Right Way Signs is a full-service sign shop in Chicago that has been helping the Windy City maintain its status as one of the best cities in the world for more than 50 years. Alex Perry, CEO of Right Way Signs, prides his operation on being involved in every step of the sign making process for his clients.
“Right Way Signs often collaborates with clients on the initial design process, especially when it comes to signage that requires custom fabrication, materials and finishes,” says Perry. “Right Way has a dedicated in-house team of designers who design many projects from scratch. However, in many cases, we work alongside branding agencies, architects or in-house design teams to ensure their vision is properly translated into physical signage.”
That process rang true for a recent signage project they completed for Bud & Rita’s Cannabis Dispensary in Chicago. Bud & Rita’s is an Illinois-based cannabis dispensary franchise that strives to provide its customers with quality products at a competitive price. Their vibrant branding strategy with pink and green colors provided an interesting palette for the Chicago shop to work with. The blade sign stands out amidst the bustling street with its inviting colors and play on the word “bakery.”
“For the Bud & Rita’s project, we worked closely with their Director of Marketing & Branding who designed the initial concept and we worked to bring their identity to life through signage,” says Perry. “Our role involved refining the design for fabrication, ensuring structural integrity, selecting materials, and finalizing color matching to maintain brand consistency across multiple locations.”
In terms of the fabrication process, Perry and his team utilized a multistep process:
- Material Selection: Choosing the right metals, acrylics and lighting components to match both aesthetics and durability needs.
- Cutting & Shaping: Using CNC routers and laser cutters for precision.
- Painting & Finishing: Custom color-matching and hand-painting details to align with brand colors.
- Lighting Integration: Incorporating LED illumination while maintaining a clean, seamless look.
- Assembly & Quality Control: Ensuring all components fit together perfectly before installation.
Right Way Signs has their own in-house fabrication team. In terms of equipment used to complete the signage for Bud & Rita’s, Perry and the team leaned on the usual suspects.
“CNC Routers for cutting of aluminum, acrylic and other substrates. Laser cutters for the intricate detailing,” says Perry. “Vinyl plotters and paint booths to ensure consistent finishes. LED components for energy-efficient illumination and hand-painted techniques for certain custom elements.”
In terms of special permitting for a cannabis-related signage, there wasn’t much to consider, outside of the location of the actual business.
“As with any blade sign or projecting signage, we had to navigate city permitting regulations, ensuring compliance with Chicago’s sign ordinances and structural guidelines,” says Perry. “For cannabis-related signage, there are additional restrictions regarding advertising, placement and visibility from certain distances (such as near schools or parks). We worked closely with the Bud & Rita’s team and local municipalities to ensure all signage adhered to these regulations while still being impactful.”
