3 Sign Designs That Go the Extra Mile

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This article highlights three sign design projects that went beyond the standard approach to create unique and memorable sign experiences. The first project involved a Spanish restaurant in Austin, Texas that allowed a graffiti artist to tag the back of the sign cabinet. The second project integrated a custom fiber art installation into the signage for a renovated textile factory in North Carolina. The third project in Plano, Texas used layered architectural films to create visual depth without bulk on a luxury apartment sign. The article emphasizes that adding a personal or unexpected touch, even on a limited budget, can make a sign design stand out.

Why it matters

These examples show how sign designers can push the boundaries of standard sign projects by incorporating unconventional materials, personal passions, and creative problem-solving. This approach can help businesses stand out from the competition and create a more engaging wayfinding experience for customers.

The details

In the first project for the El Raval restaurant in Austin, the design team at Studio Dzo invited a graffiti artist to tag the back of the new sign cabinet, bringing an authentic street art vibe to the Spanish-inspired restaurant. For the Spinning Mill Lofts project in North Carolina, designer Lauren Stern integrated her own passion for weaving into the custom fiber art installation that was incorporated into the building's interior signage. And in Plano, Texas, designer Ryan Fox used layered architectural films to create visual depth and dimension on the luxury apartment signage for The Ludlow, without adding bulk.

• The El Raval sign was installed in 2026.
• The Spinning Mill Lofts signage was designed in 2026.
• The Ludlow apartment signage was designed in 2026.

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