A lot, apparently. Drivers approaching this Pasadena intersection are confronted with ten(!) traffic control signs and five visible signal heads. Each sign is meant to improve safety, but taken together, we’re not so sure the opposite effect has not been inadvertently achieved.
It’s on the street. It has typography and pictures. Is it art or design? These otherwise function-driven utility boxes in Pasadena’s Playhouse District have been transformed by public artist Susan Silton.
We always like a sign with a clear call-to-action, good typographic emphasis and effective use of an arrow.
This beautiful image seen in a municipal parking garage was not created by an artist. Made by a surveyor for use as an optical sight target, the original scribed crosshairs were made more visible with colored chalk. Months later the remaining marks and the orange chalk have faded into a… Read more »
In this era of LEDs and electronic images, one can still see great examples of classic neon signs. This perfect neon drawing blinks on and off day and night reflecting not only vintage sign-making, but period headwear as well. 444 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
Sometimes the best sign is the product itself. In the grand tradition of European merchant signs, these shaped signs communicate primarily by presenting what they are selling. Words are not really necessary. But it’s not so easy if you sell insurance or are in the mortgage business.
Balloons dangling on a telephone pole, fence or mailbox let you know you are close to the party. Colorful and non-verbal, these are true signs, universally understood by party guests everywhere. No lettering needed. Even the colors communicate – bright colors for kids, pastels for baby showers and silver and… Read more »
Looking for interesting graphic design? Look down. Decorative tree grates are everywhere on our city streets. Stencil-cut for air and water circulation, the steel plates often feature fascinating patterns, shapes and details made possible by modern water-jet cutting. With the need for a center circle, the designs are formal and… Read more »
Nothing attracts customers to a going-out-of-business sale like the American flag. With a block-long series of paired flags, this patriotic furniture storeowner knows how to use our national symbol as a dynamic marketing tool. Long may it sell.
We put a lot of societal energy into preserving old designs and structures. And many preservation advocates are critical of today’s phony façade architecture – “Things were more authentic, honest and well-crafted in the past.” But look around at many ‘historic’ buildings and you’ll see a lot of fancy fronts… Read more »