Why You Need a Custom Banner for Your Grand Opening

You’ve put a lot of work into creating your new store and it’s now time for your grand opening. What steps do you take to make it successful? While there are many tools to help you launch your storefront, creating a custom banner is one of the more efficient resources.

Banners are visual aids that many marketers and business owners use to let customers know that they are open for business. Are you in a similar situation? If so, here is why a banner is important to have for your grand opening:

Stand Out - Custom banners allow you to stand apart from the competition, especially if your business is similar to others in your community. Using visuals and a catchy slogan, you can help make a name for company and let people know that you're in for business. 

Build Awareness - Letting people know that you are open for business is part of building brand awareness. Whether your company is one of a kind or one of a hundred similar companies out there, using a banner for your grand opening will help you promote to consumers and others in the industry. When articulated properly, these visual aids are one of the most effective forms of advertising out there. 

Share Important Information - Not only are visuals essential to the overall look of your custom banner. but the information you share can also have a major impact on your business. For example, a phone number, list of services or products, and grand opening sale promotions can double the attraction to your storefront.

At Chief Graphix, we understand the impact that a well-thought, customized banner can have on a business’ overall success. Whether you choose a simple banner or a more complex design, there is a tremendous benefit to opening your storefront with custom signage.

If you’re on the market for a new banner for your grand opening, call 516-883-SIGN today and let our professional graphic designers help you differentiate your business from the competition!

Signage Makes a Lasting Impression on Your Business

The signage you create for your business can make a lasting impression and impact the way consumers interact with your product or service. Essentially, it acts as the one of the first forms of communication between you and your customers, so it’s vital to get it right.

How do you know if your signage is making a positive impression on your audience? Below, we suggest a few concepts to be aware of before putting yours on display:

Content - What you say with words is one of the most important components to creating signage for your business. You want your message to directly reflect what your brand is all about and how you want to be perceived. The words you use should be powerful and direct, yet inviting. The content should also be simple because if it’s too complicated to read, you won’t give consumers the opportunity to become interested.

Photos - Choosing the right photos for your signage is just as important (if not, more). Again, images should be simple, direct, and directly related to your brand’s identity. They should work well with the text and not look too busy. It’s also key to choose photos that aren’t inaccurate or offensive, as this will only turn customers away.

Color - Choosing color can be one of the trickiest parts of creating signage not just because there are so many options, but also because it can make or break your sales. For more tips on how to choose the best color for your business, click here. 

Quality - Quality material is important because the more you put into your business the more ROI you can receive. Without a conscious effort to view your business from the consumer’s perspective, it might be more difficult to understand what your audience is looking for. When it comes to quality signage, material can transform your ‘OK’ design into one that is topnotch.

At Chief Graphix, we know that custom signage is key to the success of your business, which is why we’re committed to providing the best solutions in custom branded sign-creation. If you’re ready to check “custom signage”, call 516-883-SIGN today, and let our sign professionals guide you through every step of the process.

Choosing Colors to Generate More Sales

If you’re launching or rebranding your business, chances are you need to make decisions about color somewhere down the line. Depending on what you want your brand to represent, choosing the right colors for your brand is part of being successful.

Colors play an important role in marketing because they stir up a variety of emotions in customers that can help to motivates purchases. Below are some of the top colors that are known to increase sales and have an impact on your customers:

Red - Often the most popular color in marketing because it easily grabs attention. Red is the color of power and has a way of exciting customers, thus inviting them to explore your brand.

Blue - The color of trust and responsibility, making it a common choice for technological and financial brands on the market.

Green - A warm and inviting color. Many eco-friendly and health brands opt for green because it represents health and wellness. Although it’s a calming hue, it also represents wealth - the reason why financial brands gravitate towards this color as well.

Yellow - The color of confidence and creativity, and can call for attention when used correctly. But yellow on its own can often be glaring, so pair it with a dark-colored text for contrast.

Black - Modern, classic, and versatile. Black can be used to convey many emotions depending on the colors that compliment it. It’s also often used to emphasize drama and excitement and represents authority.

There are several approaches you can take when choosing a color for your brand, especially if you plan on creating customized graphics. Turn to Chief Graphix if you’re a business owner and need custom signage for your brand! When it comes to custom branding, Chief Graphix is your one-stop-shop for high quality products and professional consulting services.

For more information about how we can help your business rise to the top visit us on the web or call 516-883-SIGN.

#TipsTuesday | Creating Signage for Your Storefront

The signage you create for your storefront should be the center of it all - the focal point that catches everyone’s eyes. That last thing you want is to confuse your buyers and make them hunt for what it is you’re selling. Some of the best signage captures a customer's interest and sends a clear message.

Need a few pointers for your new signage? Below are a few guidelines to remember:

Keep it simple. They say sometimes less is more - this couldn’t be any more true when it comes to signage. Attention spans tend to be short, so you want your sign to send a message with just one look. With that said, try to avoid blocks of text and focus more on the overall picture. 

Make sure your font is readable. When you do add text, make sure it’s large and clear enough for your customers to read at a glance. If customers can’t read it quickly enough, they will walk right by. The same goes for colors - great signage is designed around bold colors instead of bright unreadable shades of yellow and green.

Use the right words. Your goal is to allow customers to visualize themselves using your product, so incorporating the right kinds of words in your sign can help. Speak to customers by saying “you” and “your” to encourage them to wear your clothes or use your supplies. You’ll make heads turn!

Do you need effective signage for your storefront or business? Remembering these guidelines is the first stage in the process. The next step is to find professionals who can bring your design to life! At Chief Graphix, we know that graphics are essential to marketing your business, and signage is just one solution! To learn more about our services, call 516-883-SIGN today, and let our graphic professionals guide you through every step of the process. 

How to Stand Out at a Trade Show

It’s often said that trade shows can be good for your business. But with rows of other businesses lined up beside each other, it’s easy for your booth to get lost in the crowd. That being said, there are a few tactics to consider if you want to draw in consumers.

One way to stand out at a trade show is to design an eye-catching display sign. Here are a few guidelines to follow so that you can make the most of this opportunity:

Focus on color. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is choosing the wrong color combination. If the colors don’t match or they’re too shocking on the eyes, you could send people walking in the other direction. If you pick wisely, it can make all the difference.

