If you’re looking to enhance your business visibility and brand identity, a custom neon sign might be just what you need. These signs have made a big comeback thanks to their vivid colors and unique glow.  

Today, we’ll dive into everything you should know about custom neon signs, from design and fabrication to examples we’ve created for customers in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Counties, and as far away as New York City.

We’ll even discuss vintage-style glass neon vs. today’s LED neon light tubes and the pros and cons of each.

Dave’s Signs, Southern California’s Custom Neon Sign Shop

At Dave’s Signs, we specialize in custom made neon signs and cater to all business types. From local small mom-and-pop stores, multi-location businesses across Southern California, nationwide chains, property management companies, and even other sign companies seeking local expertise. 

Join us as we explore how neon signs can transform your business presence, regardless of industry or size.

The Allure of Neon Signs

Neon signs have a special place in the hearts of business owners and customers alike. Their vibrant glow and custom design options make them a popular choice for enhancing a business’s visibility.

Here’s why you should consider neon for your next sign.

Visual Appeal

Neon signs are not just signs; they’re an art form. They catch the eye day and night with a bright, uninterrupted glow that can be seen from a distance. This makes them an excellent tool for grabbing the attention of potential customers, whether you’re running a restaurant or a bustling retail store.

Customization Options

One of the best features of neon signs is their versatility. You can choose various colors, shapes, and sizes to match your business’s theme and space. The possibilities are endless, whether you want a classic written script or a complex design lit up in neon. This flexibility allows you to express your brand’s personality in a vivid and memorable way.

Brand Identity

A well-designed neon sign can do more than advertise your location. It becomes an icon people remember associated with your brand identity.

For a small business, a neon sign can set you apart from the competition and give your location a signature look that people talk about.

The same neon signs at all locations can make a brand more recognizable. This can build customer loyalty for businesses with many locations.

By choosing neon, you’re investing in a sign that does more than inform—it engages and captivates.

Whether you want to draw in new customers or make a lasting impression, neon signs are a bright idea for any business.

How We Make Neon Signs

Creating a neon sign is an exciting journey that begins with your vision and ends with a stunning piece that lights up your business.

Let’s walk through the steps in making your neon signs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and providing some inspiring examples.

Neon Sign Design

The process starts with your initial idea. You may have a specific image in mind or a text style you love. We take your concept and work closely with you to refine it.

Our professional designers will create a mock-up of how your sign will look. This step involves selecting the right colors, sizes, and shapes that best represent your brand and fit your intended spaces.

Collaboration

At Dave’s Signs, collaboration is key to ensuring that the final product matches your expectations. We work with you through the entire design process.

This includes multiple feedback sessions, during which you can see the progress and make adjustments as needed before we start fabricating.

Our goal is to ensure that when your neon sign lights up, it’s exactly what you envisioned.

From Design to Fabrication

Once the design is approved, we start fabrication, which involves a meticulous process in which glass tubes are carefully bent and shaped to match the design. 

These tubes are then filled with gases like neon or argon, which emit bright colors when electrified, creating the sign’s vibrant glow. 

The final step involves sealing the tubes and installing the electrical components to ensure the sign operates safely and efficiently, making it ready to catch the eye of passersby.

The movie Inherit Vice had an entire cast of A-List stars, including Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin. 

For more information on the steps we took to make this custom neon sign, check out How to Make a Neon Sign.

Sign Programs with Neon Signs

Need a complete sign system for your business that includes neon signs? 

No problem. We specialize in creating custom sign programs that include all your signs, making sure that they complement one another and provide the brand presence and functionality you’re looking for. 

Here are a couple examples of how neon signs were used for 3 different restaurants:

1. Finney’s Crafthouse

Finney’s Crafthouse has 11 locations all throughout Southern California, and 3 more being built.

We work closely with their team in developing their sign programs for all their restaurants. Each location maintains brand consistency while offering subtle nuances that make each location unique. The signs include neon, channel letters, blade signs, hand-painted signs, and more.

2. Roberta’s

Roberta’s, located in Studio City, California, features several LED neon signs inside the restaurant and a small illuminated blade sign on the exterior. The signage is simple yet classy and effective, demonstrating that no job is too big or too small for Dave’s Signs.

3. Toppers Pizza Place

Let’s not forget Toppers Pizza Place, a local Ventura County favorite with 10 locations throughout the county. We worked with them exclusively on each location. Signs include neon, channel letters, monuments, and interior signs. 

