Navigating Custom Signage: Essential Project Management Tips

Every sign project is unique, with its own set of requirements, challenges, and goals. Sign companies that provide custom signage solutions understand the intricacies of such projects.

They dive deep into a brand's identity, their visibility and recognition challenges, and the specific budget and permitting needs of the project. This well-known expression comes to mind, “one size does not fit all.”

Project management is a crucial aspect of creating effective signage that truly represents a brand's identity. A sign is not just a marker; it's a statement of a brand’s identity. It draws attention and distinguishes a business, environment or public space. Project management is a critical component that ensures the seamless execution of a visual project from concept to installation.

Effective project management ensures timely, budget-friendly, and high-quality, custom signs, while maintaining any regulatory compliance. A study by FASTSIGNS discovered that customers frequently feel nervous and unsure when starting a sign project. They often ask themselves, "Will I get it right?"

In fact, when asked how it feels working with the team at FASTSIGNS, a customer told us “they gave me more time to think big and strategically about my business and marketing strategies.”*

Clear Communication - Aligning Teams for Success

Good communication is essential for successful project. Project managers are the architects of bringing sign strategy to life. From coordinating with vendors and managing timelines to troubleshooting issues and providing regular updates, an expert custom sign provider can handle all the intricacies. With project expertise, every phase of the project, including design, permitting and installation, is seamlessly managed.

A project that involved diligent planning and effective project management was a visually stunning 370-foot commemorative monument (That’s the size of a football field!) for the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. The Commision and FASTSIGNS worked together on custom design and fabrication, with the idea of lighting individual panels, complete with QR codes. Their meticulous planning and execution were key to the project's success. The custom light up signs resulted in a high-profile unveiling that has attracted a steady stream of visitors and media attention.

Photo Caption: Meticulous Project Management Yields Stunning Hattiesburg Heritage Monument.

Risk Management: Anticipating Challenges

A sign or graphic project reflects the business, and any compromise in quality can have a negative impact on image. Project managers can act as custodians of quality, carefully overseeing every detail of the process. Their vigilance ensures that the final product not only aligns with the client's vision but also charts a course for an excellent outcome.

The installation of custom signs is a critical phase that demands precision, technical know-how, and a keen eye for detail. Project managers coordinate with installation teams to ensure that every sign is placed correctly, securely, and in compliance with local regulations.

Project managers conduct risk assessments, secure the necessary permits, and implement safety protocols to mitigate any potential hazards. For Strike10 Bowling, FASTSIGNS transformed a second location from an unknown entity into a high-visibility entertainment hub with a modern-retro vibe. The project plan included working with the city to obtain approval for a sign that was four times the original city regulation.

With meticulous planning and communication, they designed impactful signage and digital solutions that culminated in a striking atmosphere and a strong following for the business before the doors even opened.

Photo Caption: Expert project management takes a sign from approval to impactful.

Mapping Each Phase for Sign Project Efficiency

The journey from a design sketch to a fully realized sign involves numerous steps, each with its own set of complexities. Effective project managemnt ensures coordination and smooth operation of design, production, and installation to stay on track. This helps to avoid delays, misunderstandings, and ensures that the project progresses smoothly from one step to the next.

These projects often demand high levels of customization, including complex design elements and innovative materials. Project managers navigate these complexities and ensure they meet custom specifications and skillfully manage any design challenges. In research, a customer told us “I can relax knowing that the decisions were the right ones.”*

One complex issue involves regulatory compliance. Subject to a variety of regulations, sign projects can include zoning laws, building codes, and ADA guidelines. Sign experts have a thorough understanding of these regulations and make sure signs follow the rules to avoid legal complications and additional costs.

For Royal Palm Place, a 19-acre upscale retail and dining destination, a comprehensive signage overhaul was masterfully orchestrated with FASTSIGNS. Through custom signs Royal Palm Place not only revitalized its visual appeal but also optimized functionality, enhancing the customer journey and establishing the property's status as a premier Florida destination.