This may sound sort of funny, but we’ve never needed a sign before. If you think about it the trucks don’t have signs. We made the decision with Harvard Square to forgo a sign (some told us that was crazy). The HUB doesn’t have a sign, though I have ideas for that one.
So here I am, 4 years in and contemplating our first sign. I don’t think there is any way to do a suburban restaurant without a sign, right?
The sign guy we talked to had some ideas, but I wasn’t happy with them. I want something that fits in, that’s not too flashy, or trying to be different. But something that feels permanent, a quality strip malls don’t always have. I want something that’s informative enough but simple and understated. This screenshot is of me fumbling my way through Sketchup, a free 3-D modeling software. I’m trying to get an idea of what different designs will feel like.
The sign guy told me I needed to say what we are on our sign. I think he has a point. So we’re thinking to include “Fast Food” on the sign.
If anybody has a favorite sign or ideas, pass them my way.
I know you’re still playing around with the design. 1) Is this sign on the front door of a stand alone building? 2) a sign by the road like “Applebee’s” or “TGIF”? 3) a sign above the door but on the same level as many other signs in a multi-business strip mall building a la New Jersey suburbia?
my two cents is if it’s (3) then return to the very simple black and white Clover stenciled logo, the classic one on your trucks. If it’s (1) or (2) then the pastoral background is a nice evocation of farm/ freshness but the color of the Clover text itself is too similar to the grass and gets lost.
I wonder if you can move toward a ‘dimensional’ sign that’s lit from outside, rather than the glowing plastic signs. Even Chipotle’s are decent.
How so you think you’d place and realize your sketch? I have the feeling that anything one-dimensional will look a little cheap.
How about this?
http://thebeatofyounglosangeles.blogspot.com/2011/02/eat-out-veggie-grill.html
I LOVE the plain black outline logo. It’s so clean and simple and because of that it really stands out. Including “fast food” or something similar is a probably a good idea, but in my humble opinion it should stay as close to the current logo.
I think you should put Real Fast Food because your food is so fresh and it’s “real” food (not processed). When we were visiting, we ate a lot of your fries and they are so much better than In-n-Out! Just thought I would tell you that since Sara said that was kind of your inspiration.
How about “Real Food…Fast”. Using just “Fast Food” has a negative image associated it (i.e. junk food, or sub par food)…and Clover is far from that…quite the opposite. Or just “Clover”…mysterious, intriguing…opens up curiosity. Clover has never been defined by its actual menu, and it may be nice touch keeping it ambiguous…