Mission Statement

1.
The goal of our company is to provide the highest possible quality creative services. We will do this at the most competitive prices possible, consistent with our quality standards.

2.
We will strive to cultivate relationships with clients who can appreciate the additional impact that work of our quality creates for their organizations, products, and services.

3.
We will constantly strive not merely to meet, but to exceed, the expectations of each of our clients.

4.
We will measure the effectiveness of the service we provide not only by our own standards, but by how well they meet the specific objectives of our clients. 

5.
We commit ourselves to keeping up with the business techniques and technologies that will allow us to provide better services for our clients.

6.
We commit ourselves to encouraging innovation, new ideas, styles, and approaches in order to maintain our competitive edge.  


Payment

Payments for services rendered can be made via: check, money order or with PayPal. Please note if paying with a credit card via PayPal that standard design rates may not apply.

Make On Line Payment via PayPal

(Click Here)

Mail payments to:

William J. Ballew
6290 Old Burnt Hickory Rd.
Acworth, GA 30101  


Terms and Conditions

As standard practice first time clients are asked to make a 50% deposit and final payment due NET 30. Once you have been established as a client with a good pay history typically you will be set up with a Pay As You Go (PAYG) account where a threshold dollar amount is agreed upon. Once that amount of billable time is reached an invoice will be sent for payment and the process is repeated for subsequent work if payment is made.

Any Project Artwork Files (PAF), such as, but not limited to: sketches, 3D Renderings, 3D Models, 3D Videos, Logos and Design Drawings are the sole property of Signet Imagecrafters until full payment is made. Failure to remit final payment in full after project is completed will result in additional fees in the form of interest will be levied.

Estimated Completion Dates (ECD) are dynamic in that they are partly dependant on your  input & feedback in the revision and refinement process.  You will be notified if a situation arises that the ECD will have to be changed due to any reason. Best efforts are made to complete projects on time but please keep in mind that the design process is not a cut and dry process and involves may factors to result in a practical, cost effective, desirable solution.

Unless contacted to do so Signet Imagecrafters takes no responsibility in researching local AHJs code for any designs and it is assumed that the information provided is accurate in order to comply with in the local code(s)   For more information on Permit Issues see: Signage – Regulatory Requirements   

 

The Process

Request a free quote for your next project. Please submit enough information that it is clear what the scope of work is and a description of the services desired.

If you accept the quoted amount, please email all pertinent project documents including specifics about design direction, architectural details, finishes, colors, landscaping, signage applications etc. Also mail the 50% deposit that  is required to start your project. A deposit can also be made online thru PayPal.

Once enough work is completed for a first draft proof set, your Project Artwork Files will be uploaded to our FTP site  or emailed to you if a small enough file. Once you review the completed files, either approve them or request revisions be made until you are satisfied with the Artwork. Keep in mind that not all revision are not covered under the original quote, see revisions to learn more about the proofing and revision process.

After all refinements are made to the Project Artwork Files and they are approved. Final Project Artwork Files will be finalized to the requested resolutions, size output type, then uploaded to the FTP, emailed to you, burned to CD-ROM or printed depending on the details of your order. A final invoice will be sent to you with the remainder of the balance due NET 30. 

 

Free Quote

If you have a project that you are interested in us quoting, we would be happy to quote it free of charge. We will review your reference information and documents and provide a detailed quote that outlines our services, fees and scope of work . Quotes are valid for 30 days and subject to change after 30 days. Any changes in the scope of work on client’s part will make quotes void and will need to be revised to include any new work.

Please submit your project information to us at jballew@signetimagecrafters.com


Copyright Information

Copyright is proof of authorship and legal protection for the creators of artistic works, including visual artwork. According to the 1976 Copyright Act and the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990, artists control decisions about the reproduction and public display of their work.

The visual arts category consists of pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works of fine, graphic, and applied art, photographs, prints and art reproductions, maps, globes, charts, technical drawings, diagrams, architectural works and models.
Copyright protects an author’s specific expression in literary, artistic, or musical form. Copyright protection does not extend to any idea, system, method, device, name, or title.
Artwork is automatically protected by copyright immediately after creation. For additional protection, if a piece of artwork is to be duplicated commercially it should be formally registering artwork with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Form VA | Form CON

Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

 

Client Provided Information (CPI)

Any information about projects that you provide is kept confidential and in not shared with any other company or individual unless agreed upon ahead of time. Submitted information is only used with your project in order to bid or complete the project.  Once projects are completed information will be returned if you wish or held for future reference. Project Artwork Files (PAF) that are created for your project will be kept for your future use if you so desire.  Any information that is submitted is typically held for reference for a period no longer that 2 years. Project Artwork Files are saved typically for a period of no longer that 5 years or until you request that they be deleted.