Determine the size. The height and width of your sign means a lot. You don’t want a sign that’s too big or too small, so you want to go with a happy medium. Factors to consider include the size of images you want to display and how much text you want to add. Once you know these details you can work on the proper size of your sign.

Choose the right typeface. Typeface can also play a large part in how well your sign stands out. You want something that’s easily readable but not too bland. Also, think about what message you want to send across and what your demographics are - it’s only right that you select a typeface that is consistent with your business and your message.

Add images. Did you know that visuals appeal to people more than text? While you want people to read your sign, you first have to get them to look. The best way to achieve this is to add vibrant images to your sign. Arrange these images (or the one image) to stand out yet fit well with the rest of your display.

Need help coming up with a creative sign for your upcoming trade show? The marketing and design consultants at Chief Graphix can help! With more 25 years of marketing experience under our belt, you can rest assured that your company’s business efforts will be in the best hands.

To learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation, click here or call 516-553-SIGN.

How to Reorganize Your Store for Fall

A great organizational plan for your store entails knowing what stands out. Fall is the time of year when customers will be lining up in preparation for the holidays. So if you want to increase foot traffic and boost the sales in your store this season, check out the following tips to help you reorganize:

1. Motivate your customers. Arranging exclusive gift sets and adding limited edition collectables can motivate customers to shop now because you send a clear message that there is only one opportunity to purchase these items. So having a timeframe is key, especially when the holiday season arrives.

2. Print your products. If you own a small business, getting creative with business cards can be a big advantage. By designing business cards with your contact information and photos of your store’s products, you give customers a reason to shop. The greatest perk about business cards is that they’re easy enough to switch up all year round, so get started today!

3. Tell a story. Another way you can reorganize your store is by adding visuals. Telling a story with visuals is all about designing window displays that create a double-take - making your customers feel welcome and inviting them into your store at first glance. At Chief Graphix, we can bring your design ideas to life by creating custom signage that portrays your company’s overall message.

For more advice on how to reorganize your store for fall, click here.

If increasing foot traffic is your goal this season, then check out our beautifully crafted custom signage and window graphics. When it comes to making your business stand apart from the rest, Chief Graphix is your one-stop-shop for high quality products and professional consulting services.

For more information about how we can help your business rise to the top visit us on the web or call 516-883-SIGN.

Questions to Ask When Considering a Vehicle Wrap

Vehicle wraps are advantageous for those who want to get their business out there. At Chief Graphix, we have graphic design experts that can install this type of moving billboard for your business fast and efficiently! But before we do so, we want to make sure we answer all of your questions:

Q: What exactly is a vinyl wrap?
A: A vinyl wrap is a thin vinyl material that we use to print a customized idea. Once the idea has been brought to life, we wrap it around your vehicle to a perfect fit, making it look seamless.

Q: Why choose wrap over paint?
A: If you paint over the original manufactured color, you risk the chance of devaluing your vehicle. However, when you choose to wrap your vehicle, you can select an any color and design without needing to worry about keeping your resale value intact.

Q: How long will it last?
A: Your vehicle wrap will be made to last for several years without fading from prolonged sun exposure. And because the material we use is so durable, it will not rip or wrinkle easily. But if you choose to remove your vinyl wrap, we are able to do so safely without causing any damage to your vehicle.

Q: Can I wash my car with a wrap?
A: Absolutely! You can purchase a custom vehicle wrap knowing that you can wash (or wax) it without ruining anything. Our vehicle wraps are easy to maintain -  just by using soap and water, you can make it look brand new again! 

Are you ready for your custom-made wrap? At Chief Graphix, we know that graphics are essential to marketing your business, and vehicle wraps are just one solution! If you have additional questions and want to learn more about what our vehicle wraps have to offer, call 516-883-SIGN today, and let our graphic professionals answer all your questions and guide you through every step of the process.

5 Key Elements of a Great Marketing Plan

The success of every company is built on a great marketing plan. Marketing allows your business to grow and reach its long-term goals. And while many business owners might believe it costs a fortune to create a plan, the truth is that there’s a lot you can do on your own:

The perfect name. Naming your brand or business takes careful consideration - what is the message behind your company and what are the demographics? These are both key elements to consider when coming up with a perfect name.

A unique logo. Finding a unique logo is all about knowing the message of your brand. A good logo should encompass the overall look and feel of your business and should stand out from the competition. So again, take a look at your targeted audience before settling on a logo.

A professional website. Once your business is up and running, you should set up a professional webpage. Not only should your website look presentable, but it should also be optimized to achieve optimal results. Without this, it might be tough to gain the attention of your audience.

Reporting. Whether you use Google Analytics or another type of tracking software, performing monthly or quarterly reports are important if you want to keep track of how well your company is doing. This is important because knowing whether one tactic is working or not can save you lots of money in the long run.

Custom Signage. Designing customized signage is essential to your company’s growth. Your graphics should be professional, to-the-point, and unique. Research shows that visuals are the number one way to grab attention, so if you want your customers to remember your name, consider custom signage to be a must-have. 

If you’re on the market for custom signage, the marketing and design consultants at Chief Graphix can help! With more 25 years of marketing experience under our belt, you can rest assured that your company’s personalized marketing efforts will be in only the best hands.

To learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation, click here or call 516-553-SIGN.

Signage Musts For Your Office

A clever office space is personal and represents the essence of a company. In a sense, it creates a lasting impression for anyone who walks through the door. So if you’re looking for exciting ways to connect with your team and your clients, consider the following types of signage:

1. 3D Lettering. Want to make your office stand out? One way you can achieve an eye-catching design is through 3D wall reception signage. Tell us the name of your company or anything else you’d like to display and we’ll create a three-dimensional image that your clients can’t miss!

2. Custom Wallpaper. Office walls can often look sterile, but you can set yours apart by customizing it. Doesn’t matter if you own a doctor’s office or a law firm, having custom wallpaper will make your building feel a little more personal.

3. Privacy Vinyl. Make your glass entry doors look distinctive by adding your company name or logo. This is a perfect option if you want your office building to have privacy, but don’t want it to look too ordinary. Just choose a design, color, and font, and leave our graphics team to do the rest! 

