types of displays are used to brand an organization, often including the company name, logo, slogan, and color scheme.

Informative signs – These kinds of signs provide information to the visitor or customer, such as opening hours, or menu items.

Directional signs – These signs are designed to help visitors navigate your building with ease.

Identification signs – These signs are used to point a customer or visitor in the direction of the restrooms and any other important area within the building, these types of signs need to meet ADA guidelines.

It is important to remember that these are just a few examples of interior design signs available to you. If you require a more bespoke design then contact our Toronto sign company so that we can help match your requirements.

What is so important about interior signage?

Interior signage has a whole host of benefits for your business, signage can really help build your business and allow you to enjoy greater advantages.

Some of the biggest and best reasons for incorporating interior signage into your business are:

1) Business Branding

As touched upon earlier, business branding can really set your business off to a great start. First impressions are really important when building a client base. By having customized signs and logos throughout your building, especially in the entrance lobby and halls, your business will really shine through to visitors.

Besides the actual message your signage is promoting, the color scheme, company colors, and logo portray a professional business approach, this really helps to reinforce your brand.

A good first impression is what will be instilled in people’s minds, making them more likely to return to your business time and time again.

2) In-house advertising

Although you may have many visitors to your business daily, this doesn’t mean to say you won’t benefit even more by advertising. Use laser cutting Toronto signage to advertise promotions and special events and deals that are going on throughout your business, your visitors are going to notice them and keep them in mind, but you still have the opportunity to use the sign as a selling prop and discuss the details in more depth with your clients.

3) A happy atmosphere leads to happy customers.

And happy customers are more likely to purchase from you. As discussed earlier, white walls are dull and boring and do not fill the atmosphere with a sense of joy. Whereas colorful, attractive designs are already incredibly warm and welcoming, improving the client’s perception of your company.

As well as potential clients, it also makes for a better work environment for your employees.

4) Change your signs with the seasons

Unsurprisingly, signs are easy to take down, so take advantage of this and change your signage to meet the current season. Bright colored designs for the summer and spring, autumn colors for the fall, and Christmas, snowy themes for the winter holiday season. Be sure to customize your signs to incorporate seasonal promotions.

Things to bear in mind

There are some signs that you are required to display by law, such as signs for disabled people, restrooms, and health and safety certificates (these can vary depending on where you are). Be sure to check you are displaying signage correctly.

If your business building isn’t warm and welcoming, chances are visitors aren’t going to stick around very long, you also run the risk of them getting rather fed up of getting lost in the building due to poor signage. These have an effect on your staff as they become bombarded by disgruntled visitors wondering where in the world they have to go to get to their destination. Disabled visitors may also feel alienated if there are no signs indicating disabled facilities within your building.

By spending a little extra time and resources into erecting new, colorful signs, you create a warm and welcoming environment for both visitors and staff. You immediately make a great first impression and you gain a higher repeat customer rate.

Interior signs can really help elevate your business way above the competition, and that is why we here at Signs Den are here to help.
Signs Den serves Mississauga and the greater Toronto area, including Markham, Vaughan, Brampton, Milton, Oakville, Burlington, and Hamilton.