What happens when you run an attraction that requires signage of all kinds – indoor, outdoor, wayfinding, directional, information and much more – but you rely primarily on donations to keep things going? You count on the pros at Image360 to make the absolute most of your budget!
Image360 has enjoyed partnerships with many organizations like the Virginia Zoo. The creative team has provided signage across the zoo’s sprawling 53 acres, including revamping signs around the Trail of the Tiger as well as updating graphics throughout other indoor and outdoor areas.
“We’ve worked with them for a while, and they have signage everywhere, ” said Jodi Bell, Account Manager. “There’s still so much to update out there, so they’re kind of piecemealing different projects as they go.”
The zoo, which is more than 100 years old, relies primarily on the support of its members for funding. This means that every dollar counts and has to be stretched as far as possible. For the team at Image360, enhancing the visitor experience at the zoo while working within financial constraints has been a challenge – but one worth tackling, especially given the zoo’s history in the area.
The Image360 team chose to work with polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, due to its unique combination of being both sturdy and affordable.
“Finding the right materials and making them last as long as they possibly can has been the biggest challenge, ” Bell said. “The zoo wants to keep most of the same basic structures and add to them, and whoever did these signs previously hasn’t always used the best materials. We try to update everything in a way that’s going to last while also look good.”
Image360 provided outdoor signage printed on sturdy black PVC – chosen over white PVC due to its tendency to weather better – with a liquid laminate finish to add even more durability. Additionally, the Centre has so far designed and crafted a large cast vinyl sign for the zoo’s pavilion, and indoor vinyl graphics (also mounted on PVC to ensure they last as long as possible). Other graphics produced have included entryway signage, corporate sponsor signs and donor recognition graphics, with more renovations and updates planned in the years to come.
“So far, the signs we’ve done for the zoo have worked out well, ” Bell said. “We did one like three or four years ago, and the colours are still super vibrant.”
Working with the zoo hasn’t just yielded great-looking signage, but has been an ongoing partnership that the Image360 team has thrived in.
“The connection is deep, because there are so many people that go through here. It’s nice that the signs we’ve done have lasted so well
