Expand mobile version menu

Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications

Sign Maker

Real-Life Activities

Real-Life Communication -- Solution

Sign maker Thor Brodersen notes that "communication is everything," not only in sign-making, but in life. He has been making signs for 50 years -- and living a lot longer -- and with that much experience, he ought to know.

Brodersen says customers will often come into the shop with no clear idea of what they want. He helps them get the right sign for them by asking the following questions:

  • "What's your budget -- how much are you prepared to spend on the sign?"
  • "What do you want on it?"
  • "What is the name of the company?"
  • "What do you sell?"
  • "Is it for advertising or just for identifying who you are?"

After making sure he knows what the customer wants, Brodersen makes the decision about what to put on the sign. It is a hard decision, according to Brodersen, as anything more than 12 words is too much. "Anything more and the sign is too busy! You keep it simple -- so people remember."

But first, it is wise to make sure that you understand what the customer wants. You don't want to waste either your time designing something which will make them exclaim, "But that's not what I wanted!"