Like Finneys, each location has its own theme but is still consistent, so you know it’s Toppers Pizza Place when you walk in, no matter the location.

They get a lot of compliments on this sign. You should see it up close in person.

If you want to see more signs for these restaurants, check out our Sign Galleries.

Case Studies – Custom-Made Neon Signs by Dave’s Signs

Neon signs have long captivated the imagination with their glowing allure and distinctive styles. In this section, we’ll explore various case studies of neon signs, showcasing how these vibrant displays have been effectively used across different industries to enhance branding, attract attention, and contribute to the visual identity of businesses.

From classic diners to modern storefronts, these examples will highlight the versatility and impact of neon signage in commercial settings.

Neon Restaurant Signs

A custom neon sign is a staple in the restaurant industry, instantly boosting a venue’s visibility and adding a memorable, welcoming touch.

Neon Retail Store Signs

Enhance your retail store’s appeal with custom neon signs that captivate customers. Neon signs make your brand stand out. Perfect for storefronts, interiors, or special promotions, customized neon signs are a versatile and stylish way to attract attention and boost sales.

Neon Office Signs

Transform your office with custom neon signs that add a modern, stylish touch to your workspace. Neon signs offer vibrant, eye-catching displays perfect for branding, motivational quotes, or unique decor. Enhance your office environment with custom neon signs to create an inspiring and dynamic atmosphere.

Neon Apartment Signs

Brighten your apartment complex with personalized neon signs that create a welcoming and modern vibe. Neon signs are perfect on top of buildings, entryways, common areas, or specific units. Enhance your property’s appeal with custom neon apartment signs to attract tenants and add a stylish touch.

The Lido Apartments in Hollywood

The Lido Apartments in Hollywood were made famous by The Eagles’ Hotel California Album. The inside cover was photographed in the lobby of the apartment complex. When the apartment building was renovated, they called us to restore the original neon sign.

The Hollymont in Los Angeles

The Hollymont is another Los Angeles apartment complex located just 15 minutes from downtown LA.

Church Signs

Light up your church with LED neon light signs that add warmth and inspiration to your congregation. These vibrant displays are perfect for entrances, event announcements, or worship spaces. Create a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere with neon light signs that enhance your church’s environment and make everyone feel at home.

Custom Neon Signs Logo

Stand out with a custom neon sign logo that captures your brand’s unique identity. Neon logos offer striking displays for businesses, organizations, and clubs. Enhance your brand’s visibility and appeal with a custom neon sign logo, creating a memorable impression and effortlessly attracting attention.

LED Neon Signs vs Traditional Neon Tube Lighting

When considering signage options, businesses often weigh the benefits of LED neon against traditional neon tubes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors like durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

Traditional Glass Neon Tubes

Glass tubes have been around since the early 20th century and are known for their vibrant, warm glow that comes from the ionization of gas within a glass tube. This glow is unmistakable and often associated with a retro aesthetic that many find appealing.

Traditional neon is extremely versatile in terms of shaping and coloring; it can be bent into almost any form, offering a unique customization that LEDs struggle to match.

However, traditional neon signs require a higher voltage and consume more power than LEDs. They are also more fragile due to their glass composition and are more expensive to repair and maintain.

LED Neon Lights

LED, on the other hand, represents modern technology in signage. LED neon uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) housed within a flexible plastic strip called LED neon flex that can mimic the look of traditional neon.

While LED neon might not have the exact light quality of traditional glass neon, it offers greater energy efficiency, using up to 80% less energy than traditional neon.

Additionally, LED neon is more durable, less prone to breaking, and easier to install. It also typically has a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements.

The choice between traditional neon and LED neon often comes down to the specific needs and preferences of the business. If authenticity and a classic look are paramount, traditional neon might be the better choice.

For businesses looking for a more sustainable, durable, and cost-effective solution, LED neon could be the way to go.

In summary, traditional neon offers an authentic glow and customization that is perfect for a vintage look, while LED neon provides a modern, practical, and versatile alternative that is easier to maintain and operate. The choice is yours!

If You’re Looking for Custom Neon Signs Near Me

Contact Dave’s Signs. We service clients in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Counties, and all over Southern California. No job is too big or too small.

Have questions? Call us at (805) 641-1387. We’re always happy to help. You can also Contact us or Request a Quote online.