I’m Mark Rudder and I’m a sign maker / sign designer. I’ve been making signs for over 20 years with the last 9 years in the Tulsa area. I have made just about every type of sign imaginable.

I learned to hand paint signs with a brush in the sign painters apprenticeship program in Phoenix.
Before computers, hand painting was the only way to make a sign. Even billboards were hand painted.

My instructor told us back then that a lot of people can push a brush and paint decent letters, but to really be good you need to focus on the layout or design of a sign.
He said, “If a sign lacks good design, it won’t get read”.

Even though the tools to make signs have changed from brush and paint to computers and vinyl, his words are still true today. Good design hasn’t changed.

Professionally designed signs have a distinctive style. They have visual impact. The message is clear and easy to read. It grabs the reader’s attention. A well-designed sign will stand out from other signs and advertising clutter.

The typical viewing time of a sign from a moving car is only about 3-5 seconds. Therefore, if a sign lacks impact, it won’t get read at all. We’re all lazy when it comes to trying to figure out what the message is on a sign. If it takes too much work to read, we ignore it. If there is too much information, we ignore it.
In the case of signs, the principle of “less is more” really applies.

Professional sign designers understand how the eyes read signs and use design techniques that make reading the sign pleasing for the viewers. Professionally designed signs have a much greater chance of being read before any other sign. Readers get the message almost instantly.

There is nothing more satisfying to me than seeing a great looking sign that was obviously designed by a professional. These signs stand out among the crowd.
Great signs get noticed. Poor signs get ignored.

The first thing a potential customer sees of your business is usually the sign.
Your signs send a message about your company. They make a statement.
A professionally designed sign says that you care about your business and the products you sell.

Professionally designed signs don’t cost any more than an amateur design. A poorly designed sign is the one that ends up costing you in lost customers. I can always tell when a company is concerned for their business. They have professional signs.

Don’t be afraid to compare designs between sign companies. When comparing companies, the design should be the most important thing before price. Normally you get what you pay for.

If your business image is important, hire a professional sign maker to make your sign.
It will be well worth it in the long run.

I am passionate about signs, and still love designing them.
I have helped many Tulsa businesses achieve their goals with signs that make a lasting impression on viewers. Take a look at some of my designs.