I guess it's a "sign" of the times! Growth is REAL in DC right now and with every new establishment there is a need for a intriguing sign. It is still true that you never get a second chance to make a first impression and the first impression (other than hundreds of recommendations via social media) is the sign of an establishment.
These past years have brought us great opportunities to flaunt our custom sign skills — ghost signs, hand painted signs on interior and exterior walls, blade signs, neon signs, and the simpler signs of reproducing a logos. The work has been super fun and diverse which keeps our creative juices flowing!
One of our favorite recent accomplishments was working at Nats Park in their two newest premium suites. We were hired to paint ghost signs of old DC landmarks. Research first, present ideas and sample boards, gain approval and GO! Truly a pleasure to work at the stadium and the client was thrilled with the results. I guess that's a "good sign" that we're doing something RIGHT!
Then, of course, there is Right Proper. Three years ago we had the opportunity to create a blade sign for their initial endeavor. A call back for their new location was another "good sign" that we create a quality product. This time around it was two huge ghost signs on the exterior of their new building. The work was challenging as we got started on the hottest week in DC, but it all turned out fabulous! Of course we were thirsty but since they weren't brewing yet we had to settle on WATER. I'll be first in line once the place opens up!
Somehow Bo Blair and his group continue to knock out high quality establishments and I'm happy that we are playing a roll. Besides Surfside and Jetties, we recently helped to make DUE SOUTH the awesomest (is that a word?) eatery at The Yards (that's the commercial name created for great things happening at Navy Yards). A couple of faded logos on reclaimed barn wood and a reclaimed retro marque style arrow with our addition of TAKE OUT help to give the place charm. Only problem is that we heard the food is so good folks seldom look up from their plates!
Brewpubs are here to stay, thank God! After meeting Bill Madden, the owner and brewmaster, at Glover Park Day we let him know that we wanted IN on his newest endeavor in Glover Park (their original location is in Falls Church, VA). After a few months of back and forth we found two great locations for our handiwork. Below are samples of our ghost sign on the upper level and a crisp and clean look on the lower level. Great owner, great beer and, uh, GREAT SIGNS!
Occasionally we work directly with the architect to make their vision a reality. In this instance we teamed up with I Studio to reproduce the logo for The Body Image. This approach is usually a little less creative but either way it is gratifying to produce a quality sign and know that it's a job well done.
Look at the signs around YOU. Good signs? Bad signs?
Our experience is diverse, our clients fun, our portfolio expanding everyday. Check out our full portfolio here.