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The history of sign making is a fascinating journey that mirrors the evolution of human communication, commerce, and technology. From rudimentary markings to sophisticated digital displays, signs have always played a crucial role in conveying information and attracting attention.

Here's a breakdown of the key stages in the history of sign making:

1. Ancient Origins (Prehistoric to Roman Empire):

• Earliest Forms (18,000 BC and beyond): The very first "signs" were likely cave paintings and petroglyphs used by early humans to communicate about hunts, rituals, or simply to record information. These were primarily visual and symbolic.

• Ancient Civilizations (3000 BCE - 500 CE): ◦ Egyptians: Used hieroglyphs on temples and tombs to tell stories and convey religious or historical information.

◦ Greeks and Romans: Recognized the commercial potential of signs. They used signboards made of stone, terracotta, wood, or even bronze and copper for shop fronts, public announcements, and to mark roads. Due to widespread illiteracy, these signs heavily relied on imagery. Common symbols included a bush for a tavern, a boot for a cobbler, or a barber pole for a barbershop. Road signs, like milestones, were also prevalent.

2. Middle Ages and Renaissance (500 CE - 1700s):

• Emergence of Shop Signs: As trade grew in Europe, businesses began to use signs to identify their establishments. These were often made of wood or iron and hung outside shops, frequently featuring symbolic images representing the trade (e.g., a shoe for a shoemaker, tools for a blacksmith).

• Legislation and Standardization: In the 14th century, laws were enacted (like in England by King Richard II) requiring certain businesses, particularly taverns, to display signs for oversight and tax purposes. As cities grew, signs became larger and heavier, leading to accidents and the implementation of regulations on size and placement.

• Artistic Flourish: Signs in the Renaissance became more elaborate and artistic, incorporating bright colors, detailed carvings, and ornamental designs.

3. Industrial Revolution (Late 18th - 19th Centuries):

• Mass Production: The Industrial Revolution brought advancements in manufacturing, allowing for the mass production of signs using materials like cast iron, sheet metal, and zinc. This made signs more affordable and widespread.

• Illuminated Signs: A significant turning point was the introduction of lighting. ◦ Gas-lit signs (1840s): The first illuminated signs used gas lights, making them visible at night for businesses like theaters and retail stores.

◦ Electric signs (1880s): The invention of the incandescent light bulb led to electric signs, which quickly gained popularity for their increased visibility and effectiveness as advertising tools. The "EDISON" sign in 1881 was an early example.

4. 20th Century Innovations:

• Neon Signs (1910s - 1920s): French engineer Georges Claude developed the neon tube, allowing for vibrant, glowing signs that could be bent into letters and shapes. Neon signs became iconic, especially in urban landscapes like Times Square.

• Fluorescent Tubes (1930s): Further improvements in luminous tubes led to fluorescent signs, offering a greater array of colors and design possibilities.

• Plastic Signs (1950s - 1960s): The widespread use of plastics like acrylic revolutionized sign making. Plastic signs were durable, versatile, easier to mass-produce, and could be combined with various lighting methods, making them highly popular.

• Early Digital Signs: The latter part of the century saw the emergence of early digital displays, often in the form of scrolling marquees for theaters and stock exchanges.

5. Modern Era (Late 20th Century - Present):

• Computer-Aided Design: The personal computer and graphic design software transformed sign design, allowing for faster creation of professional and complex layouts.

• LED Technology (1970s - Present): Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) began to be adopted for signs, offering energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility in color and display.

• Digital Signage and Interactive Displays: Today, digital signage, utilizing LED and LCD screens, allows for dynamic content, real-time updates, high-resolution graphics, and video. Interactive displays, touchscreens, and augmented reality (AR) are further pushing the boundaries of how businesses engage with their audience through signs.

• Sustainable Practices: There's a growing focus on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient lighting solutions in modern sign making. From ancient symbols carved in stone to the vibrant, interactive digital displays of today, sign making has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of communication, commerce, and human expression.

The history of sign making

Long before the invention of the written language the idea of advertising was taking place in the old world particularly in Europe and the East and all lands in between where there was a need to communicate to an audience that something was available for trade or exchange in local communities and settlements.

When homo erectus or cromagnum man killed a bison he would take several stones and pile them up near the entrance to his cave and place a part of the animal like a hoof or even a head or a tail of that creature to alert the neighbors that he had meat to share for anything useful that anyone would trade with such as spears, arrow heads, roots and even an unruly daughter. The idea of advertising did not have to be invented, it is nothing more than common sense and has always been part of the human condition since the stone age.

In following years as in early civilizations like Greece, Egypt, China, and Russia developed alphabets, all very different from each other to announce a place or a thing that would be happening so that everyone who could read could participate.

Today, signs are everywhere, from traffic signals, to building identification, to windows, walls, and moving vehicles all wear the brands that they are trying to identify or sell, from the largest billboards to the smallest toothpicks it seems that everything today has to have a catchy slogan and a clever logo, even people have become advertisers wearing company names on clothing hats and shoes.

