Introduction The Downtown Sign Guide should be used with the Blaine Municipal Code to assist sign permit applicants in meeting the requirements for Turn of the Century signage in the Central Business District. This guide provides examples of different design elements. Sign proposals do not need to mimic or duplicate these exact design elements but they should be designed with similar qualities in character and style. You are encouraged to discuss your signage questions, ideas and concepts with staff. Stylized Lettering The lettering or font of the sign can take many different forms, but it should exhibit historic characteristics typically found on antique signs from the 1900 s era. Block lettering such as aerial font should be avoided. Drop Shadow Lettering with a drop shadow effect provides depth and the appearance that the letters are raised and casting a shadow on the surface below it. The addition of a drop shadow makes window signs more visually interesting to the viewer on the street and has been used in Blaine s downtown for many years.
Gold Leaf Lettering Gold leaf has been traditionally used for centuries to decorate artwork and signage. The decorative technique of applying gold leaf to a surface is often called gilding. The gilding process involves applying very thin sheets of gold (gold leaf) or powdered gold to solid surfaces. This is usually done by hand through a chemical or glue application. The result is gold colored metallic lettering that really stands out and is partially reflective. Metallic gold colored paint can be applied to a window or solid surface to achieve the same affect real gold leaf lettering. Prominent border with beveled corners Just like in the wood working craft, beveled corners can take on many different shapes. Typically used on a rectangular board, the corners are cut in or beveled to add character. This element has been used frequently in downtown Blaine for years and can now be seen throughout the City. Rounded corners do not get credit for this design element.
Two Color Background Signs with multiple colors can contribute to a dynamic and lively environment. Backgrounds with two or more colors, or blended colors that transition from one color or shade to another meet this requirement. Graphic Embellishment Typically a graphic embellishment is an extra design detail that enhances the appearance of a sign. These can take many forms but are usually a piece of artwork or a design that by itself does not communicate a commercial message. A graphic embellishment should be easily visible and incorporated into the face of the sign.
Raised Lettering Lettering that is physically raised from the surface of the sign. This design element adds depth to a sign and the majority of the lettering needs to be raised to get credit for this design element. Lettering should be raised by at least 2 inches. Three Dimensional Art This design element needs to be a significant feature of the sign that is separate from the primary commercial message. This element can take many forms but needs to project from the surface of the sign by at least 3 inches. Borders, frames and supporting structures do not meet this requirement.
Hand Carved or Natural Wood Elements Hand carved elements can be a figure, animal or piece of artwork that represents the commercial establishment. Natural wood elements must exhibit features of natural wood but can also be made from materials that simulate nature wood. Sand blasted wood with the exposed natural grain counts as a natural wood element. Brick or Stone Elements Brick and stone elements can be used as part of the sign itself or as part of an independent supporting structure. Signs mounted on a brick wall of a building do not get credit for this element unless additional stone or brick work is proposed. The brick or stone area should be no less than twenty five percent of the sign face area.
Historic Light Fixtures Historic or antique looking light fixtures are highly encouraged. These can take many forms but should be an indirect lighting source for the sign. Black or bronze colored fixtures are preferred but not required. Wrought Iron Hanging Bracket Typically used for projecting signs, wrought iron hanging brackets should have interesting details and straight simple lines should be avoided. Black colored brackets are preferred but not required.