This is the story of a sign I designed for J&B Graphics in 2017.
From Concept to Creation
The journey from an idea to the finished product has many steps. This is the story of a sign on display in our showroom…
First, the concept was sketched out. The idea was to have the two sides of the sign look totally different, and showcase several of the many materials and lighting options J&B Graphics can provide. We wanted to evoke a retro pinball machine aesthetic with a large flashing arrow, and make it colorful and exciting.
Here is the initial concept sketch:
Original concept sketch from the owner.
After some verbal brainstorming to clarify the concept, the next step was to draw the sign as it would look when completed. After a few revisions and modifications to the original design (stars were initially included on one side, but were replaced with pinball bumpers), the drawings were finalized (click this link to view drawing).
Using the drawings as a guide, the expert craftsmen in J&B’s fabrication shop created the body of the sign from aluminum tubing and sheet stock. After construction, the sign went to our paint department. It’s beginning to look like the drawings now!
Next, the lighting and decorative elements were added. The wiring and controllers for the flashing components were also installed at this time.
This side of the sign features illuminated push-thru letters with red Flexibrite LED tubing recessed into the letter faces, as well as incandescent chaser lights. Behind the letters, it will have a digitally printed vinyl background image of a classic pinball game.
The other side of the sign includes backlit thermoformed letters and thermoformed domes with vinyl designs, illuminated with individual bulbs behind the domes. These pinball bumpers flash in a random pattern.
With all of the construction completed, the sign was ready to be installed in J&B’s showroom. This sign is 10 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and required a crew of people to hoist it into place, make the electrical connections, and attach it to the steel I-beam.
Finally, the completed Pinball sign was lit up and in motion! (Click this link to view video.) Ordinarily, we don’t design signs – instead, we build signs according to the architect’s design ideas. So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to design this colorful, fun sign!