4. Custom Name Plaques. Add a personal touch to your office by labeling each desk with a custom name plaque. This will help to identify who sits where in the office and offers a professional appearance. 

At Chief Graphix, we understand the impact that custom signage can have on a company’s overall success. Whether you choose personalized wallpaper or vinyl, there is a huge benefit to having a customized signage in your office.

If you’re on the market for personalized signage, call 516-883-SIGN today and let our sign professionals guide you through every step of the process.

Custom Banners We Create

When it comes to promoting your business, there are many different types of custom banners to consider. If you’re looking to create one-of-a-kind, high quality signage, look no further than Chief Graphix. We offer a wide array of custom banners to help your brand stand out from the rest, no matter the occasion:

Event Banners. Are you hosting an event and want to spread the word? Chief Graphix’s eye-catching designs will turn your banner into a popular event that no one will want to miss out on! Plus, we print on only eco-friendly materials with eco-friendly laytex ink - certified safe for both hospitals and schools. And don't forget to try our retractable banners - the perfect solution for business travel!

Political Banners. When it comes to elections and other political matters, we help you design custom banners, posters, and more to promote your campaign. If you’re in it to win it, Chief Graphix will help you get to the top slot!

Sport Event Banners. Are you looking for a solution that boosts the support of your favorite sports team? At Chief Graphix, we know that personal signage is just as important as brand awareness, which is why we will create banners for sporting events to encourage people to cheer on your team!

Grand Opening Banners. Highlight your new brand or storefront with Chief Signs that let everyone know you are open for business! We will include the design of your choice, your name, location, and business information!

To view more of our custom banner designs, click here.

At Chief Graphix, we know that custom signage is key to spreading the word about your event or grand opening, which is why we’re committed to providing the best solutions in custom branded sign-creation. If you’re ready to check “custom signage”, call 516-883-SIGN today, and let our sign professionals guide you through every step of the process.

How to Avoid Sending Mixed Messages to Customers

As a business owner, one of the last things you want is to drive your customers away. Besides, without loyal consumers, your company wouldn’t be the success that it is. Inviting your customers into your storefront or office building is largely due to sending the right message, so here are a few simple ways to avoid sending them running in the opposite direction:

Look at it through their eyes. When it comes to your company’s communication, read it from two different perspectives: yours and theirs. Part of sending the right message is about understanding how your words come across. For example, creating a sign that includes foul or demanding words makes customers feel insulted, pressured, and unwelcome.

Combine marketing and communications. Try to get two pairs of eyes on your message before sending it out. In other words, if you’re an entrepreneur and you market your own business, try to round up experts in communications as well as marketing. While communication experts focus on the analytical aspect of your message, marketing experts concentrate on creativity. Together, these two approaches can help you find the perfect words to say to your customers.

Criticize your own work. One of the smartest strategies you can try is to critique your own work. Make it a habit to do this before you publish what you write. Even if you feel you’ve created the perfect slogan or message for an upcoming sale, play devil’s advocate - take the position of an annoyed customer and see if there is any room for improvement. 

There are several approaches you can take to make sure you don’t send mixed messages to your customers, especially if you plan on creating personalized graphics. And don't forget, if you’re a business owner and need custom signage, we can help! When it comes to custom branding, Chief Graphix is your one-stop-shop for high quality products and professional consulting services.

For more information about how we can help your business rise to the top visit us on the web or call 516-883-SIGN.

How a Vinyl Car Wrap Works

We can’t think of anything more eye-catching than a customized vinyl car wrap for your vehicle. If you’re looking for a vinyl car wrap to make your brand stand out from the rest, Chief Graphix can help! Here’s what you can expect when you choose custom wrapping with us:

1. Clean and prep. Before we apply customized vinyl wrap to your vehicle, we make sure to fix up any rust or scratches that might be visibly noticeable. Rule of thumb is that if you can see it, it will most likely show through the vinyl wrap. That is why we do all we can to prep your car first!
2. Make it stick. Depending on the type of vehicle, we will cut the vinyl wrap into sections before applying it, so that it will cover the entire car by individual sections. Then, magnets are often used to hold the vinyl in place until the backing is removed and the adhesive is exposed.
3. Smooth it out. After your vinyl car wrap is applied, it’s important to roll over any curves, air bubbles, or other imperfections to make the wrap look seamless. We know that every car is shaped differently, which is why we are careful when working out the kinks.
4. Adjust the fit. An essential part of making your vinyl car wrap look its best is to stretch it and allow it to shrink back. Oftentimes using a torch to stretch it out is the ideal approach; however, it’s essential to prevent burning any parts of the vinyl. Pre-stretching is another way to adjust the fit to your vehicle.
5. Cut around the edges. We know that even the little imperfections can make a difference, which is why we pay close attention to detail. Part of perfecting the overall look of a vinyl car wrap includes cutting off the edges with a utility knife.

At Chief Graphix, we know that graphics are essential to marketing your brand, which is why we’re committed to providing the best solutions in custom vehicle wraps. To learn more about what our vehicle wraps have to offer, call 516-883-SIGN today, and let our graphic professionals guide you through every step of the process.

3 Reasons You Need Custom Window Graphics

Are you looking for a creative way to promote your business? Designing custom window graphics is one of the more effective ways to make a big impact on customers! From generating brand awareness to advertising company highlights, here are three ways your business can benefit from custom window graphics: 

1. Branding & Promotion - Are you looking to promote your brand or business? If so, window graphics are an ideal way to set your company apart from the rest. At Chief Graphix, we create eye-catching designs that will draw people towards your business, be it a retail store or a plumbing company. Each design will be personalized to target your audience by using unique colors and images.

2. Privacy - Not only do custom window graphics help promote your brand, but they also create a little extra privacy for your building. For example, if you run a doctor’s office and want to protect the confidentiality of your patients, then vinyl graphics for your windows are a perfect solution! The biggest perk? You will be able to look outside, but no one will be able to peek in!

3. Product Spotlight - Do you have a seasonal sale going on this month? If you do, custom window graphics can help you get the word out! At Chief Graphix, we know what it takes to make your product stand out and we will highlight all the key elements you want in your unique design.

Our team of diversely skilled professionals are dedicated to providing you with top graphic solutions in the marketplace. If you’re looking for eye-catching custom signage and unique window graphics, look no further than Chief Graphix!

