Van artwork

[Ricesnaps]

Have been promising myself a lovely magnetic sign for my van for a while now and now I have a smart new logo to use it is time to go for it!

Never actually tried to design what I wanted yet. Could I have honest open opinions of the style, layout, wording and sizes of my first attempt please. If it helps, I am not very happy with the telephone numbers and web address (but please note that the curved address on the logo is part of the design!

general dimensions need to stay the same really so it fits the panel on the van.

[Shaun]

I wouldn't have the 2 URL's. The logo I supplied without the curved URL would probably be a better option. The contact details definitely need to be larger and more prominant, even if it means reducing the size of the logo. Apart from that...it looks good :)


*edit:

If you find out the exact size of the sign and the format they require, I'd be happy to have a go at the sign design for you.

[rob1963]

Hiya Ricesnaps,

I agree with Shaun.

However, several years ago, I toyed with the idea of getting a professional sign for my van, but decided against it for security reasons.

Regardless of what was written on the sign, it would ACTUALLY be saying "This van is worth breaking into, as it's full of expensive disco equipment & cds"

Not something I want to advertise!

[Ricesnaps]

Hiya Ricesnaps,

I agree with Shaun.

However, several years ago, I toyed with the idea of getting a professional sign for my van, but decided against it for security reasons.

Regardless of what was written on the sign, it would ACTUALLY be saying "This van is worth breaking into, as it's full of expensive disco equipment & cds"

Not something I want to advertise!
Which is EXACTLY why I will be purchasing a magnetic removable sign for mine. When I'm at a gig, van empty, or driving to a gig, fantastic advertising. Get home go to bed, becomes a boring yellow vito again!

[Penfold42]

be purchasing a magnetic removable sign for mine.

Friend of mine does these at £20 a pop down the road from me - he did my banners.

Not sure if that's cheap.

[Ricesnaps]

Friend of mine does these at £20 a pop down the road from me - he did my banners.

Not sure if that's cheap.
Full colour road safe magnetic banners?

What size does he do them at £20 for and how do I get one - that's possibly a bargain!

[Penfold42]

Full colour road safe magnetic banners?

What size does he do them at £20 for and how do I get one - that's possibly a bargain!

I believe there full colour - he will make up just about everthing.
If you have the art work he can tell you what can be made.
Do you want me to PM his web site?

[Marc J]

In my opinion there are too many different fonts and styles. A general design rule is stick to no more than 3.

I'd change the "Experienced Professional DJ" to match the "THE" and "ROADSHOW" of your logo, downsized a little.

The "We fit in, so you stand out" doesn't actually stand out, it's a bit washed out looking. I'd make that the same style as the "Revelation" in the logo i.e. pink gradient - white outline - black outline, sized to stretch right across the bottom.

There's no need for the 2nd URL at the bottom right. Make the phone numbers heavier (match a font already used, maybe the small URL one but bigger), if you want to balance them then put the 0845 one side and the mobile the other.

This brings us to another topic - what's the correct way to split a mobile number? It's something I've often wondered! Is it 4 - 3 - 4 (what I do), 5 - 3 - 3, 5 - 2 - 2 -2, or something else?

i.e. is your number O774 341 016O or O7743 410 16O or O7743 41 01 6O ?

I'd also try alternatives with capitalising the "Experienced Professional DJ" and tag line to see how that looked.

[CRAZY K]

Which is EXACTLY why I will be purchasing a magnetic removable sign for mine. When I'm at a gig, van empty, or driving to a gig, fantastic advertising. Get home go to bed, becomes a boring yellow vito again!

Then again Matt theres always the Old Bill on the way home, I would remove the signs then.

I got stopped last Saturday on the pretext that I was driving erratically:eek:

Doing 48 in the 50 mph zone ---yeah!!!!!!!!!!

I never drink and drive so that soon got them bored and moved on to the next "customer"

Its not easy to see in the dark whats in the vehicle. equipment etc.

