Design Your Sign Like a Pro: 10 Tips to Create Custom Signs

At The Super Sign Guy, we blend field-tested production and installation with clear visual standards so your message works in real environments, not just mockups. Whether you want to design your own sign for a storefront or an event, our custom sign maker streamlines the entire process from concept to installation.

1) Start with a single message

Before any sign design tips, define one action you want viewers to take and write it in plain language. Trim extras, remove jargon, and keep only what helps recognition at a glance. Simplicity clarifies layout, reduces noise, and improves real-world visibility.

2) Choose legible type (and fewer fonts)

Clarity is king at distance. Look for sturdy letterforms with open counters and predictable stroke widths. Limit yourself to two families and use weight, size, and case to create emphasis. When researching options, scan roundups of the best fonts for signs to shortlist reliable performers.

3) Size text for viewing distance

Don’t guess—prototype and step back under similar lighting. Give headlines generous height and breathing room so words don’t merge at a distance. If traffic is moving, scale up and simplify. When planning letter height for signs, favor mixed case and bolder weights for faster recognition.

4) Use high-contrast color pairings

Readable color beats trendy color. Pair light on dark or dark on light and avoid mid-tone on mid-tone. Keep textured photos behind text to a minimum, or add a solid overlay. Prioritize accessible contrast so more people can read you at a glance and in glare.

5) Build a clean hierarchy and spacing

Guide the eye: headline first, then a brief subline, then a direct call to action. Use generous line spacing, margins, and consistent alignment. For large formats, consult a banner size guide so headlines, subheads, and logos scale together without crowding or distortion.

6) Design for the medium you’ll print on

Vinyl, rigid panels, mesh, and window film handle ink and light differently. Matte reduces glare; gloss boosts saturation but can reflect. Our online sign designer previews layouts against real materials so you can spot risks early and choose the best substrate for durability.

7) Prepare print-ready files the smart way

Keep logos as vectors, outline or embed fonts, and export at final size with proper bleed and safe area. You can create custom signs online inside our platform, using templates built for large-format clarity—perfect kerning, crisp edges, and smooth gradients without drama on press.

8) Balance brand style with simplicity

Make brand colors and type do the heavy lifting without competing with the offer. For events and promos, reduce decoration and increase whitespace. If you need portable messaging fast, you can make your own banner and keep it perfectly on-brand in minutes.

9) Plan for viewing context and installation

Measure sightlines, mounting height, and light sources before finalizing art. Outdoor campaigns face weather and glare; indoor pieces face reflections and mixed lighting. Translate your banner design online decisions into durable outcomes with material and hardware guidance from our team.

10) Proof, test, then print and install

Zoom to 100% to check edges and spacing, then do a small physical proof. If anything feels cramped, add margin—whitespace sells. When you’re ready, order via our Shop; production is fast, and our installers handle the details. Learn more on About Us.

Kick off your project today in Design Your Sign to Create Custom Signs in Just Minutes, explore materials and pricing in the Shop, and tap our Services for expert printing and installation that make your design perform in the real world.