I know this may sound peculiar, but I've always held a fascination for SIGNS.
And I'm not referring to zodiac signs (although, I do hold a fascination for those too), no, I'm talking about signs you see hanging on walls, or in front of businesses on the street.
For some reason, I always find myself noticing signs and admiring the various graphics, colors, fonts and overall creativity that went into making them.
If you really think about it, a sign is a very important part of having a business because it reflects the essence of what's inside - it tells a story. Therefore, a sign has to GRAB you, and then make you want to come in.
I will often spend the day walking around the city; taking photographs of signs that catch my eye.
Monday was a flawlessly stunning day, here in Philadelphia.
Bright, clear skies. Sunny and cool.
Perrrrr-fect!
(I was even able to wear a light jacket)
So I grabbed my camera and a grande' Starbucks coffee, and off I walked down to one of my favorite sections of Philly, called, Old City.
Allow me to share some signs with you……
Wishing you a SIGNified weekend everyone!
X
I like the clean look of Wedge and Fig, the creativity of Sugar Cube and the pickle/boner on Viv
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing Ron!
ReplyDeleteAnd I would have picked the same ones you did! FAB signs!!!
NYC Contemporary!
Hey there Jeff~
ReplyDelete"and the pickle/boner on Viv."
Bwhahahahahahahahaha! BRAVO, buddy! That's EXACTLY what I thought too!!!
You also pick my favorite two - Wedge and Fig, and Sugar Cube.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jeff. Have an awesome weekend!
X
Greetings bichonpawz~
ReplyDelete"I do the same thing Ron!"
Faaaaaaaaaabulous!
Isn't it fun to notice signs???
"NYC Contemporary!"
Yes, these photos DO remind me of NYC. SoHo in the village.
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Always a delight to see you. Have a super weekend!
X
Hey there Ronnie,
ReplyDeleteThis was so fun! Each sign was so unique; a piece of artwork. I was chuckling over the use of French inspired signs 'Bone-jour", Bijou and Bistro 7.
I loved the sugar cube and I am scratching my head a bit with the Viv handbags ( a pickle?).
They are all class acts.
You are giving me the urge to jump on a plane and return... but, I can't for now, so I will return vicariously in my mind and through your pics.
Have a great day, my friend. We shall be in touch xo
The signs make great pictures, Ron ... as you know. I especially like sugar cube. It's not just the signs but the angles and perspective that I like.
ReplyDeleteI have in the past taken pictures of signs and been told off by himself for wasting film. Now that I have digital it doesn't matter any more. I'll look around and see if there are any interesting ones. I love your sense of imagination in your photography. Hope you have a brilliant weekend.
The sugar cube scores high in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteHowever mint is too stylish for its name. Why would viv choose a pickle for it's business ?
I love good graphic design and I stalk a bunch of designers on my twitter at http://twitter.com/maniaravings/cms-designers
Love the Wedge and Fig sign. Ugh! You are making me miss Philly all over again. It's the only other place I want to live besides where I'm at now. Actually, I'd probably need to live outside of the city to keep my sanity with the two dogs.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend and keep taking those pictures.
Oh OH!! The sugar cube one is just too cute.
ReplyDeleteAnd look at the puppy with the star for an eye.....that one got my attention cuz it made me go all Halloween-like. *laughing* Oh, heck....everything makes me go all Halloween-like right now.
Mint--now that's a sign that says what it's named.
And look at the cool swirly bits on the building with the birdie one!
Ohhhhhh....I could wander about and just look at fire escapes and swirly bits and signs for the afternoon and never enter a single store. LOL
I'm a cheap date, huh! ;-)
And now I'm gonna be humming that song ALL DAY LONG.....
O
M
G
And the
I SO SO want to go into Bonejour, Byrd Alley, wedge + fig and sugarcube! Maybe Bistro7 too. These are all brilliantly enticing - love them. You're so right, their signage is magnetizing - just lures your imagination right on in through the doors. Until before you know it you're caught in the skillfully spun silk web of their (hopefully) fabulous product displays and awesomely friendly staff. I'm just sitting here imagining the wonderful things that might be waiting!! Thanks so much for sharing - would love to stroll around your city with you some time :) xo, diane
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great set of photos, Ron. These signs are very imaginative. (Bonejour?!?) It's amazing that even with the Internet, computers, and all this other high tech stuff, the old fashioned sign still has the power to grab our attention. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend, buddy!
