Miramar Sign Works and Graphics

Doomsday Prepper - A Sign of the Times

2017-06-29T21:46:00.002-07:00

Doomsday Preppers is a reality TV show on NatGeo... it explores different families preparing for the worst - end of the world, nuclear attack, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or all of the above.

What does this have to do with signs? At Miramar Sign Works we are "doomsday preppers", too, but our "doomsday" would be a botched sign install, or an unhappy customer we let down. It's not realistic to think every job will go off without a hitch, but it IS realistic to always aim for that goal. Aim for what you want, not what you have (similar to dress for the job you want, not the job you have, and other cliche terms... sometimes cliches are true!).

We are always attempting to learn from our mistakes - to make our process smoother, communicate better with our clients, not absorb costly mistakes, work smarter not harder (another true cliche) and any other learning lessons.

First line of defense in doomsday prepping is having a presence on the web and social media. (confession - sometimes social media upkeep is hard, #thestruggleisreal). This allows your potential customers to find you - the worst doomsday would be no business after all. Our web presence also includes "user friendly" ways of contacting us - our Estimate Request. This form gathers great information for our Sales team.

Second line of defense is Sales - they're the initial contact and relationship builder. Responsiveness is THE number one priority - be responsive. I can hear the cheer now - "be responsive, be be responsive"! Once initial contact has been made, Sales has a specific goal to prepare the customer for the information they need to give an accurate estimate. Asking for this information begins the relationship building process and it might include things like a vector file, color and sheen choices, wall type, budget, and material preference. It could get more complicated if exterior and illuminated are involved, if permitting by the city, or certificates of insurance and training certs are required by landlords.

Third line of defense is Artroom. They continue the doomsday prepping by taking Sales' packet of info and turning it into beautiful, concise, easy to understand proofs for the customer to approve. Is it realistic to think "one and done" for the number of times a proof will be in and out of artroom - no - but it is realistic for Sales and Artroom to work together to avoid the "crap in, crap out" syndrome that drags down the approval process and lengthens lead times. Proofs are also part of our production drawings to ensure the Production Dept knows exactly what they're fabricating, and the client is expecting.

Fourth line of defense is peer review. Before packets go into full production they are reviewed by the
Sales Manager and Production Manager. If info is missing, the proofs are updated to clarify. Does this mean production can't start - no - it means full production can't start, but items that can be ordered or started are so we can stay on top of timelines promised to our clients. It also builds inter-office relationships among different departments to make a stronger team.

Fifth line of defense is Production. This is where everything comes to life. The sign industry is a very creative industry, producing beautiful signs that are needed for businesses to identify themselves and help their own clients either find them, or wayfind around once they've been found. As the one dimensional proof comes to life in the form of 3D signs, sometimes issues arise and have to be addressed. This means meeting with Sales and coming up with a TEAM solution. Production also prepares for install - making sure the customer is aware of scheduled arrival day/time, being on time for install, preparing for obstacles that might be in the way, taking care of surveys and more. (BTW, a 30 minute survey can defend against 30 hours of install mistakes - it's probably the ultimate doomsday prepper all on its own!).

All of the above are also supported and managed by an amazing Admin department - a part of every line of defense listed above. This department keeps us on track for cost, hours, AP/AR, assigning estimates as they come in via our website, certificates of insurance, workers comp, certified payroll, etc... (If you're Admin, bless you - your list is never ending!).

The final result is a team effort where everyone has assigned roles, but everything is connected at the same time because we have to support one another to deliver the best outcome for our clients.

The next time you want a sign for your business - let us help you prepare for a doomsday that will never come by being your company's best sign partner!

Signing off for now,

MSW&G

Reclaimed Signs... Or is it Refurb?

2017-06-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

There's a growing trend across the interior (and exterior) decor world these days - reclaimed everything. Reclaimed wood, reclaimed furniture, reclaimed materials of any kind.

