Changes for Better Sign Design in 2026

A NEW YEAR inspires change.

But any change, especially in the sign industry, can be quite challenging. Whether it’s new equipment, new software, new processes or new hires, they all require considerable time, money and resources. But a small change in thinking can have a huge impact and doesn’t cost a dime.

I’m the owner and creative director of a sign design studio. My team and I are passionate about “Better Sign Design.” But even we fall into routines, get in a groove and sometimes find ourselves in a rut. When we do, it’s time to switch things up.

For my fellow signshop owners, leaders and designers looking for ways to make a change in 2026, I asked some of my favorite sign designers to share some tips on staying fresh and excited.

Find Inspiration in the Unexpected

Jordan Braithwaite, art director, Studio Dzo (Austin, TX), studiodzo.com

Don’t only rely on Pinterest for inspiration. We all fall into that trap of browsing Pinterest for hours, but I have found the best inspiration comes from unlikely sources. Look into creative fields that are adjacent to your specialty. Photography, fine art, architecture, product design, even movies or music can provide that spark of inspiration that
you’d least likely expect and lead to better outside-ofthe-box thinking.

Start Every Project With Intention

Lauren Stern, owner, Studio 618 (Charlotte, NC), studio618design.com

At Studio 618, everything begins with intention. No matter what we are working on, whether it is a garage full of murals, a custom focal wall or a full signage system, we always start with a clear purpose. We love digging into the details to drive the design. That means looking at interior renderings, furniture, textiles, architectural elements and the branding so the signage feels like it truly belongs instead of feeling like an afterthought. It should help bring the whole space together. Being thoughtful from the beginning helps the project feel connected and gives clients a real story to share about the inspiration behind their space.

Sketch to Stretch Ideas

Ryan Fox, designer, Fource Communications (Dallas), gofource.com

Sketch it out, sometimes over and over again. Then take some markers to it, color render or pencil shade sketch it. I sketch a lot and in redoing sketches, my mind
tends to wander and visualize aspects of the sign during this process of repetition. This doesn’t have to take hours. Setting a timer for 20 or 30 minutes helps keep me from overdoing and overthinking.

Clarity Beats Cleverness

Kat Talley, owner, &Daughters (Austin, TX), andaughters.com

Before diving into colors or details, think about the purpose the sign needs to serve. Is it meant to catch attention, guide someone or reflect a brand’s personality? Every design decision should come back to that purpose. The simpler the better. Legibility, hierarchy and proportions come first. You don’t need to fill every inch of a sign to make it work. I’ve seen visibility problems solved with small, intentional changes like stronger contrast or clearer copy. Sometimes, when working with designers, I notice the urge to keep adding, but that can actually make a sign feel too busy and take away from its intended purpose. Good signage is easy to read, easy to remember and solves a problem. When in doubt, keep it readable and intentional.

These seemingly small shifts in process and thinking might just bring you, your team and your business the change you’re seeking. But like all New Year’s resolutions, they’re easy to start but difficult to maintain. Real results are seen only through consistency. This year I look forward to sharing more thoughts and perspectives on sign design and the sign industry. Cheers to growth and success!