Sign Frame advice needed

[myxpykalix]

A friend of mine owns a bed and breakfast and has asked me to design a sign for him and, you sign guys, when i see certain signs you make i think...."that is the perfect shape and frame for that sign"....

Well i don't have that "eye" when it comes to signs. His B&B is called Rooster Hill Bed and Breakfast, so obviously the centerpiece will be a rooster, but my question is...do you start with a frame, then work your elements into the space of the sign, or do you work your elements together and then make your sign to suit the elements?:confused:

if you have links for inspiration or pics or shapes i'd appreciate it.

[letterman7]

Usually I'll sketch up a mock-up and figure out an outline to suit for a sign, unless there are limiting parameters that need to be met (like a max square footage). One thing you'll need to consider is if the sign is single or double faced and design accordingly. If you google "sign shapes" images, lots of stuff will come up to get you started.

[ssflyer]

Jack,

While I'm far from a sign expert and don't know if you are considering VCarved or 3D, but I think using a part of the centerpiece as part of the border can really set it off. Here's an example of what I mean. Please don't critique the sign design - I know it is all wrong. No pleasing ratios, colors, choice of graphics, fonts, etc. It is just an example of using the rooster as part of the border...

[myxpykalix]

Oh i like that design. What i like is the use of the diffferent type fonts and the use of the rooster "outside the box". My first thought was to just put it in the center and the name above and below.

What is the name of the fonts you use there?

[ssflyer]

Jack,

"Rooster Hill" is Amazone BT, but "Bed and Breakfast" is an image I traced!

[curtiss]

You and pick a favorite rooster here.....

http://www.google.com/search?q=image+rooster&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=zIX&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=LT_xTsbHJ4Pi2gW29oycAg&ved=0CCQQsAQ&biw=1056&bih=610