June 17, 2020

When accomplished design is the foundation supporting the production of signs and identity continuations, the results radiate an enduring quality that survives the comings and goings of fad-based fashions. Accomplished design succeeds in reflecting a sense of the contemporary without sacrificing the need to be inclusive of whatever it serves to first promote.

It's the work of Lincoln based design agency Ruddocks, and Venture Signs and Graphics, also Lincoln based, who were charged with the manufacture and installation of the programme across all the Trust's premises and other assets.

Ruddocks and Venture Signs is a productive alliance. The two companies have worked on numerous projects together, including the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance – profiles don't come much higher. Venture Signs' work for the St. Barnabas Hospice Trust involves window graphics, vehicles, shops and more. The output is a feature on High Streets and beyond in most of the country.

In terms of its execution, it's clear the Trust's identity has been crafted with a typographer's attention to the finer detail. More than the product of a meandering through the font-list to see what may look right, it's a reflection of what actually is right. It's highly legible, instantly recognised and completely absent of anything that might be regarded as superfluous. The colour-ways contribute their own accent.

Taking the identity to production required the same level of attention to the finer points by Venture Signs. Ruddocks' designs were taken from the designers' flat world to the highly dimensional substrates that the Venture Signs team works with while remaining faithful to the overall prescription.

The Trust's identity is consistently delivered everywhere it's seen from website to windows. On windows in particular it's used in the manner of an identity continuation rendered using Metamark Etch Effect films and digital print.

The printed M7 Crystal Etch effect films yield subtle colourations that change in keeping with prevailing lighting conditions. This succeeds in enhanced ambience but maintains a view out of shop windows and admits daylight in. Such treatment is particularly sensitive to the quality of printing and Venture Signs' work reflects the best.

Fascia signing, vehicles and endless detailing have all been given Venture Signs' attention too using Metamark MD-Class digital media. All do their job in widely communicating the Ruddocks designed identity just as intended.

Venture Signs' work on the Trust's new ID is continuing with many shops and vehicles on the roll-out plan. Metamark material will be there helping and ensuring the very last element in the programme looks just as good as the very first.