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DESIGNING A PICTORIAL STREET SIGN
V.Ryan © 2015
 
Street name signs are designed so that they can be read easily. This is important, not only for pedestrians and car drivers but also for the emergency services. In the UK, the Local Authority (Council) is responsible for naming of roads /streets, as well as ensuring that a suitable sign is set up, where it can be seen.
 
Street signs tend to following the same guidelines;
Black lettering on a white background, for good contrast.
A minimum space between letters.
Capital letters are generally used.
The height of letters should be between a minimum of 75mm and a maximum of 90mm.
Name plates are fixed near to the corners of each street, for ease of reading.
They should be fixed where they are least likely to be obscured by vehicles.
Street name plates should be legible during day and night time.
 
 
 
A typical street name plate is seen below. Exley Mount is a street in Keighley, West Yorkshire, UK. The font is relatively plain (Times New Roman), with the street name written in capitals, in black on a white background.
 
 
 
However, given modern materials (such as smart materials) and the availability of a large range of colours, there is no reason why street signs cannot be both easy to read and much more interesting visually. They could be designed in a similar style as pictorial number / licence plates, as seen in the USA.
 
In the USA, pictorial number / licence plates not only clearly display the numbers and letters, but their images often reflect the nature of the State they are registered in. Street name plates could also reflect the nature of the street or it’s history, through the use of images and colour(s).
 
SAMPLE PICTORIAL LICENCE / NUMBER PLATES
 
 
 
 
CLICK BELOW FOR LINKS TO PICTORIAL NUMBER / LICENCE PLATES
 

Four Wheel Drive Car - The Number Plate

Stages - Designing a Pictorial License / Number Plate

Sample Individually Designed License /Number Plates

Drawing Skills - Personalised Number Plates -Test

Personalised Number Plate - Starter Exercise

Pictorial Number Plate Evaluation

 
EXAMPLE - DESIGNING A PICTORIAL STREET NAME PLATE
 
An example of a pictorial street plate is seen below. The images (grass and flowers) reflect the name of the street and the fact that each house has a garden with flowers and a lawn.
 
 
DESIGN 1
The writing style / font remains the same. Grass and flowers have been added, making the design more aesthetically pleasing.
 
 

DESIGN 2
The writing style has been changed. It is still easy to read and yet adds a little more style to the overall sign / plate.

 
 
 
 
DESIGN 3
Adding pictorial corners as seen below, can add impact to a street plate. The street name can be seen clearly and yet the graphics makes the plate more interesting.
 
 
DESIGN 4
Adding a colourful patterned background can also make a big difference. The writing style has been slightly changed by increasing the size of the ‘M’ and ‘G’. The flowers reflect the nature of the gardens.
 
 
CLICK HERE FOR SECOND STREET NAME DESIGN PAGE
 
CLICK HERE FOR GRAPHICS INDEX PAGE
 
 
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