Call 516-883-SIGN today and let our professional graphic designers guide you towards a new custom window graphic that is innovative and will differentiate your business from the competition!

How to Keep Franchise Marketing Consistent

When it comes to franchise marketing it’s important to remember that a consistent branding strategy is key to the company’s marketing initiatives as a whole. However, for large companies with many franchise locations keeping everything in sync can be extremely difficult. In honor of National Franchise Appreciation Day, we’d like to clue you in on a few simple tips to keep in mind that can help you motivate your franchise owners to help you maintain brand consistency across the company.

Identify and clearly define brand goals. Think about what your core values are as a company, and make a point to explain their importance. Your brand recognition is based on these values and gives your customer an idea of what they can expect from your business. In order to stay consistent across the board, you’ll need to clearly define the level of customer service, quality control, logo usage and advertising that each franchisee should uphold.

Develop all marketing materials at the corporate level. From custom signage and window displays, to digital marketing content, have it all come directly from the top. Then, give franchisees specific guidelines that outline the do’s and don’ts of how they should use marketing materials and display signage.

Decide on and set the individual expectations. Let’s face it, your corporate office can’t handle it all, especially if you have upwards of 100 individual franchise locations. You’ll need to decide which marketing tasks will be the responsibility of the franchisee, like local listings, online review sites and social media maintenance, and clearly outline how you would like them to go about handling each task.

If you’re a franchise owner and you need custom signage or window graphics to be printed in bulk for your individual locations, Chief Graphix can help! Since we do the majority of graphic production in-house, we have the ability to turn our products around quickly and cost effectively, which means your signage will be printed and in all of your locations in no time!

To learn more about our sign design and printing services, call us at 516-883-SIGN today!

3 Easy Steps to Make Your Brand More Memorable

Take a good look around your industry. Do you feel that your business is just existing among a larger, bigger picture? If so, we think it’s time that you thought about taking the necessary steps to set your business apart from competitors and making your brand more memorable. Here are 3 steps to take to into consideration to get you started:

1. Position your business as a local expert. At the end of the day, your largest pocket of potential customers will come from the area that your business resides in. Though competition may be fierce on the market as a whole, it can be more manageable if your efforts are localized. Get involved in the community and offer plenty of expert tips and testimonials on social media. Make sure to share examples of past successes with your audience as well.


2. Build up your brand identity. You want your logo and tagline to resonate strongly with current and potential customers, no matter how “boring” your industry might appear to be. Develop a visually appealing brand logo and a sincere slogan that people will believe in. Then, make sure to expand your branding efforts to every aspect of your business - from custom printed signs and brochures, to window graphics, website design and even your office atmosphere.


3. Be willing to go above and beyond. What makes any business stand out from their competition? The fact that they are willing to go that extra mile to do what others won’t. When developing your brand identity, make sure to choose signage, symbols and slogans that express what your business can do for customers that other companies in the industry cannot or do not do. This will allow you to build a personal connection with your audience and will position your business as the obvious choice for the unique services that you provide.

If re-branding and building brand awareness is your goal, we can help with beautifully crafted custom signage, vehicle wraps, window graphics and more. When it comes to custom branding, Chief Graphix is your one-stop-shop for high quality products and professional consulting services.

For more information about how we can help your business rise to the top visit us on the web or call 516-883-SIGN.

How to Choose the Perfect Font for Your Signage

Picking the perfect font for your sign project can be a lot of pressure. The font that you choose says a lot about your company and can really make or break the effect that your signage has on your target audience. Unfortunately, there are no rules set in stone that tell you which fonts are a go and which are a no, but luckily we can offer this font choosing guide to help you navigate the process.

Set the mood. Every typeface has their own look and feel, so you’ll want to make sure that the font you choose correctly captures the tone you’re looking to convey. Just by looking at a font you should be able to gauge whether it projects “fun and flirty,” “stern and serious,” or any other mood that it may be eliciting.

Stick to the basics. Though fun and unusual typefaces are sometimes called for, more times than not sticking with something old and faithful in the Helvetica, Arial or Times New Roman realm is the way to go. If you do feel the need to use a quirky font, use it sparingly as a title or header and supplement with a more traditional font for large bodies of text.

Combine with care. Using a combination of more than one font is a good idea to keep things visually appealing and eye-catching. The rule of thumb when it comes to combining typefaces is to pair a natural serif and a sans serif together. These two font types compliment each other very well and are easy on the eyes.

Limit your selection. Though combining typefaces is encouraged, using more than two or three fonts in a single design is frowned upon. Beyond the third font choice the design begins to look cluttered and disorganized, and sometimes even three is too much!

Consider legibility. Always remember that in order for your signs to be effective, your audience must be able to read what they say. Though many script style fonts are beautiful, they are not always the best choice when it comes to being clear and easily decipherable. After you’ve chosen your font combinations, always take a step back and ask yourself, “if I didn’t know what this said already, would I be able to make it out?” It can help to get a second eye as well!

If you still can’t find the perfect font for your custom signage, vehicle wrap or window graphic, just leave it to the experts at Chief Graphix. With more than 25 years of experience under our belt, you can trust that we’ll lead you in the right direction for all of your custom branding needs.

For more information, click here to visit us on the web or call 516-883-SIGN today!

3 Quick Tips to Create a Catchy Slogan

Next to a perfectly designed company logo, a catchy business motto or slogan is one of the most important elements of any marketing campaign. In fact, many influential brands have had one or two catchy slogans that can be directly contributed to their success. If you’re looking to create a slogan for a new company or marketing campaign, here are a few tips to follow:

Make it short, sweet and to the point. Think about some of the most catchy company slogans, like Nike’s “Just Do It” or Sony’s “Make Believe.” What do these both have in common? They’re short and to the point! Keeping your new slogan simple and straightforward will give you the most customer engagement and success.

Make it memorable. The key to creating something catchy is designing something memorable. Think about the famous “Got Milk?” ads and how well the public responded to them. The short and spunky nature of this slogan is what captured and maintained the audience's attention.

Make it meaningful. Dependent on your industry and mission statement, you’ll want to create a slogan that captures your brand’s beliefs and tells the consumer how they can benefit from your product or services. For example, Coca Cola’s famous “Life is Better with a Coke,” slogan tells their audience that: 1. Drinking Coke is something that can better their daily lives, and 2. Coca Cola as a company is committed to improving their customers’ overall quality of life.