In the sign industry, it's not really referred to as "reclaimed" because we aren't repurposing something old for new/different use, but we have been in the same genre of work for decades, and we call it "refurb".

peeling and cracking paint

Our clients invest greatly in their signs, hoping they last a lifetime. Sometimes that lifetime is shortened by a change of branding, or maybe a move, or maybe a little salt water...

A local HOA on the shores in La Jolla, CA invested in brushed stainless steel address number plates for each residence with an engraved painted number. The marine layer that keeps this part of SoCal so nice and cool can wreak havoc on signs. These signs do not need to be fully replaced, they just need some refurb love.

In steps our team with a plan - clean, prep, prime and paint on-site. It's a re-investment in labor, but sometimes labor is better for your budget than all new signs.

headphones keep distractions away

taking it down to the bare stainless steel

Each refurb project comes with a survey, sometimes two, and a tried and tested plan, sometimes more than once. In the end, we can bring your old signs back to life for you if their "bones" are good. We address each project on an individual basis, assessing the customer's needs and budget vs. our capabilities and ability to offer the best product in the end.

Before and after is striking. Let us help you reclaim your signs today by giving them some refurb love!

beautiful results in the end

Signing off for now,

MSW&G

Hot Rolled Steel - Rustic and Refined

2017-06-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago one of our Sales Executives designed a rustic looking sign for a bar with steel, specifically hot-rolled steel, also known as Cor-Ten steel. This beautiful steel material has a natural rust finish, which looks both rustic and refined. The finish is never the same on any given piece as it rusts, and its core is non-corrosive, giving the exterior a nice finish while resisting the elements to corrode like normal steel.

Since 2014 it has become one of our favorite materials to work with, for all types of signs. Interior, exterior, dimensional letters, panels, backers, ADA signs and more.

Here's the sign that started it all back in 2014. Thank you Jack Daniel's for "whetting our appetite" for this amazing material... This sign is mounted on a solid wood wall, with studs and spacers for depth and character.

The more we used this material, it became natural to suggest to our clients, especially if they used these words while describing their dream sign: rustic, industrial, or character. Some customers know what they want, specifically. Others have an idea and need guidance from us to get them to the right place.

Lobby or receptions signs are great for this material. It will still rust, but not as quickly as an exterior sign, and it's a striking addition behind that reception desk. It's also a conversation piece and allows relationship building between our customers and their clients.... it IS always about the relationship!

Some customers really want that extreme rust finish. Here's an example of an exterior tenant sign with anodized brushed aluminum letters as a sharp contrast to the rust finish. Time lapse between the "before" and "after" picture is about 6 months. This particular sign was mounted 1/2" from the wall to prevent as much "rust drip" as possible against the wall; however, it still happens and will occasionally need to be cleaned up.

Other customers might have a specific finish they want with this material, or in the case of this particular client, they did not want to worry about rust drip, or a rust splash, against their beautiful teal monuments. We suggested a natural aging process and then experimented with different clear coats that would protect the metal from further rusting, but not darken or minimize the rust finish. The hot-rolled steel panels have negative cut wave shapes, and are mounted on a special frame welded to the monument face. The letters are white acrylic stud mounted with spacers. These monuments are easily seen from the street and draw the attention of visitors to make their tenant spaces easy to find.

We work with a fabulous local waterjet company, Innovative Cutting Design (ICD), and earlier I mentioned it was all about the relationship. ICD knows we have a love for hot-rolled steel, and when a new restaurant reached out to them for this material, they referred us to make their sign. This client knew exactly what he wanted and the sign looks fantastic for their grand opening in a couple of weeks.

Whether you want an interior or exterior sign, hot-rolled steel offers a great opportunity for creativity with your clients. The next time you hear those words - rustic, industrial or character - suggest this beautiful material for a change of pace. You won't be disappointed.

Signing off for now,

MSW&G

The Making of a Natural Redwood Sign, or nine of them...

2014-06-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

... but who's counting? Miramar Sign Works is counting! A couple of months ago Frazier Farms Market contracted with us to create signs for their new store opening in Oceanside, CA (1820 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside, CA, 92054).