ReplyDeleteBonjour Barbara~
ReplyDelete"I was chuckling over the use of French inspired signs 'Bone-jour", Bijou and Bistro 7."
Oui, oui....I was SO thinking of you when I spotted those signs, especially Bone-jour!! Isn't it clever???
Sugar cube is one of my favs too. I like how the cube looks as though it's suspended in mid-air. Another CLEVER one!
LOVE Old City!
Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a gorgeous weekend!
The weather here today is stunning. I have off, so I'll be out and about enjoying it later this afternoon.
XOXO
Good morning Valerie~
ReplyDelete"I especially like sugar cube. It's not just the signs but the angles and perspective that I like."
I agree. I saw the sign from across the street, so I had to go over and take a photograph. It looked as though it was suspended in the air. While I was taking the shot, the owner walked out and asked, "You like that sign, hu?" I said, "VERY much!"
"I have in the past taken pictures of signs and been told off by himself for wasting film. Now that I have digital it doesn't matter any more."
Yes, don't ya just LOVE that about digital camera's??? If you don't like the shot, you can just delete it and start over. No waste of film!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. And thank you for your kind words. Have a BRILLIANT weekend!
X
Hey there Jaffer~
ReplyDelete"The sugar cube scores high in my opinion.
However mint is too stylish for its name."
Agreed! I love the Mint because of the font and the black shiny background.
"Why would viv choose a pickle for it's business ?"
HA! I have NO idea!?! Isn't that strange? Not unless a 'pickle' is the owners logo or something? But still, why a PICKLE!?! It looks like an ad for a delicatessen!
Yes, I too love looking at good graphic design! Thanks for sharing the link, I'll check it out later today.
Have a super weekend, buddy. Thanks for stopping by!
X
Hey Jen~
ReplyDelete"Love the Wedge and Fig sign."
HA! That's funny, because I had a feeling you would love that sign! Don't you LOVE the graphics? It's such a clean, simple, yet clever sign.
"You are making me miss Philly all over again. It's the only other place I want to live besides where I'm at now. Actually, I'd probably need to live outside of the city to keep my sanity with the two dogs."
Yes, I know how much you love Philly (so does Barb)! Actually, you COULD live in the city (especially down in Old City) because I see LOTS of people with their dogs down there. It's more residential in that area.
Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend!
X from Philly!
Signs are what makes a downtown area so cool Your signs are awesome!
ReplyDeleteHiya Mel~
ReplyDelete"Oh OH!! The sugar cube one is just too cute."
Yes, isn't it BEYOND clever? I just HAD to get a photo of it.
"And look at the puppy with the star for an eye.....that one got my attention cuz it made me go all Halloween-like. *laughing* Oh, heck....everything makes me go all Halloween-like right now."
HA! You're right....it does look like Halloween! And ironic you mentioned that because I also took a photograph of a Halloween window display, which I may be posting on my photography blog later this month. I SO thought of you!
"Mint--now that's a sign that says what it's named."
Isn't that the coolest? I love the mixed fonts and how the buildings reflect off the shine black background.
"....I could wander about and just look at fire escapes and swirly bits and signs for the afternoon and never enter a single store."
That's why I LOVE living in a city - there's so much to notice and look at!
Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear lady. Have a wonderful weekend!
(((( Mel )))))
X
Good morning Diane~
ReplyDelete"I SO SO want to go into Bonejour, Byrd Alley, wedge + fig and sugarcube! Maybe Bistro7 too. These are all brilliantly enticing - love them."
I KNEW you would appreciate them, because of your awesome sense of creativity. Aren't they all uniuqe and enticing?
"You're so right, their signage is magnetizing - just lures your imagination right on in through the doors. Until before you know it you're caught in the skillfully spun silk web of their (hopefully) fabulous product displays and awesomely friendly staff."
HA! Exactly! Each one of these signs made me want to go inside and see what they were selling!
"Thanks so much for sharing - would love to stroll around your city with you some time :)"
Aw...you are so welcome. And yes, if you and Cristybella ever come to Philly, I would LOVE to stroll the city with you. You would LOVE Old City because it has a very artist feel.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a FAB weekend!
X to you and C!
Hey there SuziCate~
ReplyDelete"Signs are what makes a downtown area so cool."
I sooooooooo agree! They're like a work of art!
Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Glad you enjoyed.
