Signs. Signage. Graphics. Visual Communications. These are the many names for the way that a business communicates its presence, branding and on-premise messages. This section contains resources that can help you better understand the many steps in creating a successful sign, graphic or visual communication.
Signs at their most basic are simple. They help customers, pedestrians and motorists locate a business. But a simple sign is much more complicated. A sign provides customers with an important first impression, guides them in the front door, and provides brand recognition.
Yet, effective signs involve more than a can of paint. There are many decisions that need to be made for a successful business sign, including size, illumination and placement.
Industry professionals can help guide you. From design to fabrication to installation, there are skilled professionals in the industry who drive the creation of a successful sign from start to finish. Plus, industry professionals can navigate the often complex regulations in each community to ensure your business gets the sign you deserve.
Want to learn more about signage and the sign & graphics industry? This is a great place to start! The below industry-specific resources will help guide you through the basics of creating a sign for your customer.
Click on the name of a resource below to read a description and see purchasing options. Reach out to education@signs.org with any questions.
Note: Online courses and on-demand webinars are accessible only by the purchaser.
Online Courses
Signs play a critical role in a business’s success by helping that business communicate their presence, branding and on-premise messages. But how is that sign created? What are the different types of signs available to a business? This course provides an overview of the different services and departments that exist within a sign, graphics and visual communications company and their role in creating a sign. You will also gain foundational knowledge of the various sign types and how they are used.
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
Welcome to Signs 201, a comprehensive online course designed to provide you with essential knowledge of the sign industry. This course consists of six modules, each approximately 30 minutes long, totaling three hours of instruction.
You’ll explore various aspects of signage, including different sign types, regulations, design principles, material selection, essential tools, equipment, electrical certifications, and the manufacturing and installation processes. The course concludes with an overview of the life of a sign.
Join us to enhance your skills and knowledge, and learn how to create effective, compliant, and visually appealing signage that boosts brand visibility and captures attention. Enroll now and take the first step towards mastering the art of the sign making process!
- Price: $300 for ISA members; $400 for non-members
INDIVIDUAL MODULES
Sign Industry: Sign Types & Uses
Welcome to Sign Types and Uses, an engaging online course exploring the diverse signage world. You’ll learn about the key factors influencing sign selection, such as geographic location and local codes, and dive into the five main categories of signs: Wall Mount, Freestanding, Electronic Digital Displays, Graphics, and Interior Signs. This course offers insights into choosing and utilizing signs effectively to meet your specific needs and objectives. Join us and master the art and science of effective signage!
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
Sign Industry: Regulations
Discover the world of Sign Regulations through this comprehensive online course. Delve into the critical elements of sign codes and regulations, gaining valuable knowledge about adherence to local sign ordinances, the intricacies of acquiring sign permits, and crucial ADA compliance requirements. This course provides strategies to overcome sign code obstacles, demystifies the permit acquisition process, and equips you with the tools to ensure your signage meets all regulatory benchmarks. Embark on this educational journey to master the nuances of sign regulations, paving the way for successful and fully compliant signage projects!
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
Sign Industry: Design
Welcome to Sign Design, an immersive online course exploring the nuances of crafting effective signage. This course covers crucial elements such as conducting design intent meetings, developing initial sketches and photo renderings, and utilizing architectural and shop drawings. You’ll gain insight into fundamental graphic design principles, including balance, contrast, and typography, while learning to navigate the world of vector and raster images in sign creation. Dive into this course to hone your skills in producing visually striking and communicative signage that leaves a lasting impression!
- Price: $60 for ISA member; $80 for non-members
Sign Industry: Materials
Sign Materials is an in-depth online course focusing on the diverse materials employed in sign fabrication. This course examines the characteristics and uses of rigid materials such as aluminum, steel, and brass alongside flexible options like vinyl and polymeric plastic films. You’ll discover the benefits of various materials, including thermoplastics, ACM panels, and wood, and understand their effects on sign longevity and visual appeal. By participating in this course, you’ll develop expertise in choosing and applying materials to produce durable, impactful signage that stands the test of time.