It's not everyday we are asked to create natural redwood signs, with dimensional letters and a fish that looks like it will turn its head and start singing at any moment...

It's not Big Mouth Billy Bass... but close!

Not just one, but nine - DELI, MEAT, FRESH SEAFOOD, DAIRY, PRODUCE, BULK, VITAMINS, CHEESE AND BAKERY - it all sounded delicious, but the thought of not managing this job correctly didn't. Then brilliance took over, spear headed by one of our owners, Paul Jester - set the table correctly from the beginning and get started.

1. Take our approved customer proof and turn it into a "bill of materials" with exact quantities and dimensions.

2. Order raw materials based on the bill of materials.

3. Create a step-by-step instruction sheet for a "how-to assemble".

4. Hire a skilled woodworker to fabricate the signs - start to finish.

5. Provide him space and tools, if needed.

6. Plan the install and execute flawlessly.

Install Staging

Numbers 4-5 are really the brilliance - everyone will do steps 1-3 in some fashion, but not everyone will hire the right people with the right skills and provide the space and tools necessary. Miramar Sign Works understands this to be our standard operating procedure, along with continual training and education for our fabricators and installers.

In San Diego, natural redwood or cedar signs are not the norm, for interior or exterior. In many other parts of the country they are, but high quality signs with professional installers are our norm.

Fun in the Vitamin Section

If you want to experience a sign company above the rest, contact Miramar Sign Works today to start building that relationship.

Then you can experience #6 with your sign vendor!

Install SUCCESS!

Signing off for now,

MSW&G

IMPACT - Color, Contrast and Canvas

2014-04-28T12:37:00.001-07:00

Signs are moving into a different realm, one of IMPACT. Here's a recent news story from Market Place exploring why it's good to be in the sign business right now.

While the article focuses on wayfinding signs and the upcoming use of digital media, there's a lesson to take away from the article for all businesses - signs are a relatively inexpensive investment to make a change for the better in your work environment. Whether it's for the visitor coming to your office, or the staff that works for you, signs can be welcoming and informative, and also an extension of interior design.

Color and contrast make signs pop off your wall, or building front, and welcome visitors to your lobby. They can be eye-catching from across the road, drawing people to your place of business, or inside your place of business to get a point across.

Walls are our Canvas at Miramar Sign Works and we can offer solutions for any wall type or environment. Whether you need an interior or lobby sign, monument or exterior sign, wayfinding, ADA/tenant signage, vinyl wall or window graphics, MSW can show you how to invest in your business through signage. Signs are a necessity, let us help you make them IMPACT your customers in a positive way.

Signing off for now,

MSW&G

Etched Vinyl Installs

2014-02-13T11:02:00.002-08:00

Need some privacy in your office setting, want a frosted glass look without the expense, or just want a modern look for your office - try Etched Vinyl Panels. Great for dentist, attorneys or conference rooms, and more.

The application process requires great attention to detail. Miramar Sign Works has installed several recently:

Stripes at Centext Legal Services

Decorative "Bubbles" at La Jolla Family Dentistry

Waves for InfoSonics

Here is a look at the process - start to finish - for one panel

Contact Miramar Sign Works today if you would like to explore this option for your company - we have a great team that is here for you! From design to install, we are a full service sign company.

Signing off for now,

MSW&G

Beautiful Signs, Beautiful Spaces at Skyline Church

2012-04-02T17:20:00.010-07:00

A growing church in La Mesa, CA was celebrating their new sanctuary on Sunday, March 4, 2012 and designer, Janene Kraft of Sanctuary Living, reached out to Miramar Sign Works & Graphics to partner with their team, and meet the tight deadline.

The color palette was warm with terra cotta, gold, fuschia and deep purple accents, combined with brushed silver and duranodic bronze hardware. The result - a warm, inviting and comfortable sanctuary to worship in every Sunday morning.

ADA signage for rooms, restrooms, exits, stairs and more was designed to be compliant and beautiful at the same time.