Have a super weekend......X
P.S. I'm LOVIN' your new camera. Your photos are faaaaaaaaaabulous!
HeyRob~
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Yes, aren't they imaginative? (Bonejour - HA!).
"It's amazing that even with the Internet, computers, and all this other high tech stuff, the old fashioned sign still has the power to grab our attention. "
You said it, Rob! And that's why I really love living in a city, because of its STRONG and INTERESTING visuals. NYC, even more so.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Have a great weekend too!
X
I love these pictures! I realllllly have to get up that way and do some sight seeing. (Almost said "street walking" but I refrained)
ReplyDeleteThose signs are all works of art. I can imagine that the buildings and the windows are as well.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Ron!
XOXO
Hey there MYFWBS~
ReplyDeleteThank you.
" I realllllly have to get up that way and do some sight seeing. (Almost said "street walking" but I refrained)"
Bwhahahahahahahahaha! OMG...how FUNNY!
And yes, please, if you and Stump ever decide to come to Philly for a visit, please email me so that we can make arrangments to meet up for a little "street walking" HA! I would LOVE to meet you guys and give you a tour of Philly!
"Those signs are all works of art. I can imagine that the buildings and the windows are as well."
Yes, they are. Philly truly is such a picturesque city!
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Have a wonderful weekend!
XOXO
Those really are cool signs. Love the BONEjour! But I'm wondering why Viv's got a thing for pickles and what the heck they have to do with handbags?
ReplyDeleteNow your follow up post will have to be going in to each place and asking WHY they picked the sign they have? You know, what's the STORY behind each one because I get some of them are doozies!
Hiya Peg~
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Yes, don't you just LOVE the BONjour sign? Soooooo clever!
"But I'm wondering why Viv's got a thing for pickles and what the heck they have to do with handbags?
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Yeah, I think that will the question of the day on this post! I'm thinking that perhaps she has a 'thing' for small pee-pee's maybe? Bwhahahahahahahahhaha!
"Now your follow up post will have to be going in to each place and asking WHY they picked the sign they have? You know, what's the STORY behind each one because I get some of them are doozies!"
GREAT idea! I may have to do a post on that sometime in the future!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Have a 'pickle' of a weekend!!
X
Ok...this Viv's sign has me so curious... Is it a pickle or a cucumber? Maybe its because IF you buy one of her custom handbags you'll be "cool as a cucumber" or because if you DON'T you'll be "in a pickle"? Decisions, decisions!
ReplyDeleteThose are fantastic signs, Ron!!! Especially MINE.......hahaha!
ReplyDeleteI don't often see many good signs in the suburbs, but some times the outdoor mall places have some good ones.
Hello again, Peg~
ReplyDelete"Is it a pickle or a cucumber? Maybe its because IF you buy one of her custom handbags you'll be "cool as a cucumber" or because if you DON'T you'll be "in a pickle"?"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! BRILLIANT deduction, my friend!!!
It never even occurred to me that it could actually be a CUCUMBER, and NOT a pickle!!!!
Now YOU have me so curious - the next time I'm down in Old City I will stop in and ask Viv!
Thanks so much for stopping by again and giving me some great thought!
((((( Peg ))))
X
Hey there Bijoux~
ReplyDelete"Those are fantastic signs, Ron!!! Especially MINE.......hahaha!"
BRAVA! I was SOOOOOOOO thinking of YOU when I took that shot and couldn't WAIT for you to stop by and see it!
"I don't often see many good signs in the suburbs, but some times the outdoor mall places have some good ones."
That's true, because ever since I moved back to a city, I have REALLY noticed signs. I think it's because I walk everywhere, therefore I''m always looking up, down, and all around.
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a spectacular weekend and I hope all is going well with your home.
(((( Bijoux ))))
X
Wonderful signs, Ron! I also like how each photo varies in color and outdoor lighting. They look as though they were taken on completely different days.
ReplyDeleteLike the others, I sugar cube is my favorite. Although, Wedge and Fig is my second favorite - very classy!
Philadelphia looks very cool.
Have a nice weekend.
Hola Denise~
ReplyDeleteThank you.
"I also like how each photo varies in color and outdoor lighting. They look as though they were taken on completely different days."
GOOD eye, girl! And I can't believe you shared that because after I uploaded these photos to my computer and viewed them in order - I thought the same thing!!!! Some look sunny and bright, while others look as though they were taken on a gray day.