 

CPI Electronic File Types & Requirements

Raster File Types (Image Files )are a class of electronic files that have image information comprised of a map of  colored dots. The resolution qualities of these images are measured as dpi (Dots Per Inch). Depending on the use the quality of these images can vary a great deal. For instance a web graphic is generally saved a low resolution commonly at 72 pdi. Low quality web graphics are generally acceptable for use in concept and preliminary drawings but not acceptable for full size prints.  Higher quality image files are needed for production proposes, generally 100 dpi at full size or better is required for digital prints that are smooth and have no jagged edges. If no acceptable image files are available we can recreate acceptable art for a fee. 

Common examples raster file types are:

TIFF, JPEG, PSD, CPT, PNG, GIF, BMP


Vector File Types (Line Art Files) are a class of electronic files that have image information comprised using lines and arcs defined by mathematical information. These files are much smaller in computer memory size. Vector files can be rescaled to any size without any degradation in image quality and virtually no change in computer memory size. Just as with Raster files some vector files are not of good quality and may not to acceptable for full size production.  If no acceptable image files are available we can recreate acceptable art for a fee. 
   
Common Example file types are:

CDR, EPS, AI, DWG, DXF, and some PDFs

(if saved from a vector file)

Some of these files contain information about fonts or typefaces that are used in the file from the original designer. It is preferred that two versions of the file submitted: One that has the font information intact and one where the file has had the font(s) “converted” to curves or paths. This will insure that the fonts and typefaces of letters will be accurately viewed once we receive it.

Our computers are Windows XP or higher based IBM PCs please keep this in mind when saving files for our use.

If you are unclear with the guidelines in this section, we will be happy to contact and request proper artwork files from your art or marketing department.


Project Artwork Files (PAF)

Are any documents, electronic files that are created by Signet Imagecrafters such as but not limited to: sketches, 3D Renderings, 3D Models, 3D Videos, Logos,  Design Drawings, depictions and illustrations. These files are to remain the sole property of Signet Imagecrafters until final payment is made. Any artwork that are already protected by copyright laws that are used within PAF are not the property of Signet Imagecrafters and all copy right laws will be observed.  Project Artwork Files are saved typically for a period of no longer that 5 years or until you request that they be deleted. These file contain valuable intellectual property that will be protected until all rights are released.

PAF Output Types - Electronic

3D Models and Renderings are created in Sketchup Pro 6.0 or higher  and can be output into image files such as .jpegs, .png .tiff.  Vector files exported from sketchup are .pdf, .dwg, .dxf, .eps

3D Fly-Throughs are created in Sketchup Pro 6.0 or higher  and can be output into .avi files that play on Windows Media Player.

CAD Drawings  are created in Corel 13 or higher and can be output in most commonly used file types used in the graphic industry such as: .cdr, .ai, .pdf, .eps, . dxf , .jpeg, .tiff, psd, .cpt and more.


FTP Access

Once files are ready for or review approval, you will receive a user name and password for accessing the FTP site to review the files that have been saved for you.  Type the following into Microsoft Internet Explorer address bar: ftp://signetimagecrafters.com and then enter your user name and password in to the dialog box that appears. To see the folders and files in the Windows Explorer View click on the Page Tab and then click on View FTP in Widows Explorer option so that the folders and files look more like the Windows standard.

Design and Consultation Standard Rates

Rates posted here are for standard design services but are subject to change. Any changes to these rates should be up to date on your quote or bid documents that are provided to you.

Schematic Design (Hand & Thumbnail Sketches) - $30/hr
Basic CAD Drafting - $35/hr
Signage Consultation - $30/hr
Sign Design - $40/hr
Prepare  for Engineer Sign Design - $60/hr
3D Modeling - $50/hr
(These retes may not be valid if paying by credit card thru PayPal. )  


Drawing Types

Hand Sketch – These are just as the title implies, sketches are done on paper or vellum and scanned into the computer and set into titleblocks for a professional presentation.  Hand sketches are the starting block of most design work as it provides the most fluidity to the design process.  