Still need help coming up with a killer company tagline? The marketing and design consultants at Chief Graphix can help! With more 25 years of marketing experience under our belt, you can rest assured that your company’s custom branding efforts will be in only the best hands.

To learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation, click here or call 516-553-SIGN.

How Does Color Affect Mood?

For years artists and design professionals have argued that choosing the correct color can make a difference on the emotional effects that a work of art, decorated room, company logo or even a sign can employ. Though there is no hard scientific evidence to back this claim to date, there still seems to be truth surrounding the psychological effects of color. 

Color was first discovered by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, when he passed pure white light through a prism, resulting in separated lines of each visible color. Since then, the use of color has expanded, and universal meanings have been assigned to each one individually. Here’s a breakdown of the three different color groups and their specific meanings.

1. Warm colors consist of any variation of red, orange or yellow and are said to be energizing. When used, these colors help foster feelings of happiness and optimism.

• Red is extremely eye-catching in nature and evokes passionate emotions of love, anger and excitement. 
• Orange inspires bliss and happiness. It creates a warm and inviting feel, perfect for calls-to-action.
• Yellow is absolutely energizing, associated closely with sunshine, hope and laughter. Using yellow can evoke an optimistic and cheerful mood.

2. Cool colors are next up on the color wheel and include shades of green, blue and purple. These color choices are said to bring about a soothing and calming feeling.

• Green is often associated with healthy choices and wealth. It is often used by companies in the health, beauty and environmental industries to inspire hope.
• Blue is one of the most commonly used colors, due to it’s calming nature meant to evoke feelings of trust and spirituality.
• Purple is inspiring! Known as the color of creativity, royalty and wealth, purple is often used to enrich the look of a design and add an air of luxury.

3. Neutrals, like black, white, gray, tan and brown, are most commonly used as backdrop or accent colors. When juxtaposed with warm or cool colors, neutrals help enhance the other colors in the design, strengthening their meaning.

• Black and gray indicate sophistication and conservatism, while white represents purity, innocence and softness. 
• Tan is subdued and relaxing, while brown has a wholesome, earthy feeling.

In addition to the given meanings for each color, the main reason that color is so effective in evoking certain emotions is experience. Each individual has experienced color differently and therefore associates specific colors with certain emotions. This is why it has been hard for scientists to pinpoint the exact psychological effects that colors can have on individuals.

If you’re looking to choose the perfect color palate for your next custom banner, vehicle wrap or wall graphic, you’ve come to the right place. For more than 25 years, the design consultants at Chief Graphix have been walking industry leaders just like you through the custom branding process.

To learn more about how we can help you create custom signage that’s both engaging and emotionally-charged to compliment your company's unique services, call 1-883-SIGN today.

What are the Basic Font Groups and Typeface Styles?

When it comes to choosing a font for your next sign project, the possibilities are seemingly endless. With such a wide array of font styles and formats to choose from, it’s no surprise that something as simple as picking a font can be very overwhelming. That’s why we’ve decided to devote today’s blog post to providing you with a brief rundown of font classification basics!

As you’ll see below, most fonts can be classified into eight distinct groups:

• Blackletter style fonts mimic those used during the Middle Ages and World War II. They’re complex and detailed, which make them more difficult to read. Due to their regal, “old world” feel they are generally best suited for special announcements such as invitations, diplomas or certificates.

• Decorative & Display fonts are unusual and unique. In a sense, this category is a bit of a catch-all since the fonts classified within this subgroup do not follow any sort of rhyme or rhythm. Here’s where you’ll find whimsical, cartoon-like fonts, best used for titles or headlines.

• Ornamental typefaces reject the traditional alphanumeric font system and replace it with a series of pictures and symbols. Since they’re nontraditional by nature, use of such fonts is reserved for adding simple embellishments on a document, or making musical, mathematical or mapping notations.

• Sans Serif literally translates to “without serif.” This means that fonts within this classification do not have the letter tails and toppers that Serif fonts do, creating a more bold and crisp look. Though these typefaces are known for legibility, using them for large text blocks can cause strain on the eyes.

• Script fonts are made to look like they have been handwritten with all characters connected, just like traditional script. Each font in this classification is unique in its own way, differentiated mostly by implied writing style or instrument. Given their fancy nature, Script fonts are generally used for formal announcements.

• Serif fonts are fittingly named after the serif itself, a short line tacked onto the top or bottom of a letter. The benefit of using Serif fonts is increased legibility, which makes them the perfect option for large chunks of text. The most widely used example of a Serif font is Times New Roman.

• Slab Serif fonts, like their close relatives above, are classified by their use of tiny letter tack-ons. However, the difference between Serif and Slab Serif is that this font group uses short blocks or squares to define a letter’s end, instead of traditional serifs. They are also not as legible, but make for great eye catching headings or advertisements.

• Transitional fonts are more rounded than Serif fonts, but they share the same legibility and precision. Their serifs are flat and thin and their lineweight varies from letter to letter.

Though this classification system does a great job of breaking down the basics there are still tons of new fonts being created everyday, making absolute classification impossible.

If you’re still having trouble deciding on a font for your custom signage, vehicle wrap or window graphic, just leave it to the experts at Chief Graphix. With more than 25 years of experience under our belt, you can trust that we’ll lead you in the right direction for all of your custom branding needs.

For more information, call 516-883-SIGN today!

How to Boost Your Storefront's Curb Appeal

August is National Curb Appeal Month, the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your storefront decor and design. When it comes to attracting business, first impressions are everything and your storefront plays an important role in showing off your services to the world. If you feel that your business’s exterior could use a pick-me-up, here are some top tips to keep in mind when planning your curbside makeover.

Make your signage eye-catching and easy-to-read. Whether your potential patrons are passing by on the parkway, zooming through town on their bike, or taking a casual stroll on the sidewalk, everyone needs to be able to read your sign! As you’re investigating your store’s curb appeal, pay attention to your signage. Is it fading or hard to make out? Does it clearly define your business and it’s services? If not, you’re in need of an upgrade. To help make signage more visually appealing and readable stick to simple fonts and bright, contrasting colors.

