Impact Lobby Signs with 3D Logo

Clients:

Design West Engineering

California Professional Management (CPM)

Materials/Products Highlight:

Design West Engineering | For this project, we used a combination of materials. The core product was ½” Black Gatorfoam™, either painted or layered with an Acrylic Mirror reflective sheeting.

California Professional Management (CPM) | We used ½” Black Celtec™ PVC, which was printed on our HP R1000 Latex press for this project.

Project:

3D Logo Lobby Signage

 

What is the purpose of a logo, and why do they matter?

Logos appear everywhere. We see them every day, and they are embedded in our culture and way of life. One of the first encounters people have with your business is likely to be your logo. A logo represents the ownership, quality, and values of your business. It allows you to make a solid first impression, demonstrate your commitment to quality service, and communicate your mission. You imprint it on your products, business cards, website, social media, and most importantly, in your clients’ minds.

The sole purpose of a logo is to INDENTIFY. It is the foundation of your brand identity. By having a logo, you distinguish yourself from your competitors and foster brand loyalty. Your logo should grab attention and be memorable. A&I can help create a 3D version of your logo or print it on various materials to display and showcase your brand. Below are two examples of what we have done for our clients.

 

Project 1 | Design West Engineering 3D Logo Fabrication

Our Business Development Representative, Becky Do heard that one of our long-time clients, Design West Engineering, was in the Process of relocating to a new office space. They expressed a desire to have their logo fabricated in 3D for display in the lobby to welcome visitors. Becky assured our clients that A&I could achieve the vision given the capability of our recently acquired pieces of equipment. She planned a meeting with our color production team to discuss the details. Our team transformed the Design West Engineering logo into a 3D work of art through a consultive process just like they had envisioned.

 

3D Rendering Process and Materials Used

Initially, our team started with the client’s logo file and then scaled it up digitally to be large enough to fabricate the physical cuts for the 3D effect. Black Gatorboard was chosen as the core element because it is sturdy but can still be easily shaped. It can also be painted or printed to match the color scheme of the client. An additional special request from the client was a mirror-like reflection finish on the logo. The material also had to be cut precisely to fit the Gator Board and needed to be lightweight.

A&I opted for an Acrylic Mirror material since it met all the requirements. Acrylic Mirror is a lightweight, reflective thermoplastic sheet material used to enhance the look of various signs and displays, creating a mirror finish. Ideal for use where glass is too heavy or may crack or shatter, the plastic mirror material is a durable alternative to traditional mirrors. In addition to being shatter-resistant, it is exceptionally lightweight, easy, and safe to work with.

Challenges

There are always challenges that we encounter along the way. This project’s two main challenges were applying the paint to the foamboard and perfecting matching the cut radius of the foam and the mirror acrylic. The mirror acrylic needed to be precisely cut to fit the foamboard core flawlessly since the two materials needed to be laminated together. Then we needed to paint parts of the logo using several techniques to ensure a smooth, continuous finish without streaks or textures. The final logo consists of four pieces installed in the client’s lobby. Design West Engineering’s logo now serves a vital role in creating its visual brand as it greets clients, guests, and employees.

 

Project 2 | California Professional Management 3D Logo Lobby Sign

A&I has assisted CPM (California Professional Management) with traditional reprographic services and bid administration projects over the years. As a result, when CPM needed a new Victorville office to expand and grow their business, they approached A&I to see what could be done to enhance the lobby area. A 3D logo marquee was the perfect solution. Lobby signs can make an impression on your visitors as soon as they enter your facility by conveying your professional abilities, competence, creativity, and other messages. Though it may be perceived subliminally, it is an essential part of your branding strategy. CPM vision was a layered 3D look, effectively popping the “C P M” letters on the foreground while the rest of their logo elements as the background.

 

3D Rendering Process and Materials Used

For this project, A&I decided to offer the CELTEC PVC material in ½” black. In the Blog #4 project, we used this same material in white for the park fence art. We chose it again since it is sturdy and easy to cut into shapes. Our graphics department took the client’s logo file and rendered a digital scaled image in the dimension that was needed for the lobby wall. Next, they created the contour cut files, which were programmed into our Colex CNC cutter, where the shape of the “C P M ” letters was precisely cut out along with the background components. Holes were drilled for the standoff screws, and the 3-D logo design was assembled and ready for delivery and installation.

There are three responses to a piece of design- yes, no, and wow! WOW is what A&I delivered to our two clients. With A&I’s creativity and abilities, Design West Engineering and California Professional Management created a welcoming environment for visitors and employees alike. They took the opportunity to enhance their company’s brand with lobby signage that will make an impact, speaking to who they are and what they do.

How can A&I help you create a 3D office lobby sign today? Request a quote, and one of our team members is standing by to help bring your logo to life in print.