Concept – These may or may not be scaled CAD drawings and generally have no specifications and dimensions. Concepts are basically intended to give a general idea of the design direction. Concepts still give plenty of room for alteration and interpretation as to minimize the refinement process.

Preliminary – Refined scaled CAD drawings with material, color,  finish specifications and dimensions that clearly define the design enough that pricing may be done.

Production – Production ready scaled CAD drawings with all the information as the  preliminary drawings but have been proofed by the client  for lease to a manufacturer Production Drawings have added details such as section details, basic pre-engineered steel, concrete and electrical specifications.  

Prep for Engineer - In many cases the local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) require that signs or other structures be reviewed by a certified engineer licensed in the area in which the structure is to be erected. This is to insure that structures are  safe and meet minimum construction requirements for the given area. Best efforts are made to anticipate what is required, practical, cost effective and meet safe construction standards  prior to submission to a certified engineer.   

Elevations – These types of scaled drawings are intended to show the structure or signage in context to the surrounding architecture, landscaping or environment.  Many AHJs require this type of drawing to review the signage or structure in relation to the area in which they will be installed and verify that they are in compliance with the local code.

Colored Elevations -  Architects elevations drawings or redrawn elevations of building or structure are cleaned up removing dimensions, notations, construction details and  other information then colored to match finish schedules to make an attractive 2D rendering presentation.


Engineered – “Prep for Engineer” drawings are  submitted to a certified engineer and revised to meet or match the engineers calculations and details of construction. Some times it may take a few drafts between the engineer and the designer to balance cost and practicality of the design.  All specifications that are determined by the engineer are incorporated into design drawings for fabrication.  

Prep for Permit – Some AHJs require that drawings include information, calculations, details and notation strictly for the review and approval process. Some of these are: Maximum Height, Maximum Sign Area, Structure vs Sign Area calculations and Line of line Triangles to name a few.  For more Info Signage – Regulatory Requirements

Site Map/Plan – Site Maps can be scaled or not but their purpose is the same, to locate various sign types or structures on a property. Site maps are commonly use to convey to AHJs were structures are located in relation to public roads, ROW setbacks, utilities, easements and other existing structures.

Colored Site Map/Plan -  Architects site plan drawings or topo plans are cleaned up, removing dimensions, notations, topographical info, then colored and decorated  to show landscaping, buildings, pools trails and playgrounds etc.  making an attractive 2D rendering presentation.  Maps are often used to make property directory maps complete with building numbers ingress and egress pathways. Maps such as this can also be used with marketing materials to illustrate a properties amenities such as nature trails, pools, playgrounds etc.
 

Shop Drawings- Once production drawings are proofed and approved by the owner, they are leased to a contractor for construction. The contractor should be creating shop drawings which specify all aspects of fabrication such as: section views, framing, electrical, installation, connection, engineering details etc. 

As Built –  Some clients understand that with complex custom projects that there may be some deviation from the original design drawings. In these case As Built drawings can be created to highlight these changes that where made during the fabrications process.   

Revisions – This is not necessarily a drawing type but a function of the refinement process that any of the above types of drawings may be subject to through out the design process.   Design Service Fees quoted are without revisions as first drafts only unless stated specifically  in a quote, any revisions that are included must be based on provided reference information. Revisions that are required due to new information such but not limited to: unreasonable client feed back,  site conditions changes, new survey information, permit, or engineering requirements will be charged separately. Reasonable revisions that do not involve radical changes in design direction, design intent, structural or construction are generally not charged separately and are generally covered in the initial quotes.

 

Proofing, Revisions, & RFIs

Proofing refers to the actions required on the part of the client which is the active participation in the refinement of a design. Clear and concise instructions for revisions are needed to make the refinements and still be able to make Estimated Completion Dates (ECD). If additional information is needed you may receive a email message titled RFI (Request for Information). Please respond to these promptly at least to confirm as to when the information will be available. Failure to respond to RFI may require that Estimated Completion Dates be moved back.

 

Change Orders

In the event that major changes are required in Project Artwork Files (PAF) a change order may be necessary.  If it is determined that major changes are due to poor quality Client Provided Information (CPI) then a Change Order is originated which will be charge separately. You will be notified  as soon as possible that this condition has occurred so that you can review the additional cost and possible scheduling changes.