Create an interesting window-display. Depending on your business, you’ll want to choose a window display that best represents what you have to offer. For example, a clothing store might want to feature their hot new back-to-school arrivals, while a travel agent might want to display some images of the sandy beaches of aruba. No matter what your product, make sure that your window display projects your services in the best possible light. A great way to create an eye-catching storefront is with custom window graphics. Whether you want to completely cover the window, or just add some visual accents to a display, customized graphics are the way to go.

Remember to keep it clean. As simple as it sounds, one of the best ways to enhance your store’s curb appeal is by maintaining a clean and crisp exterior. Keep an eye out for litter and overflowing trashcans, and sweep the sidewalk daily. Treat your storefront just like you would your home, keeping weeds at bay, and touching up paint where needed. Remember, your storefront is the first impression that many potential customers will receive, so you want to convey that your business is neat, organized, and can get the job done right!

At Chief Graphix we’re in the business of promoting business! Our team of diversely skilled professionals are committed to providing you with the best and most creative graphic solutions in the marketplace. If you’re looking for eye-catching custom signage and unique window graphics, look no further than Chief Graphix!

For more information about how we can help you make the most out of National Curb Appeal Month, click here or call 516-883-SIGN today!

How to Choose a Sign Company

Professionally printed signs are the perfect compliment to any new or existing marketing campaign. Whether you’re looking to spruce up a storefront, or advertise a sponsored event or service within your community community, professional signs are the perfect way to maximize brand visibility and get the word out. But how will you choose which sign company to give your business to? With so many options out there, you’ll want to make sure that the business you choose possess all three of the following qualities:

1. Knowledgeable and experienced staff. The fate of your company’s brand recognition is in the hands of your graphic design and sign printing team, so it’s no surprise that you’ll want to work with a sign company that’s chock full of experience. As a general rule, try to stick to companies that have at least a decade of experience under their belt. At Chief Graphix we let our 25+ years in the business speaks for themselves!

2. High quality products at affordable prices. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that your money is well-spent, so get to researching! Shop around online and give a few of your local sign companies a call to price out your new signs. But remember, it’s not always best to go with the lowest prices, as cheap cost often indicates cheap quality. We promise that our signs will always be durable, stylish and fairly priced.

3. Top notch customer service. Choosing the perfect signage for your company can be a daunting task, which is why you need to make sure that you work with a company that has excellent customer relations and consulting services. A good company will be there to guide you through the printing process all the way from idea conception and planning to the final product. A great way to gauge a company’s customer services skills is to hear what past clients have to say. (Check out what our customers are saying about Chief Graphix here!)

At Chief Graphix, we understand how unique your business is and consider ourselves an integral part of your marketing team, helping your company achieve its project goals. Whether you come to us with an idea in the making, or are in need of a fresh start, our designers have the knowledge and industry know-how to help you make the most out of your signage.

For more information, click here or call 516-883-SIGN and receive a free estimate today.

Top Tips for Creating Your Company Logo

A good logo is clever, enticing and captures the true spirit of the company that it belongs to. In a sense your company logo serves as a first impression, so it’s very important to choose a design that represents your business accurately. If you’re on the market for a new logo or are trying to rebrand and old one, here are a few great tips to follow to make sure that you create a logo that your company and its customers can be proud of:

1. Think outside of the box. You want your logo to be unique so that your company stands out among it’s competitors. In today’s society labels are everything. Create a logo that’s fun and clever, one that your customers will be proud to display to their friends and family.

2. Visualize your brand. Think about your target audience and the message that you want your logo to portray. Brainstorm your logo with an idea board, listing all of the thoughts that you have about your brand and its goals. It’s not enough to slap a cute image up with a company name across it. Your logo should have a subtle meaning behind it that is unique to your company.

3. Use the power of color. Not only are color choices essential to the overall aesthetics and attention grabbing ability of your logo, but the colors you choose can actually affect the emotional response that your logo produces. For example, red signals that a company is energetic and bold, while blue signals that they are professional and trustworthy. For a full list of color meanings, click here.

4. Think about using the company name. It very common for companies to use a variation of their company name as their logo, which is called Logotype. If your brand has a unique name, you may be able to pull off a Logotype design, but be sure to choose a font that matches your brand style.

5. Keep it simple. As they say, “less is more.” Keeping your logo clean cut, yet quirky will not only resonate well with your customers, but it will make it easier to display your logo across multiple media platforms. With digital marketing at the forefront of many business branding efforts, you’ll want to make sure that you logo is flexible enough to be transformed slightly to work with each social media, news or marketing outlet.

At Chief Graphix, we understand the impact that a well-thought out logo can have on a company’s overall success. We see your logo as a company resume for the world to see. Whether you choose a logo of simple letters, or multiple colors and graphics, there is a tremendous benefit to having a repetitive image to represent your company.

If you’re on the market for a new logo, call 516-883-SIGN today and let our professional graphic designers guide you towards a new branding initiative that will help you differentiate your business from the competition!

How to Effectively Use QR Codes on Signage

Quick response codes, or QR codes have taken the world by storm in the past few years. Though popularity of these mini-barcodes has ebbed and flowed over time, one thing's for certain: Using QR codes effectively can add great value to your branding and marketing initiatives. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when deciding how to use QR codes on your company signage.

Make sure your QR code is valuable. Value is not only important for the brand, but for the customer as well. Consumers need incentive to scan a QR code, so give it to them! Because scanning a QR code through an application takes a bit more time than a simple Google search, sending your scanners to a company website or promotional advertisement is not enough. You want to make them feel like whatever’s on the other side of that code is exclusive and they need it!

Deliver on your promise. It’s not enough to convince consumers to scan. In order to reach whatever intended goals you have set you’ll need to make the deliverable or landing page just as exciting as the allure to scan was. For example, if you promise to provide an exclusive video clip with each scan, make sure the download is high quality. As a general rule, if your QR code redirects scanners to a private link, make sure that the website is mobile responsive since most scans will come from mobile devices.