But if you have a sign its a giveway and an excuse to give you the third degree.

Overloaded with all this equipment sir? Are you insured as a DJ? Produce evidence down the Police station etc. Lets just check your tyres and so it goes on:eek:

Be warned :D

CRAZY K

[Ricesnaps]

In my opinion there are too many different fonts and styles. A general design rule is stick to no more than 3.

I'd change the "Experienced Professional DJ" to match the "THE" and "ROADSHOW" of your logo, downsized a little.

The "We fit in, so you stand out" doesn't actually stand out, it's a bit washed out looking. I'd make that the same style as the "Revelation" in the logo i.e. pink gradient - white outline - black outline, sized to stretch right across the bottom.

There's no need for the 2nd URL at the bottom right. Make the phone numbers heavier (match a font already used, maybe the small URL one but bigger), if you want to balance them then put the 0845 one side and the mobile the other.

This brings us to another topic - what's the correct way to split a mobile number? It's something I've often wondered! Is it 4 - 3 - 4 (what I do), 5 - 3 - 3, 5 - 2 - 2 -2, or something else?

i.e. is your number O774 341 016O or O7743 410 16O or O7743 41 01 6O ?

I'd also try alternatives with capitalising the "Experienced Professional DJ" and tag line to see how that looked.
Great advice thanks - only problem is the logo was designed for me, so I have no idea what the fornts are....

Queue Mr Elite

[Shaun]

Great advice thanks - only problem is the logo was designed for me, so I have no idea what the fornts are....

Queue Mr Elite



If you find out the exact size of the sign and the format they require, I'd be happy to have a go at the sign design for you.

Or if you prefer to have a go yourself I can supply you with the names of the fonts used.

[Ricesnaps]

Or if you prefer to have a go yourself I can supply you with the names of the fonts used.
You are a star - I'll get in touch tomorrow, but I'm thinking you might make a better job of it than me! Get the feeling that the general layout and wording used is OK (from the comments on the thread), just the right fonts needed. I also assume that the resolution will need to be right in order to print at the size I want. I will do some measuring and get back to you.

[mike8863]

I think you'll have more chance of being pulled in an unmarked van at 2am, being ex bill.
I'll have that guys details as well, unless the administrator has made a decision on van signs posted in suggestions forum!.

Mike

[CRAZY K]

I think you'll have more chance of being pulled in an unmarked van at 2am, being ex bill.
I'll have that guys details as well, unless the administrator has made a decision on van signs posted in suggestions forum!.

Mike

Interesting comment.

Mike, you better give us some tips on==

1. How not to get pulled over late at night

2.What to say--what not to say

As I said I NEVER drink and drive--I just keep spilling it everywhere:D

CRAZY K

[Vectis]

I think you'll have more chance of being pulled in an unmarked van at 2am, being ex bill.
I'll have that guys details as well, unless the administrator has made a decision on van signs posted in suggestions forum!.

Mike

So.... best of the suggestions seems to be to get some mag signs but only put them on the van for the duration of the journey home from a gig (to appease plod)? Rest of the time is too risky from a 'getting it robbed' point of view?

[Candybeatdiscos]

at the end of the day if someone wants to rob your van they will do so at anytime, also it doesn't matter whats in the van, they will still rob it....sorry fact of life these days!

I am gonna get signs put on my van, not going down route of magnetic signs, done that last year - too be honest they were not that great.

[mike8863]

Lets just say, that obvious vehicles out at that time of night are taxi's, milk floats, fruit and veg vans, and of course dj's. All the above except the latter are easily indentified. Vans, whether small or large can be pulled frequently.Generally you get a gut feeling as to which ones to pull, and you would be suprised how many vans pulled actually result in convictions and summons!!.
Generally, just be polite to mr plod, offer him your business card as initial proof of why you are about at that time. Or completely throw him and when stopped you get out of the vehicle first and approach him!!, but don't make any sudden movements with this approach!!!.
But, even if you have signs on your van, you may still be pulled, depending on plod, which would be of benefit if someone did pinch your van, 50/50 this one, but would personally say signage when travelling to and from gigs would be a good idea.

