One of my first assignments for Steps and Kara New York was to come up with a new system for their in-store price signs. Previously they had been using generic red background signs that they would print themselves on a large-format printer. They wanted more unique signs that would be easier to implement in their 30+ stores. The solution we came up with was to create a background template that would be pre-printed as sign blanks which the stores could then add the price point and text to using their own printers. This enabled us to keep costs down by bulk printing the templates with a commercial printer, and cut down on waste by allowing the stores to print only the signs they needed.

I designed the pattern for the sign blanks using simple symbols I created based on clothing and accessories that were sold in the stores. The white background was neccessary to allow the prices to be printed on the signs later; when working with the commercial printer I also ensured that an uncoated paper was used to allow the laser toner we would be using to adhere to the signs properly. I also created files for each of the price points that would be printed onto the signs so every store would use the same layout and type.

The main sign format was 8.5x11 inches, which enabled the blanks to fit in the stores' existing printers without any adjustments. The signs could also be used horizontally or vertically depending on what type of sign holder the stores had.

For accessories and jewelry, stores also used 5x7 inch signs.