Place your QR codes properly. Think about the likelihood of someone scanning your code based on where you choose to place it. While pamphlets, business-cards, or standing signage are a great choice, clothing, billboards or vehicles are not. Though car wraps and oversized advertisements can be effective marketing methods, it’s not plausible that a person will be able to stop and scan a code off of one. However, if your company’s office requires customers to sign-in, or you’re running a check-in table at a corporate event, adding a scannable QR code at the front desk or table can direct folks to easy online check-in, in seconds.

The expert designers at Chief Graphix know how important interactive signage is, and are ready and willing to help you utilize QR codes to optimize your marketing efforts. Call 516-883-SIGN to speak with a design consultant today.

How to Make Children Want to Wear a Helmet

It’s summertime, which means you’re probably spending plenty of sunny afternoons outdoors with your children riding bikes and rollerblading. Though these activities are a ton of fun, they can also be dangerous if your children are not properly protected. Are your kids giving you a hard time about wearing their helmet? Here are a few tips to make convincing your child to wear their helmet less of a struggle:

Start them early. Have your child wear a helmet from the very first time they ride a bike or strap on skates. Whether their first ride is on a tricycle, or on the back of an adult’s bike, making the correlation between riding and wearing a helmet early-on will help form safe riding habits in the future.

Explain the consequences. Children are more curious than anything, so explaining the “why” of something always helps! Frame bicycles as vehicles of transportation not toys, drawing a parallel between helmets and seat belts, and point out the dangers of brain injury that can come from riding without a helmet. Be sure to remind them that even professional athletes wear helmets!

Lead by example. As a parent, you are your child’s number one role model. Everything they learn, they learn it from you, so by wearing a helmet yourself you are showing them what they should do.

Make it a fashion statement. Helmets are often boring looking, but they don’t have to be. Letting your child design their dream helmet will make them more likely to want to wear it. They can decorate their helmet with stickers or bedazzle it with gems, but the best way to make your child’s helmet stand out is with a custom helmet wrap from Chief Graphix!

At Chief Graphix, we understand how important it is for your child to be safe and sound while enjoying fun in the summer sun. No matter what your child desires, our expert designers can work with you both to incorporate all of their favorites into an awesome custom helmet!

For more information about how you can beautify your child’s helmet this summer call 516-883-SIGN. together we’ll have your child wearing their helmet proudly in no time!

How to Successfully Use Car Decals for Advertising

Are you looking for a new and exciting advertising tool to boost your business? Converting your vehicle into a mobile billboard with custom car wraps or decals is one of the most affordable ways to make a moving impression everywhere you go! According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, “more than 95% of Americans are reached by media targeting vehicle drivers and passengers.” At that rate deciding whether or not to dive into vehicle advertising is simple!

If you’re ready to take your campaign to the streets, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you make the most of your car decal advertising campaign:

Weigh your options. When it comes to vehicle advertising you have a few options. The first, is a custom wrap, which will be a fully-encasing graphic on your car. This is the most eye-catching option, but is also usually the most pricey. If you’re looking to stay low-budget for now, choose from magnet decals or window cling decals that can be placed wherever you like on your vehicle.

Plan your decal placement. Typically magnetic car decals perform best when stuck to either side of your vehicle, while sticker decals are best placed on rear or side windows. When deciding where your decals should go think about who your target audience is, drivers or passengers, and place your decals accordingly.

Decide what you want to advertise. Are you looking to drive traffic to your website? Share an exciting promotional offer? Or maybe you just want to boost your brand recognition. Think about your campaign’s goals while planning your wrap or decal design. It’s usually always beneficial to include your company’s name, logo or slogan, contact information, and the services that you provide.

No matter what you’re thinking for your exciting new marketing initiative, the graphic design experts at Chief Graphix can help! With combined experience of over 25 years, our team of design consultants can take you from conception to completion, guiding you through every step of the decision process. Whether you want a full wrap, a partial wrap, car decals or just some simple lettering, we can get your vehicle turned around and on the road in no time!

To learn more about how we can help your business take it’s advertising campaign on the road call 516-883-SIGN!

Summer Fundraising Ideas You Need Signage For!

Summer break is upon us, so why not make the most of it with an outdoor fundraiser? Having your fundraiser in the sun allows you and your guests to take advantage of the warm weather while supporting a great cause. Here are some of the top summer fundraising ideas to get your planning process started:

1. Have a car wash. There’s nothing better than cruising in a sparkling clean car on a bright sunny day. People love to show off their shiny cars in the summertime, so you’re sure to get a ton of action. Make sure that you clear your car wash location with your local municipality first, and advertise a ton in the weeks leading up to your event. Your signs should detail where and when the car wash will take place, the cost, and the cause that will benefit. The brighter and bigger the better!

2. Host a yard sale. A yard sale is a great way to take advantage of the warm weather and bring your money-making tactics to the great outdoors. While individual yard sales are a popular staple of summer, collective or organization-run yard sales can be a great way to raise money for a good cause. You’ll want to gather as many sellable items as possible, so ask each member of your organization to donate whatever they can. Just like a car wash, you’ll want to let the neighborhood know when they can attend the sale and where, and make sure to include the reason for your fundraising. If you’ve separated your items out into groups, you may want to include directional or organizational signage as well to help shoppers find exactly what they’re looking for.

3. Play for a cause. Though sports games can be held indoors, warm weather allows you to bring the games outdoors, making the possibilities for a sports fundraiser seemingly endless! Aside from the many sport options, you can choose to structure your fundraiser as a tournament or as a one-time must-see event. For example, a local sports team might host a coaches v. kids game, while your local fire department might go head to head with your local police precinct. No matter the structure, you’ll want to alert the community and get everyone excited for the big games! Post signs promoting the event around town and in local business windows with permission. Be sure to include the date, time, location, and the entry or ticket fee.

At Chief Graphix, we know that signage and graphics are essential to hosting a successful fundraiser, which is why we’re committed to providing the best solutions in custom branded sign-creation. If you’re ready to check “promotional signage” of off your fundraiser planning to-do list, call 516-883-SIGN today, and let our sign professionals guide you through every step of the process.

Decorate Your Wheelchair for National Wheelchair Beautification Month!

