3/4/15
Amy: Yep- this is a complicated process.
I have worked on a few wayfinding projects.
Here is some general advice:
-First figure out how many signs you need. Don't focus on the design of the signs; focus on location and the information they need to convey. And how they need to function- are they "permanent" or do they need to change with the events and exhibitions schedule?
Donor signage is a special category.
-If you have a staff graphic designer/exhibit designer they and selected others will want to walk the visitor routes and try to put themselves into the mindset of the visitor to determine where way finding and services signs are needed.
-Once you have an idea of how many and what sort of signs are needed, then you can work with you graphics people and some vendors to figure out materials, mounting methods and through that the budget.
-There are inexpensive ways to make signs, such as vinyl or frames that allow you to replace the sign with a paper print-out as necessary.
-Do go look at other museums in the area and see how they do it. Take pictures. Maybe you can talk to their staff.
If you happen to be up north, the Walters in Baltimore has very nice art museum appropriate system.
Their in-house graphic designer has down a lovely job of creating solutions for all the different kinds of signage.
Good luck to you.
Feel free to email me if you like.
-Paula
millet3@verizon.net -------------------------------------------
Paula Millet
Baltimore MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-03-2015 12:06 PM
From: Amy Mercer
Subject: Museum signage
We are in the middle of major renovations and I need to come up with a budget to determine our signage needs from directional, to exhibition, education, membership and more...has anyone gone through a similar situation? I am feeling slightly overwhelmed by this task...
Thanks!
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Amy Mercer
Marketing and Communications Director
Gibbes Museum of Art
Charleston SC
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