[rob1963]

what's the correct way to split a mobile number? It's something I've often wondered! Is it 4 - 3 - 4 (what I do), 5 - 3 - 3, 5 - 2 - 2 -2, or something else?

i.e. is your number O774 341 016O or O7743 410 16O or O7743 41 01 6O ?



It doesn't matter which way you split a mobile number, as they're non-geographic. In other words, you always have to dial the full number - regardless of where you are calling from, even if the person has taken their mobile abroad on holiday.

Having said this, the first 4 numbers were originally the code. This code identified the service provider. The number 7 has since been added between the 1st & 2nd digits of the code. I think this was partly to identify the number as a mobile & partly to increase capacity.

Therefore, strictly speaking, the first 5 digits should be shown as the code. How you split the number after that depends on preference, although in some cases the actual number might also have a bearing on this.

Personally, I use 5-3-3 or 5-6

:)

[Steve 'B']

I think mobile numbers are best veiwed like this

07xxx 456 789

The first 5 numbers are normally reasonably standard so these will automatically stick in someones head and the other 6 in 2 sets of 3 will be easier to remember.

[CRAZY K]

I think mobile numbers are best veiwed like this

07xxx 456 789

The first 5 numbers are normally reasonably standard so these will automatically stick in someones head and the other 6 in 2 sets of 3 will be easier to remember.

As most of us get "free" land line calls in our phone deals at home wouldnt it be a good idea to have a landline contact--- Maybe you are?

Unless im actually recommended to a tradesman or someone providing a service I would never ring someone trading on a mobile--if you cant get someone on a landline ( like me!) then mobile is second port of call.

After all you are projecting the image of--and to quote your words

"Experienced Professional DJ"

I think a landline to start with gives the better image,

Just my view,

CRAZY K

[Vectis]

Or get yourself an 0800 number that you can divert to mobile or house phone or wherever. Therefore your number is masked and you can easily change it at any time in the future for whatever reason.

Mine cost (I think) about £10 to set up, then monthly calls on top. Typical average is about £2-3 per month. If, when people ring me, it sounds like being a long one, I ask to call them back from a landline which keeps the call short.

Got mine from these guys: http://www.skycomuk.com/

Word of advice - don't go for the 0845/0870 type numbers (even if they seem cheaper) because customers are very wary of them - they think they're premium rate... everyone knows 0800 is free especially if you advertise it as "Freephone 0800 xxx" on your website/marketing blurb.

[mike8863]

Ricesnaps, are you passing the contact details on for the guy who does the signage?

Mike

[CRAZY K]

Or get yourself an 0800 number that you can divert to mobile or house phone or wherever. Therefore your number is masked and you can easily change it at any time in the future for whatever reason.

Mine cost (I think) about £10 to set up, then monthly calls on top. Typical average is about £2-3 per month. If, when people ring me, it sounds like being a long one, I ask to call them back from a landline which keeps the call short.

Got mine from these guys: http://www.skycomuk.com/

Word of advice - don't go for the 0845/0870 type numbers (even if they seem cheaper) because customers are very wary of them - they think they're premium rate... everyone knows 0800 is free especially if you advertise it as "Freephone 0800 xxx" on your website/marketing blurb.


OK guys I give up:eek:

Just had a call on my MOBILE for a corporate up market affair --despite the fact that my landline is clearly shown on the site and im here waiting for calls!!!!!!!!

I suspect the "perception" is by some people that we entertainers are fly by night people who dont work professionally from office/ home:eek:

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

On the subject of telephone numbers, it's possible to buy sim cards containing mobile numbers which are easy to remember and look very professional in advertising blurb.

Some of them aren't as expensive as you might think, and can be found by doing a search under "mobile numbers" on a certain auction site.

Examples of numbers currently for sale include:

079xx 237 237

079xx 22 55 99

079xx 017 017

:)