Signs and neon letters. Light that gives a brand its own character

We start designing a sign by considering letter proportions, spacing and the viewing distance. A name above an entrance requires a different scale from a logo in a reception area. The lighting layout should preserve the character of the brand identity and remain legible in its intended location.

When translating a typeface into glass, we take into account bend radii, tube diameters and how the lettering is divided into sections. Fine details may need to be simplified or enlarged. We make these decisions during the design stage, before the glass is shaped by hand.

Neon remains part of a façade or interior even when switched off. That’s why, alongside the illuminated outline, we design the backing, fixings and cable routing. The visible structural elements should complement the lettering and the surrounding materials.

On site, we assess the sign’s visibility through glass, reflections and its relationship to the display. A neon sign can showcase a venue’s name or draw the eye towards the entrance. In a restaurant, hotel or reception area, its scale and brightness should suit the viewing distance and how the space is used.

An exterior sign must be suited to the mounting surface, installation height and weather conditions. We check the placement of the letters against the façade layout, windows and adjacent signage. The structure, electrical installation and service access are planned for the specific location.

The directions from which people approach also matter. Lettering visible from the pavement and a sign viewed from the other side of the street may require different proportions.

The neon’s color depends on the choice of gas, glass and, where applicable, phosphor coating. How the color is perceived changes with the background and ambient lighting. When matching it to a brand identity, we discuss the available light options; a photograph is no substitute for assessing a sample in real-world conditions.

Glass letters can be mounted on a prepared background or on a structure suited to the location. The distance from the surface, the arrangement of the supports and the routing of the cables all affect the appearance of the sign as a whole. We determine the power supply location and access to the components before production.

The division into sections takes into account the lettering design, transport and future maintenance. This makes it possible to plan the replacement of an individual element without unnecessarily affecting the other parts of the composition.

We start with a logo, name or sketch, along with a photo of the display location. We establish approximate dimensions, colour, background and mounting method. We then plan the glass tube layout, divide the lettering into sections and develop the structural details.

In our own neon workshop, we hand-form the glass to the prepared design. The finished sections are fitted with electrodes and prepared to operate as a complete system. Before installation, we check that the form matches the design and that the installation works correctly.

To prepare a quote, we need the artwork or wording for the sign, approximate dimensions, and photos of the location. It is also helpful to specify the type of surface, installation height, and available power supply. Based on this information, we determine the scope of the design, production, and installation, as well as the maintenance requirements for the finished sign.