The History of Signs
Advertising has come a long way! If you’ve ever seen a bright flag waving in the wind outside a restaurant or a big inflatable balloon at a fair, you’re seeing the result of a long history of advertising. The history of signs is fascinating because it shows how businesses have always found ways to catch our attention, even from far away. In the beginning, advertising flags and signs were very simple (we didn’t have digital printers to quickly print anything we liked), but over time, they have turned into art pieces with specific brand colors, logos, slogans, etc, making them powerful tools that help businesses stand out and attract new customers.
Legendary Real-Life Examples
There are some legendary examples of signs that have stood out in history. One famous example is the barber pole, which is still used today! The red and white stripes on the pole were originally a way to show that the barber did more than just cut hair—he also performed surgeries! If you notice a lot of barbershop signage, you’ll still see the same colors in use with a lot of barbers even having the barber pole installed outside their shop.
Another legendary example is the Coca-Cola sign in Times Square, New York. This sign has been around for decades and is known worldwide. These signs have become iconic because they are simple but effective at grabbing attention.
The Early History of Advertising
The history of signs began with wood or metal. These signs were hand-painted and often showed pictures rather than words, since not everyone could read. A baker might have a sign with a loaf of bread on it, while a tailor might show a pair of scissors. These signs were important because they helped people find the right shop, even if they couldn’t read. Another common early sign was the hanging sign. These were placed above the entrance of shops and moved around in the wind, making them more noticeable. Sometimes, these signs were even shaped like the products they advertised. For instance, a shoe shop might have a sign shaped like a giant shoe!
As time went on, people started using more creative materials and techniques to make their signs. Some early signs were carved with intricate designs or included bright colors to catch the eye. These signs not only helped businesses attract customers but also became a part of the city’s landscape, making streets more colorful and lively.
Modern Advancements
Today, the history of advertising has reached a new level with modern advancements in signage. Advertising flags, for example, have become much more than just simple signs. They are made with durable materials that can withstand all kinds of weather, and they come in many shapes and sizes. Some flags even have special designs that make them flutter in the wind, drawing even more attention. Blow-up advertising men are another modern innovation. These giant, air-filled signs can be shaped like anything from a giant soda bottle to a friendly character waving at people passing by. They’re often used at big events like trade shows and festivals because they are impossible to miss!
Technology has also played a huge role in advancing signage. Digital signs are now everywhere, displaying bright, moving images that can change throughout the day. These signs are often used in busy places like shopping centers or highways, where they can be seen by thousands of people. With these advancements, signs have become more effective than ever at grabbing attention and delivering a message.
The History of Advertising: The Best Signs of Today
Today, the best signs are those that combine creativity with technology. One great example is the digital billboard. These massive screens are used by big brands to show their ads in vibrant colors, often with moving pictures or videos. Because they can change their message at any time, digital billboards are perfect for keeping ads fresh and relevant. But, the downside is that these are extremely expensive to advertise on, so it may not be an option for smaller businesses, like us.
Another example is the use of custom-shaped inflatable dancing men at events. These signs are designed to match the theme of the event or the brand’s image, making them fun and memorable for everyone who sees them. When you are in a sea of people, inflatables or feather flags easily help you stand out.
Another type of sign that is very popular today is the custom feather flag. These tall, narrow flags are often seen outside businesses like car dealerships or restaurants. They are easy to set up and come in bright colors that can be seen from a distance. Feather flags are great because they are simple but very effective at catching the eye of people passing by. Another benefit is that they take up very little space to install.
With all these modern tools, businesses today have more ways than ever to make sure their advertising stands out and gets noticed!
Feather Flag Nation is Here to Help
Feather Flag Nation has been in the signage business since 2004, starting as a door-to-door business for auto dealerships to now being a nationwide brand that ships to every type of business. We’ve seen the industry evolve from typesetting all the way to full digital printing. What we’ve learned? Simple is always best. Now that you’ve explored the history of advertising, check out some modern flags at Feather Flag Nation to get started!