Eye-catching directional and way-finding signage is effective and blends in with the space.

Inspirational signs remind the congregation of their mission and purpose every time they are in the space.

Let Miramar S ign Works & Graphics help you with your "beautiful space". Signs can be beautiful, compliant, inviting, and effective all at the same time.

Signing off for now,

MSW&G

Are Your Exterior Signs "Healthy"?

2012-01-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

Recently we installed all new exterior signs for the La Maestra Family Community Health Clinic in City Heights, and it brings to mind whether your exterior signage is "healthy" or "sick"?

The new signs at La Maestra Health Clinic includes several different types of exterior signage:

1. Vibrantly painted panel signs with vinyl graphics applied to "welcome" visitors from a distance, and for easy location of the building.

2. Stainless steel channel letters mounted in two ways to best use the building's architecture: bottom-mounted to stand tall in an opening above a walkway, and mounted directly to the building face.

3. Illuminated light box, with push-through letters to welcome visitors both day and night.

What makes this new signage "healthy" is simple - the clinic is easily identifiable from all sides of the building and street views.

Take a walk around your property or space and pretend to be a new visitor. Can your sign be seen from the street, are visitors welcomed with a sign that grabs their attention, does your sign need illumination, or some new color? Maybe a Rx for some new signs, or updated signage is just what your business needs!

Contact Miramar Sign Works today for a quote - 858-566-3010, Info@MiramarSignWorks.com.

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

300 lbs of Stainless Steel

2011-10-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

What is a sign company to do when a manufacturer of stainless steel tubing approaches them about new signs for their building and monument; do you offer them aluminum panels... or do you offer them stainless steel - the latter of course! So was the case with one of our recent sign fabrication and install jobs.

The result - 2 crisp and clean building panels, as well as panels for their double-sided monument. These signs are not intricate, but they make a bold statement. The stainless steel was polished to reveal a horizontal grain, and the vibrant dark and red vinyl, accented with white copy, provided just enough color to compliment the stainless steel without "steeling" its spotlight.

It's our job to make sure your company's re-branding process is a smooth and simple experience for you. Whether it's four 300lb stainless steel panels, or a simple tenant sign, our company can help you through every stage. Miramar Sign Works is insured and bonded, our installers are saftey trained and certified with over 20 years experience in the industry.

Call our office today at 858-566-3010 and let one of our Account Executives help you with your image - is it time for a new one?

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

Suspended Signs

2011-08-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

Suspended signs are an eye-catching option and can work well in all spaces:

A restaurant nestled in a downtown San Diego hotel wanted a sign for the lobby. It needed to bring attention to the restaurant, and compliment the beautiful architectural elements such as the paneled walls and crown moulding. A clear acrylic sign with vinyl and digital graphics that pop with color was the perfect fit. The acrylic has a polished edge for the extra shine, and the edge grippers used in the suspension are a satin finished aluminum.

A corporate office in San Diego moving into a new space wanted a custom sign for their reception area. The suspended sign is seen from both the reception area and conference center. The perfect solution was a double-sided brushed aluminum sign with a dimensional logo on each side. The tricky install required exact precision for centering the sign in the interior window.

If you are interested in a suspended sign for your space, contact Miramar Sign Works & Graphics - we won't leave you hanging!

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

Five Speed Branding

2011-07-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

Rebranding can be a daunting task for any size business. Miramar Sign Works & Graphics can help put you in the driver's seat, like we did for Jakes Motorcars. Their business was expanding, and a new building was on the horizon, presenting an opportunity for an updated look :

Exterior Non-Illuminated Channel Letters, mixing a rich powder-coat yellow, and brushed aluminum letters.

A Monument facelift, including solid panels with water-jet cut technology to reveal their logo. Using transluscent vinyl, their logo is clearly seen during the day, but illuminated at night for the extra color pop.

Interior Displays with layered elements and spacers to bring attention to their new logo when customers come to the showroom.

