From Sales to Build: The 3 Essential Signage Drawing Types You Need to Know
- Simplify
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
When you run a sign business or are looking to hire a graphic artist for signs, understanding the different types of design drawings available is crucial. Each stage of the design and manufacturing process has unique requirements, and knowing which type of drawing to request can save you time, resources, and frustration.
In this article, we’ll break down three key types of design drawings used in the signage industry: Preview Designs (Mockups), Full Detailed Drawings, and Fabrication/Pre-Engineering Drawings.
Preview Designs (Mockups): The Initial Step
Preview Designs, often referred to as mockups, are typically used during the sales stage of a sign project. If you operate a commercial sign business, these initial mockups are your best tools to quickly showcase various design options to your clients.
When you hire a signage graphic artist to create preview designs, the goal is to visually capture the concept and style your client is looking for without getting bogged down by technical details. These mockups usually show the sign design superimposed onto a photo of the installation site or building, making it easy for the client to visualize how the final sign will look.
Additionally, Preview Designs include basic sign dimensions, allowing your sign company to quickly generate accurate quotes and send them promptly to your clients. At Simplify Graphics, we specialize in creating these fast, impactful mockups. Our designers focus on key visual elements such as colors, logo placement, text size, and overall layout. Preview Designs are essential for getting quick client feedback and approval before moving forward. However, these designs don't include technical details such as installation methods, materials, or side-view diagrams.
In short, if you need to present quick and compelling visuals to your clients without the complexity of detailed drawings, preview designs are exactly what you're looking for.
Full Detailed Drawings: For Client and City Approvals
Once your project moves from concept approval to the final phase, it’s time to invest in Full Detailed Drawings. These drawings bridge the gap between initial mockups and the precise technical specifications required for installation.
A full detailed drawing typically includes comprehensive information such as:
Accurate site maps
Exact dimensions of the building or sign location
Technical details about installation methods
Elevation views and side views for clear understanding
Signage materials
These drawings are essential not just for your clients but also for obtaining city approvals or permits. City officials require detailed signage technical drawings to ensure that signs comply with zoning regulations, building codes, and safety requirements.
When you outsource your sign design needs, partnering with a commercial signs graphic artist familiar with creating detailed drawings can streamline this approval process. Simplify Graphics excels in this area, creating clear and precise drawings that easily pass client and city scrutiny.
However, it's important to remember that Full Detailed Drawings, although thorough, still do not include structural engineering details such as framing, hardware, or lighting specifications.
Fabrication/Pre-Engineering Drawings: Ready for Construction
Once your detailed drawings have secured all necessary approvals, the final and most intricate type of drawing is the Fabrication or Pre-Engineering Drawing.
These are the blueprints sign fabricators use to build the actual signage.
Fabrication drawings delve into extensive detail, covering:
Structural framing and aluminum tubing specifications
Exact hardware sizes, types, and installation points
Plate specifications for mounting or attaching components
Lighting specifications, including LED types and wiring details
Detailed instructions on how the sign can be constructed
Such detailed specifications make these drawings "engineer-friendly," meaning they're ready to be reviewed, revised, and stamped by a licensed engineer if necessary. In fact, many municipalities require these engineer-approved drawings to issue building and construction permits.
Simplify Graphics has extensive experience producing Fabrication/Pre-Engineering Drawings. When you work with our experienced team, you ensure your fabricators have everything they need for accurate construction, reducing delays and minimizing costs associated with potential errors.
Choosing the Right Drawing Type
Knowing which type of drawing you need depends greatly on where your project stands:
Preview Designs (Mockups): Ideal for initial client presentations and sales pitches. These provide quick visual concepts without technical complexities.
Full Detailed Drawings: Essential for final client approval and city permitting. These drawings offer precise installation and layout information.
Fabrication/Pre-Engineering Drawings: Critical for actual manufacturing, providing detailed construction instructions and specifications.
Why Outsource Your Sign Design?
When it comes to sign design outsourcing, partnering with an experienced signage graphic artist can greatly benefit your business. Outsourcing ensures you have access to specialized talent familiar with all aspects of signage design—from creative mockups to detailed engineering-ready drawings.
At Simplify Graphics, we understand that every sign company operates differently and may have specific processes or templates they prefer. We can accommodate your unique way of presenting projects, adapt to your company's templates, and match your design style, ensuring seamless integration with your existing workflow.
Simplify Graphics can efficiently handle any stage of your signage project, from initial concepts to technical, fabrication-ready drawings. Outsourcing to experts like us not only enhances quality but also saves significant time and overhead costs, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
Conclusion
Understanding the clear distinctions between Preview Designs, Full Detailed Drawings, and Fabrication/Pre-Engineering Drawings is essential to manage client expectations effectively and streamline your project workflow. Whether you're looking for initial visual concepts or highly detailed, engineer-ready blueprints, Simplify Graphics has the expertise you need.
Ready to elevate your sign design process and deliver outstanding results every time? Simplify Graphics is here to support every step of your signage journey.
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