Isn't sugar cube the BOMB? I need to go in there someday and check it out. I think it's primarily a home furnishing store.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!
X
So what has a pickle got to do with handbags?
ReplyDeleteNow you're talking my trade, as a retired graphic designer ;)
Hey there Babs~
ReplyDelete"So what has a pickle got to do with handbags?"
HA! I have NO idea?!!? Isn't that strange?
"Now you're talking my trade, as a retired graphic designer.'"
Hey, I didn't know that about you!? How cool! No wonder I love your blog header so much!
Thanks for stopping by, my friend! Have a terrific weekend!
X
Great signs Ron. I love the Sugar Cube, is it a coffee shop?
ReplyDeleteGood morning Akelamalu~
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Isn't the Sugar Cube FAB??? I think that's everyone's favorite!
It's primarily a home furnishing store; selling lamps, tables, chairs, art work, etc. REALLY cool place!
Thanks so much for stopping by, m'dear! Hope you're enjoying a wonderful Saturday!
X
those are awesome! I *love* the sugar cube one!
ReplyDeleteGooood morning Meleah~
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Yes, isn't the sugar cube the BOMB? So clever!
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Hope you're enjoying a super weekend and feeling better.
Sending ya "good vibes".....
((((( Meleah )))))
X
Aw. Thanks Ron.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling MUCH better.
But I am taking it VERY easy so I don't get sick again!
Hope you are enjoying the fabulous weather today.
"I am feeling MUCH better.
ReplyDeleteBut I am taking it VERY easy so I don't get sick again!"
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! And good for you, girl. Glad to hear you're taking it easy.
Yes, I'm soooooooo enjoying this fabulous weather we're having. I LOVE it!
You take care.
(((( Meleah )))))
X
...[singing] "Sign says you gotta have a membership card to get inside. UH!"...*giggle* ;o)
ReplyDelete...I love artsy signs, it says so much about the purveyor and their wares. You figure signs have been around for centuries and the more attractive or graphic a sign was the better is was for business. I especially love the "Wedge & Fig" sign and the "Bone Jour" sign too. The "Viv" with the pickle sign has me a bit puzzled...but it's still cute nonetheless. :o)
...And I never looked at the "Viv" sign as a pickle boner until I read it in the comments here - too funny! I know I'll never look at a pickle the same way again, thank you Jeff B. *giggle* ;o)
...And thank you Ron for the sweet comment over at my blog. I will now sew pumpkins with reckless abandon 'til Thanksgiving thanks to you! lol ;o)
...Have a simply fantastic weekend my friend - enjoy the gorgeous weather!
...Blessings (((you)))
Hello TJ~
ReplyDelete".[singing] "Sign says you gotta have a membership card to get inside. UH!"...*giggle* ;o)"
HA! You GO, girl!!!!
"..I love artsy signs, it says so much about the purveyor and their wares. You figure signs have been around for centuries and the more attractive or graphic a sign was the better is was for business."
Exactly! To me, a sign is like a businesses signature.
"And I never looked at the "Viv" sign as a pickle boner until I read it in the comments here - too funny! I know I'll never look at a pickle the same way again, thank you Jeff B. *giggle* "
Bwhahahahahahahahaha! Wasn't that HYSTERICAL? Jeff has got the best sense of humor!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady! Hope you're having fun sewing those pumpkins! Can't wait to see them!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
(((( TJ ))))
X
i adore all of these! as you might have guessed if you are watching me decorate my blog, i keep changing my fonts--love it! so this was so much fun to stroll your streets and see such beautiful signage. i always love taking a walk with you. xox♥
ReplyDeleteGood morning Linda~
ReplyDeleteYes, you, being an artist...can really appreciate the creativity that goes into making a sign. Aren't they cool? Like little works of art!
Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear friend. Hope all is going well and that you're enjoying a faaaaaaaaaabulous weekend!
The weather here has been flawless. Finally feels like FALL!
(((( Linda ))))
xoxo
I love signs, too, and especially those like 'Bistro 7' where some thought has gone into the colour of the building, and an attempt made to co-ordinate - very successful here, I must say!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the 'Sugar Cube' and 'Bone Jour', but the one I really want to go into is 'Wedge & Fig'!
What a lovely post. I love it when I am pointed out something sweet that I would or could have missed. I pay a lot of attention to details in the city but will now next time check out the signs from a different perspective. The sugarcube is my fave!
