Hand Drawn Signage: Reinvent How You Connect With Your Audience

Art by Amy McBride

Hand drawn signage is a small detail that can make a massive impact for your business.

In an article from Smithsonian Magazine, the author reflects on a chalkboard sign that was printed in a magazine publication. This chalkboard sign conveyed to the reader the complete feeling and essence of the article. “The magazine could have used computer graphics, could even have rendered something digitally to appear hand-drawn, but instead they chose the real thing, and it made the whole production that much more engaging and memorable.”

In times where supporting local is embraced by millions of people, handmade is better than cheap Chinese tchotchke and the business philosophy of buy one/donate one is captivating hearts, hand drawn signage couldn’t have a more conducive environment to thrive in.

What can be done by hand?

Sale and Special boards, price signage, holiday specials, event adverts, display case signs for anything from jewelry to cupcakes. Anything you want to call out and make sure your audience knows about can be translated into a hand drawn sign.

Hand drawn signage needs to have enticing illustrations and a captivating colour scheme. You must make sure the information you’re calling out to your audience is not lost in the art. Font, colour and space are all important. There is a balance between attraction and confusion. The last thing you want to do is evoke a feeling of motion sickness in your audience when they try to decipher your signage.

Give your business a talking point, something buzz worthy, another reason to draw people into your shop. They’ll take pictures in the shop. Post it to Instagram or fb and they’ll like it. Be known for not just the downright delicious donuts, but also the stellar signage that makes them tell their friends, “OMG the chocolate donut is incredible and they have really neat signs in the case! I love that place!”

Check out the progression of this hand drawn sign I made for a health food store in Columbus, OH and discover my services for Hand Drawn Signage.