Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many markets. The graphic arts industry, including signmakers, is adopting AI tools. These tools help with creative design and complex data. Many
sign businesses are already using AI. They plan to use it even more soon. AI offers significant opportunities.
AI in Action: Real-World Examples in the Sign Industry
There can be immediate value by using AI. We work with many different companies across the United States and Canada. Many of these are franchises. Franchises value uniform signage, which is
crucial for their brand. At National Branding, we have developed numerous AI tools to boost project management efficiency, software that tracks the status of your orders and allows AI level
insights into the health of your rebrand.
At National Branding, AI boosts efficiency. Torey L. Rouillon, our Director of Project Management, stated, “I use AI to support client communication. Our team leverages it to
schedule manufacturing. It also streamlines project timelines.” This shows AI’s broad impact.
Our lead graphic designer, Marissa Ciavone, utilizes AI for marketing. She develops quick content for flyers. This includes short blurbs or catchy taglines. Additionally, in Photoshop, built-in AI tools
speed up edits. These include removing existing signage or extending backgrounds. This helps with bleed requirements. Furthermore, Marissa also uses Topaz Gigapixel. This program enhances photo
quality. It is helpful for low-resolution customer artwork.
Carley Affholter, a Project Manager at National Branding, finds AI invaluable for learning. She commented, “I mostly use AI to educate myself further in signage. This includes materials,
fabrication techniques, and industry usage. It’s like having a research assistant in my hand.” Staff also use Adobe Express and Adobe Firefly. These tools help with digital rendering. They also edit
photos for presentations.
Embracing the AI Future in Signage
Start by regularly using large language model AI assistants. Try tools like ChatGPT or Galaxy AI. Next, explore their conversational modes. Frequent interaction refines your prompts. You will better
assess their strengths. You will also learn their limitations. This helps you determine when information is valuable.
Consider appointing an AI champion within your team. This person could be an IT technician. They could also be another technology-driven employee. Their first task should be to
understand AI capabilities. Look at tools your company already uses. Microsoft Copilot is one example. Graphic designers use Adobe modules. SolidWorks has many engineering modules.
These are often easy wins. They can quickly improve business efficiency. Your AI champion can then explore other useful tools.