Illustrator Horace Knowles was the first to beautify his ride when he attached a florist's water tube full of flowers to his wheelchair with velcro for decoration. From there the idea took off, inspiring wheelchair owners everywhere to express themselves through design - July was even established as National Wheelchair Beautification Month! This July, celebrate you and let your personality shine with these great wheelchair decorating tips:

(Photo courtesy of Flickr user JenXer)

• Be bold! Don’t let colors scare you. The bolder and brighter, the better. Choosing warm and inviting colors that fit your personality will contrast the cold, dark metal look of an undecorated wheelchair.
• Think custom! There are tons of accessories out there to make your wheelchair the perfect match for you and your needs. Jazz up your seat with a custom patterned cushion or add some flair to your rims. If you’re looking to go big or go home, custom decals and vinyl wraps are perfect for achieving a completely made-over look!
• Stay focused! Choose an overall theme for your wheelchair’s design. Do you love sports? Have a favorite music artist? Maybe you’re just all about trendy floral patterns. No matter what you love, let it show through your decorative theme.

At Chief Graphix we believe that you should not be defined by your wheelchair, but rather your wheelchair should be defined by you! We specialize in custom wraps and decals of all shapes and sizes, so if you’re looking to reinvent your wheels, we’ve got you covered - literally. Our expert team of design consultants will get to know you personally and work with you to create a design that will make your wheelchair stand out above the rest.

For more information, click here to visit or website or call 516-883-SIGN.

How to Create a Productive Work Environment & Build a Successful Business

When it comes to starting a business and building an office, the design choices that you make can have a profound impact on the productivity of your employees and the success of your company. It’s important to build a work environment that reflects your company’s overall mission and encourages your employees to immerse themselves in your company’s culture. Here are some steps to take when creating your office space:

1. Decide on an office layout. Once you’ve secured a location and built your ideal brand goal, it’s time to design an office that reflects your company values. First, decide on your floor plan. An open floor plan can be great for collaborative creativity, but might not work best for your employees. Evaluate your business goals and think about day-to-day tasks that your employees will need to perform.

2. Furnish and light the space. Proper lighting can dramatically influence productivity in the workplace, but bad lighting can lead to fatigue, eye-strain and headaches, hindering employees from performing at their best. Whenever possible, try to provide as much natural light as possible. As far as furniture choices, think comfortable. Remember, your employees will be sitting at their desks for at least 8 hours a day!

3. Give your office color and character. After you’ve purchased the necessary furniture and made the appropriate layout choices for your office, it’s time to breathe some life into those stark white walls. Here’s where Chief Graphix can help! Choose colors that inspire, like blue and yellow, and create a unique wall decor that’s compelling and motivating. We suggest custom wall wraps that display your business’s mission clearly for employees and customers to see.

At Chief Graphix, we believe that your office decor can truly impact your company’s success. From custom wall graphics and lobby signage, to custom designed nameplates, we can help you transform your office into an inspiring space for your employees to work in and your customers to feel confident in. To learn more about our custom office design options, call 516-883-SIGN or click here to visit us on the web.

Choosing Event Signage for Your Next Conference

If you’re planning a large event it’s incredibly important that you have personalized event signage to help maintain the flow of traffic and “wow” your guests. After all, you never have a second chance to make a first impression! If you’re in the process of planning a conference, fundraiser or corporate event, here are a few questions that need to be on your radar when thinking about your event signage:

What kind of signs do you need? Think about the different sessions that are taking place at your event. Go through everything with a fine-toothed comb and make sure that all of your sign bases are covered. You never want your guests to feel lost or confused, so taking a walk through the venue might also be beneficial so you can see exactly where sign placement is needed. On the day of the event it helps to assign greeters near important signage to help direct your guests.

What is the best way to display your signs? Depending on the function of each sign, you may need to be flexible with placement. That means that the “set it and forget it” method will not work for every sign. For example, if your event has multiple spaces for opening remarks, you’ll want to direct your guests to the proper location with a sign in the lobby or at check-in. However, you will need to be able to change out the location when the capacity for the first space has been filled. Instead of having a pre-attached stand-up banner, try backing your signs with velcro and sticking them to tall stands, that way you can easily switch them out when needed.

How can your signs stand out? Often times conferences are held in hotels or other large venues, which means you may have to share lobbies and space with other concurrent events. Don’t let your guests be confused and overwhelmed by conflicting directionals. The best way to set your signs apart from the rest is by having them custom branded. In addition, take advantage of the opportunity to advertise with interactive signs by including QR codes, social media information and event specific hashtags.

At Chief Graphix, we know that signage and graphics can make or break your event, which is why we’re committed to providing the best solutions in custom branded sign-creation. If you’re ready to check “custom signage” of off your event planning to-do list, call 516-883-SIGN today, and let our sign professionals guide you through every step of the process.

The Necessity of Construction Site Signs

When it comes to construction sites, there are many different sign options and requirements to keep in mind. Sure, those tall fences or perimeter boards make a great canvas for business advertising, but they also serve as a platform for posting necessary safety precautions and information that is required by state and federal regulation. Here are a few of the reasons why adhering to sign posting regulations on a job site is so important to both your company and the people within the community that you’re providing construction services to:

Adhere or Cause Harm: If you fail to post signage informing the public about the presence of construction, you run the risk of causing injury to innocent bystanders. Posting informational signs to announce that construction is underway, as well as warning signs and prohibition signs, helps to deter people from wandering into a construction site. You should also make sure to post signage in and around job sites that can potentially produce hazardous waste, keeping health in mind.

Risk Taking the Blame: In the event that someone does wander onto your construction site, whether accidentally or on purpose, posting the proper signs will help to keep you in the clear from being held accountable for any injuries that they sustain. However, if you fail to post warning signs, you are legally responsible and may be charged with negligence. So, make sure all of your bases are covered and get those signs up! It will save others’ lives and save you the headache of dealing with legal fees.

Employee Safety: Not only are signs needed to alert the public of ongoing construction, but they are necessary for reminding employees to take safety precautions while on the job. Construction is a dangerous business so notifying your employees of any safety hazards is imperative. You must make sure to post signage in areas where hard hats, goggles and other safety gear is required, as well as signs indicating areas of high risk due to heavy machinery usage.

As you can see, construction signage is extremely important to any job site. At Chief Graphix, we can provide you with permit signs, safety signs, barrier banners and more. Whatever you need to get the job done safely, efficiently, and in adherence with regulated construction codes, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about our signage options, click here or call 516-883-SIGN.