Rebranding doesn't have to slow you down, let Miramar Sign Works & Graphics help keep you on track.

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

The Complete Package

2011-05-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

As your company expands and grows, don't forget to include updated signage in your expansion budget. Although this might be a small portion of your overall budget, it is very important and relevant to the customers, associates and visitors that stop into your place of business.

What does your current signage say about your company? If you want to give a quick face-lift to your place of business, signs can be the answer. They can compliment your interior design, as well as help to communicate what your business is all about, such as the wind elements in the logo design for enXco, a company focusing on renewable energy.

Miramar Sign Works & Graphics can meet all your expansion needs - rebranding, interior signs, building signs, ADA, evac plaques, tenant, directory and more.

Let us help you show your customers the complete package!

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

Bold Colors for your Office Space

2011-04-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

This beautiful sign for Jacob Tyler is an example of how signage can compliment your interior design. These dimensional letters are acrylic with a brushed aluminum laminate applied to the face and metallic paint for the edge finish. This gives the look and feel of solid brushed aluminum, without the weight or cost. Their bold interior colors are reflected in the letters, giving depth and dimension to their sign.

Our sales staff can work with you to create the best look for your reception or lobby, inviting customers into your space with a splash of color! Options for interior signage are limitless, and we can work in any budget.

Signing off for now,

MSW&G

Miramar Sign Works has Expanded

2011-03-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce Miramar Sign Works & Graphics has expanded with the addition of Jerry Plewak, formerly with Architectural Sign Design. This addition to our business puts us on the right path for continued growth and excellent customer service, while expanding our manufacturing capabilities in-house to include ADA.

Jerry brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with his 25 year experience in the sign industry. He will be focusing on large contract projects funded with private and public funds, Design Build projects, as well as helping to manage our ever growing customer base on a day-by-day basis.

Signing off for now,

MSW&G

Find Your Way-Finding

2009-11-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Way-finding signs add value and direction to your business. Let Miramar Sign Works & Graphics point you in that direction today with a free quote.

Add a directory, tenant signs, or directional signage with the Vista System model. It's cost-effective and can be customized to fit your needs. It's also interchangeable and easy to update.

Way-finding signage needs to be up-to-code with California ADA requirements. We are the experts - let us help you pass that inspection. Compliant can also mean classy.

Let us help you find your way-finding today!

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

www.MiramarSignWorks.com

It's Time to Evaluate Your Signage

2009-10-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

Signage is often overlooked, but what does your sign say about your company...

Do you look open for business?
Welcoming to customers?
Is your sign easy to read and spot from the road?

Signage can help answer the following questions:

What type of business are you?
Who are you trying to reach?
Is your business thriving?

A little cosmetic work can refresh your business. A decaying or fading sign reflects poorly upon a business. First impressions are key and you only have one opportunity to make them. Have you considered a sign face lift?

A business with no sign, is a sign of no business! Without a sign:

Your business has no identity
A lack of business traffic

Miramar Sign Works & Graphics will work within your budget to help you form the identity you're looking for. Don't go another day without signage, or a sign face lift!

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

www.MiramarSignWorks.com

Budget for Signage in 2010

2009-09-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

A new sign is guaranteed to get attention, and now more then ever you want YOUR business to be noticed! Budgeting for signage is often last on your list, or maybe it's not even on your list of "things to do". Two main reasons to budget for signage in 2010:

1. VISIBILITY IS KEY
Can prospective customers find your business or property? Perhaps you need new exterior letters/address numbers, a new monument, or a building sign? Miramar Sign Works & Graphics can assist you with City Permits and Sign Criteria Documents for your property or business complex.

2. CUSTOMERS NEED A LITTLE DIRECTION
Tenant identification and directional signage can make your property easier to navigate. Whether you need ADA compliant tenant signage, evacuation plans or a property map for that complicated property, we can take care of any size sign package.

Let Miramar Sign Works & Graphics handle your new signage this Fall, and for 2010, we'll always point you in the right direction.