- Price: $60 for ISA member; $80 for non-members
Sign Industry: Equipment, Tools & Electrical Certifications
Welcome to Sign Equipment, Tools, and Electrical Certifications, an engaging online course that explores the essential equipment, tools, and electrical components used in sign making. You’ll learn about CNC routers, laminators, and vacuum-forming machines, as well as the importance of adhesives and sealants. This course also covers the role of design software, safety gear, and various lighting options, including LEDs and neon. Join us to master the tools and techniques to create professional and durable signage!
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
Sign Industry: Life of a Sign, Manufacturing/Installation Focus
The Life of a Sign is an enlightening online course that uncovers the complete journey of sign creation. This course guides you through each stage, from conceptual design and project oversight to manufacturing, final touches, and on-site placement. You’ll gain insights into the collaborative process between designers and clients, the application of cutting-edge machinery, and the critical roles of quality assurance and logistics. By participating in this course, you’ll become proficient in the intricate steps required to transform an initial idea into a beautifully executed sign that boosts brand recognition and commands attention.
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
Learn how to allocate your time, delegate effectively, and hold employees accountable in a positive way to help them be more productive. Gain practical solutions and tools to implement immediately on the job.
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
On-Demand Webinars
Learn from sign companies adapting to the future of digital signage in two panel discussions: “Full Speed Ahead with LED Digital” explores new opportunities in outdoor digital signage with speakers Chris McCaffery and Trey Watts, while “The Future of Digital Signage” examines interior digital signage opportunities featuring James Fuchsel, Daryl Kirt, and Pat Schuster. Discover how companies can leverage breakthroughs in digital technology, find new customers, diversify revenue streams, and overcome challenges in this evolving industry.
- Price: $15 for ISA members; $30 for non-members
Finding qualified workers is one of the biggest challenges facing the sign, graphics, and visual communications industry. Learn how Sign Manufacturing Day is helping to solve this issue. This informational webinar provides you with the background and tools you need to host an event, and you will hear from past Sign MFG Day participants who will share their experience and provide tips for a successful event.
- Price: $0 for ISA members and non-members
Research
This executive summary of the 2021 ISA Wage & Benefits Survey, conducted confidentially by Association Research, Inc. (ARI), highlights key data from sign, graphics and visual communications companies. The report covers compensation, staffing levels, full-time vs. part-time ratios, union affiliations, commissions, bonuses, and COVID-19’s impact on benefits. Companies can use these insights to benchmark against others of similar scope, size, and geographic area.
- Price: $100 for ISA members; $300 for non-members
The 2021 ISA Wage & Benefits Survey, conducted confidentially by Association Research, Inc. (ARI), analyzes data from sign, graphics and visual communications companies across the regions below. The reports provide benchmarking insights on compensation, staffing levels, full-time vs. part-time ratios, union affiliations, commissions, bonuses, and COVID-19’s impact on benefits. Companies can compare themselves to others of similar scope, size, and geographic area.
- Price per report: $300.00 for ISA members; $600.00 for non-members
Tools & Resources
The Sign Glossary includes thousands of definitions of commonly used phrases in the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. It also includes photos and examples of specific sign types.
- Price: $30 for ISA members; $40 for non-members
This EFI-sponsored guide by Keypoint Intelligence-InfoTrends helps print providers navigate visual communications, exploring how symbols and imagery transmit information in advertising. It covers personalization strategies for customer experience, efficiency tactics, and includes case studies on thinking like major brand owners and retailers.
- Price: $0 for ISA members; $25 for non-members
The sign, graphics, and visual communications industry requires a diverse range of skillsets. Access job descriptions of sign industry careers.
- Price: $75 member; $150 non-members
This bundle includes every executive summary of SRF research reports (over 20 in total!). Each summary delivers the key information found in the full report and topics cover the design, regulation, economic value, and fabrication techniques of signage. Many reports also focus on key sectors, such as retail, healthcare, and urban downtowns. This valuable bundle is excellent as an internal training tool or to educate clients and sign code officials.
- Price: $200 for ISA member; $250 for non-members
