Signs have been a timeless way to communicate messages, promote a business, and advertise events. They really started to evolve around 1389 when King Richard III of England passed a law that any establishment that sold ale must place a sign in front of its building. In the 16th and 17th Centuries, signs were being created with hand carved wood, wrought iron and gold leading.

It wasn’t until the 18th century that new technologies like gas lighting, the industrial printing press, and electricity began to shape modern signage. World War II ushered in mass production and improvements to printing technologies which made it easier and more affordable to print large quantities of signs.

Printing technologies continued to improve and became the way to customize signs with color, design, and unique messaging. In 1991, digital printing was introduced allowing customized messaging and smaller quantities with greater efficiency. In 1994, Large Format Printing was invented bringing the technology of sign making to a new level by increasing the size options and materials. Today, we can print a message or sign on anything from a glass table to a durable outdoor plastic. In our continuing video series at Pageworks, we show just a few of the many applications for Large Format and how you can communicate your message in a different way.