Bio

Joe BallewSignet Imagecrafters is owned and operated by William J. Ballew who has over 15 years experience in the sign industry working with some of the largest sign companies in the country. Drawing on experiences and insight from the sign industry the concept of a company that offers services that are focused on creating and maintaining a company's image and branding standards seemed a perfect fit. Realizing the sign industry’s lack of attention to development of quality design, Signet Imagecrafters is focused on providing professional and personal attention to its client's image, projects and products.  It is important to us that each client is treated with personal service that is a cut above other larger companies. It is our goal to make each design, product or project the best it can be from thoughtful, eye catching layouts and logos, to the quality of materials specificed in our designs.

 

Experience…15+ Years

Awards & Accomplishments

2009 USSC (United States Sign Council) 1st Place , Design Award “The Goodwynn at Town Brookhaven” (internally illuminated building signage)

2006 USSC (United States Sign Council) Best of Show, Design Award
“The Place at Perimeter Center”

2005 USSC (United States Sign Council) 1st Place, Design Award “Fox Creek” (multimedia)

2004 USSC (United States Sign Council) 1st Place , Design Award “The Bristol on Union” (internally illuminated building signage)

2005 (Sign Builder Magazine) 9th place design award for “Fox Creek”

Developed sign criteria packages for various accounts such as; Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Copeland’s of New Orleans, Sam’s Club, Daewoo Motor America, Castrol Express Lube, Velocity Sports Performance and more.
Setup standards and guidelines for finalizing production/construction drawings for release to fabricators. Streamlined descriptions between design and estimation departments.

Development of standardized notation conventions, layouts and callouts for specifications for design drawings. 

Creation of custom spreadsheet programs to pre-engineer steel, concrete and electrical requirements in design drawings.

 

Previous Work Experience

Director of Design | DeNyse Signs | March 10, 2003 to 2009
Responsibilities: Conceptual and production oriented sign designs upon request. Provide sales support for a sales force of 19 or more. Finalize drawings by adding details needed for the production department and review contract documents for errors or conflicts with approved design drawings prior to production. Director of Design, management of five designers of different skill levels to complete drawing request from sales reps in excess of 600 per month.

Sign Design | Maltese Signs | Jan. 2, 2001 to Mar. 1, 2003
Responsibilities: Conceptual and production oriented sign designs upon request. Provide sales support for a sales force of 15 or more. Finalize drawings by adding details needed for the production department and review contract documents for errors or conflicts with approved design drawings prior to production.

Fabrication, Shop Supervision, UL Inspection, QC , Design | Lockwood Sign Group | Oct. 26, 1998 to Dec. 31, 2000
Responsibilities: First hired as a fabricator then promoted to lead fabricator and ultimately shop foreman. Later made “Chief of Engineering” and finalized drawings by adding details needed for the production department and reviewing contract documents for errors or conflicts with approved design drawing prior to production. UL Inspections of electric signs, issued UL labels and met with the UL Follow Up Inspector quarterly. Provide production department with detailed shop drawings including foundation and steel support calculations, electrical requirements, neon transformer sizes and assembly drawings.
 
Sign Design, Fabrication | Metro Sign Services | Oct. 20,1997 to Oct. 25, 1998
Responsibilities: Conceptual and production oriented sign designs upon request. Vinyl production and patterns for fabrication. Supervision of shop production in the capacity of shop foreman.

Sign Design ,Fabrication & Production Supervision | Pal Sign Company | Oct. 1991 to Sept. 1997
Responsibilities: Sign designs, site surveys, review and verify existing conditions and or signage, field measurements, design specifications with customers. Permit research and acquisition. UL inspections of electric signs, inspect electrical signs, issue UL labels and met with the UL Follow Up Inspector quarterly. Develop job quotes including job costing, materials, labor, installation costs and profit margins. Originated purchase orders and maintained product inventory. Assisted owner by managing fabrication and installation teams. Coordinated sub-contractors for sign installations; concrete, electrical and neon etc.. Assisted owner and salespersons with prospecting and presentation upon request.


Education

UL University UL48-101 - Designing to Comply with the UL48, May 2007, Certificate of Completion

Chattahoochee Technical Institute- Auto CAD I - August 1997, Certificate of Completion

North Cobb High School, Diploma- 1991