ReplyDeleteWhat does a pickle have to do with a handbag?? I didn't get it.... so I looked it up!
ReplyDeleteViv Pickle is the name of that handbag shop. The owner, Susan Murphy, used to be the VP of a company but her staff used the words 'Vivacious Pickle' instead of 'Vice President' and her nickname Viv Pickle started. When she was laid off from that job she used the Viv Pickle as the moniker for her custom made handbag biz. Interesting, huh?! Apparently you can have a Pickle Party (like Tupperware, only funner!) and the ladies can pick the size and design of their purse purchase.
I liked the Bonejour sign and the Mint one too. The smooth surface and reflections on that one was cool! Is that Mint Lounge in Old City?
Signs can be very interesting, elegant, and fun! Thanks for sharing all of these. Have a great week, neighbor! xo
Hey there Jay~
ReplyDelete"I love signs, too, and especially those like 'Bistro 7' where some thought has gone into the colour of the building, and an attempt made to co-ordinate - very successful here, I must say!"
Yes, I agree....it's so co-ordinated, isn't it? Like a work of art!
"LOVE the 'Sugar Cube' and 'Bone Jour', but the one I really want to go into is 'Wedge & Fig'!"
If you ever come to Philly, we'll HAVE to go into 'Wedge & Fig" for some wine and cheese - yummy!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend! Hope you had a super weekend and got everything set up on your new computer!
X
Bone-jour Susu~
ReplyDeleteThank you.
" I pay a lot of attention to details in the city but will now next time check out the signs from a different perspective."
It wasn't until I moved to a city did I REALLY start noticing signs. I find them so interesting to look at because each one tells a story in the most creative and unique way!
Thanks so much for stopping by, beautiful lady! Hope you had lovely weekend!
Ciao.....X
Hey there Mary~
ReplyDelete"Viv Pickle is the name of that handbag shop. The owner, Susan Murphy, used to be the VP of a company but her staff used the words 'Vivacious Pickle' instead of 'Vice President' and her nickname Viv Pickle started."
OMG...thank you sooooooooooooo much for doing the research and finding that out for me - you're a DOLL!
"Apparently you can have a Pickle Party (like Tupperware, only funner!) and the ladies can pick the size and design of their purse purchase."
HA! Well, the next time you're in Philly you and I will have to stop by that shop and grab a pickle and purse!
Yes, all the Mint Lounge is also in Old City. I believe it was on 3rd or 2nd street.
Again, thank so much for finding that out for me! Hope you had a great weekend and a faaaaaabulous day at the craft show on Friday!
Have great week, neighbor!
XO
What a lovely post. I love it when I am pointed out something sweet that I would or could have missed. I pay a lot of attention to details in the city but will now next time check out the signs from a different perspective. The sugarcube is my fave!
ReplyDeleteI hold a certain fascination for typography. The making of a sign is an art form unto itself. A successful sign will represent the soul of a company with nothing more than a unique shape and the right typography. It's not that easy to come up with a winning sign, so spotting the real gems is easy to do and a fun sport! Great post!!
ReplyDeleteHowdy Herman~
ReplyDelete"The making of a sign is an art form unto itself. A successful sign will represent the soul of a company with nothing more than a unique shape and the right typography."
RIGHT ON! And couldn't agree with you more...a successful sign will represent the SOUL of a company!
And you're right...it's not that easy to come up with a winning sign.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!
as i was reading this, i was hoping you had your camera with you and took some photos. i LOVE the bistro7 photo. the colors in it are fantastic (i couldn't spell magnificent). LOL
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Ron! I like Signs, too. Definitely one of M. Night Shymalan's better films!
ReplyDeleteErr...not the signs you were talking about? My bad!
Hey there ladyV~
ReplyDelete" i LOVE the bistro7 photo. the colors in it are fantastic (i couldn't spell magnificent)."
Yes....aren't the colors FANTASTIC? They really POP!
Thanks for stopping by, girl! And thank you for being SUCH an inspiration to me in photography. You ROCK!
Have a geat week!
X
Howdy Mark~
ReplyDeleteThanks, buddy.
"Definitely one of M. Night Shymalan's better films!
Err...not the signs you were talking about? My bad!"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA! LOVE your wit, Mark!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you're having a faaaaaaaaabulous visit with Tara!
X