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

www.MiramarSignWorks.com

Going Green with Vinyl Graphics

2009-09-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Even in today's economy, Miramar Sign Works & Graphics can help you see green with vinyl graphics! Are you trying to spruce up your conference room? If so, vinyl graphics can be a classy and economical solution. Vinyl graphics offer great versatility and can be used to cover entire walls as they were at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in beautiful Downtown San Diego. Whether you're looking for full color graphics, frosted (etched) graphics, or perforated graphics, we're here to be your solution.

We offer a variety of products for vinyl - Window RTA, Vehicle, Interior, Exterior and more. Give us a call today for your green vinyl quote.

Below is our green team in action!

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

http://www.miramarsignworks.com/

We're on You Tube!

2009-05-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Miramar Sign Works & Graphics has joined the internet craze....well, maybe we just decided to have an informational video about our company posted on You Tube!

If you want to find out more about our company, the services we offer and the types of signs we can fabricate and install - check out our video:

Signing off for now,
MWS&G

www.MiramarSignWorks.com

Does Your Monument Need a Facelift?

2009-04-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Everything ages with time, including signage! During this economic downturn, we are finding that many of our customers want their business to have an affordable and effective "face lift" and refurbishing or replacing signage is a perfect way to accomplish this.

Delta Designs came to Miramar Sign Works & Graphics seeking to refurbish their monument sign. We provided a redesign, fabricated the changes and provided the installation.

Before, the darker letters on the monument face blended in with the surrounding foliage, and some of the lettering was so small it was hard to see, or read:

After, the results are dramatic! The lighter blue color helps the letters pop off the face of the monument, and the redesign enlarged the lettering and numbers that were harder to read before. Even from a distance, the brighter blue color brings the monument to life and is much easier to see than before:

If you are looking for a way to give your company an affordable "face lift", think about refurbishing, replacing or totally redoing your signage! We will be happy to help you come up with a plan that fits within your budget.

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

http://www.miramarsignworks.com/

Digital Printing Campaigns

2009-03-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

What is a Digital Printing Campaign? We would define it as the banners and posters we printed for Destination Concepts over the last couple of months.

One of our customers, Destination Concepts, needed a large amount of posters and banners, for indoor and outdoor use, to advertise upcoming seminars all over Southern California. This was a job for one of their clients.

We produced high quality banners and posters, and we made our customer's job easier by offering to drop-ship the posters and banners directly to the location of the seminar.

Destination Concepts turned to Miramar Sign Wo rks & Graphics - not only because our price was right - but because we could offer less than a one week turn around if needed. The next time you need a large number of banners or posters, for indoor or outdoor use, think of Miramar Sign Works & Graphics - we strive to make your life easier, your signs beautiful and to finish your project on time!

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

Miramar Sign Works & Graphics

Miramar Sign Works & Graphics - A Sign Company You Can Trust!

2009-02-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

Miramar Sign Works & Graphics is a custom sign shop located in San Deigo, CA. We offer:

*Monuments
*Lobby Signage
*Storefront Signage
*Dimensional Letters
*Illuminated Channel Letters
*Suite/ADA Signs
*Trade Show Signage
*Banners
*Vehicle Graphics
*Graphic Design
*Jobsite Signs
*Permits

Our website has an extensive photo gallery that shows you the scope, detail and craftsmanship of our work. If you are looking for a sign vendor for today AND tomorrow - we are that company! Maybe you manage many properties and projects - we are a vendor that can be there year after year.

If you are looking for a sign vendor for a one-time job, we can handle that, too. Our success and reputation is built on catering to your needs and fast paced work environment.

Miramar Sign Works & Graphics is a sign company you can trust - we are licensed, bonded and insured. We offer you the "right papers" - a contractor's license, performance bond, extensive and free insurance services, monetary safe guards and the ability to absorb risk. We understand it's "Your Brand, Your Image and Your Sign!" - let us handle that hard stuff, leaving less worry and hassle for you!

Signing off for now,
MSW&G

Miramar Sign Works & Graphics