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America's leading signage experts share secrets about the sign manufacturing process from their insider perspectives. Listen as designers, fabricators, installers, and related tradesfolk share stories of success and failure. This...
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America's leading signage experts share secrets about the sign manufacturing process from their insider perspectives. Listen as designers, fabricators, installers, and related tradesfolk share stories of success and failure. This is downloadable radio for the AEC industry hosted by John Lilly and Reena Friedman “Mega” Watts.
Sign design, show sponsorship, and guest inquiries available via SignCriteria.com
show less
Sign design, show sponsorship, and guest inquiries available via SignCriteria.com
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
9 JUL 2025 · In this episode of Sign Criteria | Branding for the Built Environment, Reena and John explore the overwhelming, electrifying world of New York City signage—from pulsing Coca-Cola billboards to quirky corner shops and subway confusion.
Reena shares highlights from her recent overnight trip to NYC, where the signs of Times Square left a strong impression. John breaks down the tech behind dynamic LED displays and explains how robotic arms give static signage a living, breathing feel. The duo then contrasts high-budget brand displays with tiny mom-and-pop stores squeezed into closet-sized spaces—and ponders how any of them survive Times Square rent.
They dig into the true role of signage in chaotic environments: wayfinding. Why do some airports or cities still fail to guide people clearly, even with signs everywhere? And what can designers do better?
The episode wraps with a look at architectural landmarks like the Oculus and the memorial near Ground Zero, examining how form, emotion, and environment all shape the experience of public spaces.
Highlights include:
- The science and spectacle of animated LED billboards
- Street-level contrasts between major brands and micro-shops
- Signage as orientation: lessons from airports and city centers
- Why bad signage frustrates even signage professionals
- Architectural inspiration from NYC’s Oculus and 9/11 Memorial
Whether you’re a sign designer, urban explorer, or simply love walking through big cities, this episode uncovers how signage and space combine to tell powerful stories.
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Sign Criteria is hosted by John Lilly and Reena Friedman-Watts. For guest or sponsorship inquiries visit https://www.signcriteria.com
3 JUL 2025 · Ted Redmer, Senior Digital Technology Manager at Alliance Franchise Brands, shares how sign shops can stay ahead by thinking creatively about everyday tools. Starting on a farm and ending up in sign tech leadership, Ted walks through major shifts—from weeding vinyl by hand to full-scale digital printing.
We talk about where technology is headed, especially around automation and workflow tools that help handle low-quality customer files. Ted explains why smaller shops hesitate to invest in high-end automation, and how that compares to the freedom larger independents enjoy.
We also get into direct-to-substrate printers that make ADA Braille signs without drilling, opening new ways to create value. Ted talks frankly about the installer shortage, which led his team to build an installer-only franchise.
If you’re in the industry or buy signs regularly, this episode will sharpen your view of what’s possible—and profitable—when you pair tech with creativity.
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Sign Criteria is hosted by John Lilly and Reena Friedman-Watts. For guest or sponsorship inquiries visit https://www.signcriteria.com
3 JUL 2025 · David Martino didn’t plan to run a sign business—he started with street art, then picked up formal training in art and architecture. Today, with 45 years under his belt, he runs Martino Signs, handling everything from small letters to giant sculptures, and even film props.
David calls sign makers “renaissance men,” juggling design, fabrication, code compliance, brand standards, marketing, and installs. Each job is different, and no day looks the same. He’s built a reputation by choosing clients who align with his values, and avoiding the ones who cut corners or bring chaos.
We get into why the sign industry struggles to attract and keep talent—especially when it demands high-skill, hands-on work with little media spotlight. David also shares why sign people often seem to have ADHD, take creative risks, and thrive in unpredictable environments.
He opens up about jobs he’s turned down for moral reasons, the physical toll of the work, and why most people enter this field by accident—not design. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to run a creative sign shop, this episode will give it to you straight.
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Sign Criteria is hosted by John Lilly and Reena Friedman-Watts. For guest or sponsorship inquiries visit https://www.signcriteria.com
America's leading signage experts share secrets about the sign manufacturing process from their insider perspectives. Listen as designers, fabricators, installers, and related tradesfolk share stories of success and failure. This...
show more
America's leading signage experts share secrets about the sign manufacturing process from their insider perspectives. Listen as designers, fabricators, installers, and related tradesfolk share stories of success and failure. This is downloadable radio for the AEC industry hosted by John Lilly and Reena Friedman “Mega” Watts.
Sign design, show sponsorship, and guest inquiries available via SignCriteria.com
show less
Sign design, show sponsorship, and guest inquiries available via SignCriteria.com
Information
| Author | John Lilly |
| Organization | Lilly Studios |
| Categories | Design , Visual Arts , Business |
| Website | www.signcriteria.com |
| info@signcriteria.com |
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