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I was choosen as one of four finalists to be the designer of a city entrance sign. I have 5 min to present my design and then 10 min of question and answers.
I want to know what tips anyone has for success.
Thanks!
[ July 27, 2011, 07:46 PM: Message edited by: Bruce Brickman ]
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I just got a job like that. I never do designs without a deposit..but work was slow so I took a chance. I bid it fairly and won the job for my design.... if you have a good layout...it will basically sell itself Just because you have 5 minutes doesnt mean you need to use 5 minutes. Let your artwork do the work for you
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Take homemade cookies and hand them out before the question and answer segment...they'll ask fewer questions...just make sure the cookies are good or it could backfire.
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Thanks Michael! I like that pov of not having to use the 5 minutes. I'm thinking of it basiclly being selling to a group rather than a shop owner. With keeping their best interests as priority.
Firstly, you need to make it as maintenance free as possible since all cities are cash poor in that department (usually city parks department) so they will be happy about that aspect.
Secondly, the design needs to reflect some element of your city or surrounding area that shows visitors a favorable side when they enter.
Thirdly, You need to provide them a picture of the sign in place on quality paper with copies for all concerned. Then provide a model to show them the dimensions in 3-D. Most people are visually challenged, so something they can hold in their hands and turn around to see all sides works very well. I made mine out of a piece of signfoam and placed it on a flat board and then I added landscaping. Stuff I picked out of my yard with rocks and whatever works well. You really need to include landscaping...and NOT typical american landscaping either, such as small bushes and beauty bark....yuck, that is the very worst. Thinking outside the box here will make the deal.
Your presentation should be first class so put your very best idea into it. They will be impressed. Price it high to make it worth your time. I had a horticulturist friend do all the landscaping and I did the sign. We call it a "SignScape" Make it a package deal.
If you have any questions...please feel free to give me a call @ 1-360-457-3703 and I can give you further input.
Good luck with this....If you pull this off you will have a sign that advertizes for you every day 24-7.
Jackson
-------------------- Jackson Smart Jackson's Signs Port Angeles, WA ...."The Straits of Juan De Fuca in my front yard and Olympic National Park in my backyard...
"Living on Earth is expensive...but it does include a free trip around the Sun" Posts: 1000 | From: Port Angeles, Washington | Registered: Jan 1999
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Armani Suit, Italian leather shoes, and an aire of self confidence. If that doesn't work, get on your knees and beg.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3834 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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Nice one you guys! I'll start with the cookies Rusty mentioned and then go for the suit and Italian leather shoes! Alicia maybe I could take your dog Mac and have him convince them!
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Preferably a picture of one you've done before - experience sells - otherwise make a miniature of what you propose, if your inclination & the potential budget allow for it.
Plus the good ideas from above, particularly emphasisinig DURABILITY, i.e. long life no maintenance, like painted cast concrete!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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just take them a layout and a price and lay it on table and walk out. Any questions they have will be pointless and they will be looking for the cheapest sign not the best looking...in my experience
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
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Hey Bruce B, Are you just in the running for the design alone or is it for design, fabrication, etc?
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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Write your name small on hundred dollar bills and tell them they are your business cards? Pass out one each to the memebers of the board?
Get a Vanna White as an assistant to go with you?
Ask them if the competitors have been yet checked out by the Department of Homeland Security as you suspect there is a terrorist cell of signmakers on your community?
Have Vito or Rosco go see each of the members afterwards and remind tham who they should select?
Offer an outright bribe to the members?
On second thought, maybe just have the best presentation model and make sure you emphasize how durable and trouble free it will remain over the many years of its service....and show up on time!
-------------------- Preston McCall 112 Rim Road Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 text: 5056607370 Posts: 1561 | From: Santa Fe, New Mexico | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'd probably have to go with Alicia's advice!!!
-------------------- Michael Gene Adkins The Fontry 1576 S Hwy 59 Watts OK 74964 Posts: 845 | From: Watts, OK USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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Thanks Bruce, Although I probably would pass on the "contest" part of the job, it actually doesn't sound too bad.
As the others already mentioned, a high quality rendering is always a plus. Bring your portfolio along too.
And, since we are sign makers, I probably would go one step further and do a small sample if the project is large enough. Or, I would, at least, bring samples of the materials I would recommend using.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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