In this week's episode of the Emajin podcast, Beyond the 19th, we catch up with Graham Shannon, Managing Director of National Sign Build and a key figure within the Emajin community, who shares the evolution of signage and provides some great tips on creating brand visibility through signage.
We learned that Graham grew up in the West, where sports were huge. He did anything he could outside, including his early days with friends in the street, setting up golfing challenges. Initially, he wanted to build houses. His carpentry apprenticeship was completed, and he became a skilled cabinet maker, but seeing the bending of neon tubing for the first time shifted his course into signage, and he became a business owner at 23.
A very proud leader of his talented team, National Sign Build provides end-to-end solutions that include consultation, design, manufacturing, and installation locally, and internationally. Fully equipped with the latest technology, the team has delivered innovative projects in retail, corporate, finance, construction, and health sectors, often in high-risk and complex locations.
Graham shares the transformation of the sector from high-tech equipment that bends metal and paints to creating impact with public art (check out the recent award-winning Public Art). Experienced in bringing brands to life publicly, he offers the following key advice to any business owner:
- It is vital to continuously re-invent your brand image to ensure you are attracting new business and re-capturing the attention of those who know your business well
- Explore creative options - technology has enabled the design process to go beyond the letters, it is easier now to experiment with colour, texture, lighting, and specialty finishes to capture eyeballs and get people talking
You will never take for granted a sign you pass now that you know what goes into the process. Of course, we also learn about his dream four-ball team, the must-have 19th-hole drink, and his favorite club, his irons—what is your favorite club?