Walk down any busy high street and you’ll see cafés, restaurants and shops everywhere you look. In all that noise, your signage speaks about your business even before a customer steps through your door. It’s not “just a name above the door.” It’s your brand’s handshake. Your welcome mat. Your first impression. And when it’s designed well, it becomes a beacon.
That was the thinking behind our work for Crispins Café in East Street, Chichester. They’re in a competitive spot, surrounded by alternatives, so the signage needed to cut through the chatter and project clarity, confidence and personality. Clean fonts, well-balanced layout, thoughtful colours — the simple things that make someone understand who you are from across the street. If a passer-by has to squint, you’ve already lost them.
But clarity alone isn’t enough. Your sign also needs to earn attention. With a world full of visual noise, strong graphics and a smart design approach turn a simple sign into something memorable — something that catches the eye, gets noticed and encourages people to step inside rather than walk past. A friend of mine said: "I had never noticed that it was a cafe until your new signage caught my eye, I've been there several times now, thanks for making it stand out!"
Just as important is keeping everything on-brand. Signage isn’t an add-on; it’s part of the whole experience. When your colours, typography and tone stay consistent — from the exterior signage right through to menus, loyalty cards, vouchers and seasonal promotions — customers feel that sense of cohesion and professionalism. That’s exactly what we developed for Crispins: a visual identity that follows you from the street to the counter and even into what you take away.
To complete the project, we partnered with the brilliant team at The Sign Shop, whose skill and experience with awkward walls and uneven surfaces made sure everything looked crisp, clean and perfectly fitted.
If your signage needs a rethink — or you’re ready to bring your brand to life visually... Let’s talk!
