What to consider when designing a village sign

A village sign can be a great way to instill a sense of pride in your community and give visitors a sense of what it means to live in there. If done properly it should last decades so it is well worth spending the time getting it right. This blog post aims to give you a starting point for designing and commissioning the perfect sign for your village. We have used Black Fox Metalcraft's custom village sign projects as examples.

• Are there any local landmarks? For example a church, castle or monument? With the Cobham sign, one of the village pubs is mentioned in Charles Dickin's Pickwick papers so that seemed a logical choice, but in the end we decided it would be unfair on the other pubs in the village to feature only that one, so we cut it out, replacing it with the much more neutral primary school. Allington features a well and water pump which is a known point of interest within the village.
• What your area is known for? Do tourists visit? If so what are the main attractions? A long winding path could denote a popular walking route..
• Is there a particular plant or tree that grows well in the area? A leafy design is a great way to frame an image, add a bit of decoration. We added grape vines and apple trees to the Kent signs, as the area with its warm climate is known for it's orchards and fruit growing, but it could be anything from a particular wildflower to a centuries old Oak tree.
• What is the history of the area? For example farming, or industrial history - Is anything in particular manufactured there either past or present. The Crockenhill sign features a medieval tile kiln, while Sole street depicts a steam train.
• Make a list of things you are proud of in your village: a particularly good sports team (only if it's not going to cause division among fans of an opposing team!), festival or tradition that is unique to you?
• Are there any stories, or legends from history that could be depicted? The Cobham sign features the original ashes urn, as it was a cricketer from the area who first brought it from Australia, winning the ashes in 1880s.

   

Do some local research

In addition to design ideas, it is worth looking at any signs in nearby villages - is there any aspect of these you'd like to feature to tie in with a vernacular style? Examples could include:

• Colour or style of the text? When we did the Cobham and Sole Street signs, gold was chosen to match a couple of other signs in the Kent area.
• Will the sign sit atop a post, or hang within a frame? 
• Do you want any scrollwork? A proper blacksmith can add hand forged scrollwork which ads an ornate, traditional touch, but may feel a little elaborate for some tastes.

How to commission a sign for your village

• Get multiple quotes: Speak to at least a couple of village sign makers to get an idea on cost, and also what kind of service you can expect. The right company will be happy to answer all of your questions, show examples of previous projects and discuss any technical details. Choosing a local company may save on delivery, but this still may not make it the lowest cost option. If there are any signs nearby that have been well executed you could ask for a recomendation, but it's worth having a look online too.
• Consider the size required: You'll definitely need to consider what size your village sign needs to be when obtaining a quote as this can make quite a difference to the cost. It can be difficult to gauge what will look good, so go out to nearby villages and measure up what they have as a good starting point. Local pub signs too can give you a good idea. Cut out a piece of card and hold it in the intended location to get an idea of what will look right.
• Who will design your sign? Will you have the sign professionally designed, or will you run a competition for local artists? There are advantages to both, but as a professional designer I can through experience advise that coming in with a reasonably clear idea of what you want initially will save the artist time and therefore you money.

 

Other questions to ask a village sign maker:

• How does your design process work? For example how are designs done, and will the village committee have chance to make alterations & have input once an initial design is produced?
• Ask about rust protection and the longevity of the finish: If the price does not include electroplating, galvanising, or being made from stainless steel, then really the finish is unlikely to be good enough for such a large, prominent piece of metalwork. It is definintely worth paying more for a quality finish, as it can increase the longevity tenfold.
• Will the text be painted by hand, or applied in vinyl? In both cases, any font can be used, but again ask about the longevity. Properly sign written name will have a more arty, natural feel, while vinyl lettering will have a more precise, corporate look.

Ultimately, If you go into the project with a good idea of what you want, plus the questions you need to ask, you'll find it much easier to make a connection with the right company to help you realise the project, making the whole process so much more enjoyable. If you are looking for a Village Sign Maker, contact Black Fox Metalcraft to discuss your ideas and obtain a no obligation quote. Examples of Black Fox Metalcraft's village entrance signs can be found on our Village signs page.