What is the most cost effective type of outdoor sign...truck lettering of course and by association, vehicle lettering, these signs can be seen anywhere in town or out of town twenty four hours a day seven days a week for a one time fee. Number two on this list is highway billboards, most are 10 ft. by 40 ft. and can be seen for a mile or maybe two day and night. One of the most effective billboard campaigns I have seen are the South of the Border signs that announce a gift shop located on the Georgia, Florida border on interstate highway 27. There is one board every mile or so for about twenty miles as you travel South on this highway all telling the traveler about all the wonders they will find at the gift shop and of course they feel compelled to stop because of the all the excitement built up on the way there.

Neon, a lighted tube filled with gasses of every color is one of the most effective and beautiful of all sign types, they have even been used as artwork in clubs and even movies since the invention of electricity. The name “Neon” refers to the gas that glows when an electrical charge is applied similar to a fluorescent shop light but much thinner in diameter. The operator heats the glass and applies air pressure with a hose between his lips to keep from collapsing the tube while bending it.

Let's delve into the concepts of "signs" and "sign history," clarifying their relationship:

What are Signs?

A "sign" broadly refers to anything used to represent or indicate something else, conveying a message or meaning.

Signs can take various forms, including:

Visual cues: Cave paintings, hieroglyphics, symbols, trademarks, and road signs are all examples of visual signs used for communication.

Gestures and Body Language: Hand gestures, body posture, and facial expressions are forms of non-verbal communication that act as signs.

Sounds and Signals: Whistles, drums, smoke signals, and Morse code are auditory or visual signals used for communication.

Sign History: "Sign history," or the history of signage, focuses on the evolution and development of signs throughout human civilization.

This includes:
Evolution of Materials: Early signs were made from natural materials like stone and wood. Later, materials like leather, terra cotta, bronze, and copper were used. The invention of plastic and advancements in manufacturing allowed for the mass production of signs.

Emergence of Writing Systems: The development of writing systems like cuneiform and hieroglyphics, which use symbols to represent words and concepts, marked a significant advancement in communication.

Rise of the Sign Industry: The need for signs to identify businesses, convey information, and promote brands led to the development of the sign industry.

The invention of electric and neon signs in the 19th and 20th centuries revolutionized the industry.

Development of Sign Language: The history of sign language involves the systematic study and documentation of sign systems, starting with the 17th century and the work of individuals like Juan Pablo de Bonet and Abbé Charles-Michel de l'Epée.

The recognition of American Sign Language (ASL) as a bona-fide language in the mid-20th century was a significant milestone.

Relationship between Signs and Sign History:

Sign history provides the context for understanding the role and impact of signs in human societies.

The evolution of signs reflects the changes in:

Technological advancements: The development of new materials and technologies has influenced the design and production of signs.

Societal needs: Signs have evolved to meet the changing needs of communities, from guiding travelers to promoting businesses.

Cultural shifts: Styles and designs of signs have changed to reflect prevailing artistic and cultural trends. In essence, sign history is the study of how signs have been created, used, and transformed over time, reflecting the progress and development of human communication and civilization.

Vinyl letters are self-adhesive stickers made from durable vinyl material that can be used for various purposes, including sign making, personalization, and decoration.

The history of vinyl lettering is closely intertwined with the development of sign-making and adhesive technologies.

Early Stages: 1930s-1950s: Vinyl was first tested as a signage material in the late 1930s, initially for reflective road signs.

Non-reflective vinyl lettering with solvent or heat-activated adhesives emerged in the early 1950s.

1958: Lightweight and durable adhesive vinyl film was introduced. Revolution through Vinyl Cutting:

1960s: The introduction of vinyl lettering and plotter cutting significantly advanced the sign-making industry. Vinyl lettering allowed for accurate text, while plotter cutting enabled intricate designs.

Early 1980s: The first computer-driven vinyl plotter, the Gerber Scientific SignMaker III, was introduced. This machine utilized adhesive-backed vinyl rolls.

Technological Advancements and Expansion:

1990s: As personal computing became more common, more affordable and efficient vinyl plotters entered the market, making it easier for smaller sign shops to produce high-volume signage.

Late 1990s: Hybrid plotters emerged, allowing for full-color image printing on printable vinyl material.

2000s: Piezo-inkjet printers, using pigmented inks for durable graphics, became available.

Continued Evolution: Vinyl films, adhesives, and inks continue to improve, allowing for easier application to challenging surfaces and increasing their versatility in design and application.

Impact on Signage: Vinyl letters became a staple of sign production, replacing traditional hand-painted or handmade signs for many applications. The technology allowed for faster, cheaper production of signs, leading to increased demand for vinyl in the industry.

Vinyl lettering and wrap technologies became more accessible and affordable, expanding their use for businesses of all sizes, especially for vehicle advertising.