1. What information do you need to generate an estimate?
• Sign dimensions or the dimensions of the space the sign will fit into.
• The exact wording on the sign
• Do you have a design or would you like me to design it?
• If you already have a design, I'll need a file (preferably a pdf, eps, or ai)
• Single or double sided?
• If you'd like a double sided blade (projecting) sign, do you
need me to provide the bracket and hanging hardware?
• How many colors do I need to match?.
• If I am painting directly on a wall, I need to know the wall surface (i.e., brick, smooth drywall, rough stucco, etc.).
• If you have any photos of the site where the sign will be located, it's helpful if you can send them along.
2. How long does it take to get a sign?
It really depends on the season. In the spring and summer I tend to book up anywhere from 4-12 weeks out, whereas after the holidays I can usually book with just a couple weeks lead time. This means that I can usually get started working on your sign (including design work) about 2-8 weeks after I receive a deposit.
3. How long is an estimate good for?
Estimates are good for 6 months, after which I will need to assess the details of the request and re-issue a new estimate.
4. When is the final payment due?
Final payment is due upon completion of your sign.
5. How do you price your signs?
I price my signs using an hourly rate. I estimate our projected time for design, pattern making, prep work, painting, construction, and color mixing. Then I figure in material costs and travel costs if I’m working on location.
Detail is more of an issue than size in terms of pricing; the more complex a design is, the more time it will take to execute, regardless of its size.
I do have a $250 minimum for all signs.
6. Can you work with a budget?
Yes, I actually prefer to work within budgets, especially if I am designing, because I can always design accordingly.
7. I want you to design my sign. What do you need from me?
It's best to email some images of designs or aesthetics that you like and if necessary we can meet to discuss your vision. It’s helpful if you bring along some visual references. I'd like to know what colors you do and don't want in the design. The more info you can provide at the start, the more likely the design will fit what you have in mind.
8. I'd like to see a design revision. Is this included in the cost estimate?
I want to make sure you get the sign that you want! My estimates include one design revision. Any subsequent revisions will be subject to an hourly cost increase due upon completion of the work.
Keep in mind that requesting revisions will prolong the timeframe for completing the sign and may result in a rescheduling if the revision process extends into a time slot that has been booked with another job.
9. I need materials for city approval of my sign, such as a shop drawing or site mockup. Is this included in the estimate?
Unless specified at the initial request, any extra materials such as a shop drawing or site mockup will incur an additional fee, based on our hourly rate.
10. I would like to use the sign that you designed for us as a logo for other merchandise like T-shirts, business cards, website headers, etc. Is this included in the price?
I price my signs as signs—that is, as individual, original artworks that cannot be reproduced without explicit, written consent from me. If you’d like me to make your sign into a logo, I’m more than happy to do that! I’ll send you a separate estimate that includes the cost of digitizing the design for use as a logo.
11. I would like to provide you artwork for the sign, what do you need from me?
If your design is in digital format I'd like the artwork as a vectorized file (.eps or .ai work nicely), to the exact sign dimensions, with all the type "outlined". If the sign is very large, such as wall lettering, then the art should be to a 1 inch = 1 foot scale.
12. Is the deposit refundable if I decide not to go ahead with the sign?
Deposits are non-refundable.
13. What materials do you paint on?
In addition to on-site work on walls, glass, and brick, we usually paint our signs on Medium Density Overlay (MDO), a plywood made for sign-boards, bound with marine grade adhesives, and epoxy-sealed paper faces for outdoor use. I use oil based enamel paint made to withstand exterior conditions. For double-sided signs and A-frames I use 3/4" MDO and for single sided signs I use 1/2" MDO.
I can paint on most anything though so just ask and we'll see if I can accommodate what you have in mind.
14. Do you install signs?
I do not install signs.
15. I don't live in the Fayetteville area. Will you ship a sign?
Yes, I can ship you a sign. I'll box it up and charge you a nominal box & handling charge.
16. Can you make a vinyl sign or decals?
Nope. I don't produce vinyl signs. All the signs I make are hand painted.