This month we became a licensed Raster™ Braille Sign maker with Accent Signage Systems, Inc.

A Raster™ is a machined sphere that is placed in a pre-punched hole on a sign, a patented process. Not only does this method broaden the design possibilities within ADA Signage but complies with standards requiring a smoother domed dot, as opposed to the older style dots with harder edges which have been found more difficult to read properly.

When Axiom first contacted us to create a sign for their business, they were unsure of what they wanted and had a very limited budget. The sign for the building they had just moved into was old, plain, white and in a very typical business letter-style. It did not fit with who they were as a company, unless you take into consideration they had spray painted “Now Open” on the topmost part of the existing sign. The client requested a panel sign in red and black which would cover the existing sign.

As the design began to take shape it became apparent to all involved on the project, that this fledgling business was up against a major commercial challenge in attracting customers. The tattoo shop is on a busy road with fast moving automobiles and limited foot traffic. It is recessed on the property without a definitive view of the shop until one was almost driving past it and surrounded by multiple businesses with lighted, flashy and large signage. In order to successfully meet the client's needs, we would have to create a visually stunning piece that would not only attract attention, but drown out the competing visuals in the area.

The interior of the shop is red and black, with a long back wall covered in corrugated aluminum, creating a very industrial feel. Our type choice for them matched this perfectly and the simple design worked well with their minimalist look. Now on to creating the actual piece.

Originally, they requested vinyl lettering on a painted background. No one in the shop wanted to produce the sign in this way, however; the design called for something multidimensional. After a call to the discussing with a few rough ideas, we were given the go ahead to increase the cost slightly in order to produce a more dynamic sign. And that was all the OK anyone here needed.

In the depths of the shop, where all the scraps of used material are cast, we found a few remnants of Chemetal which had been sitting for over a year. Amazingly enough, there was enough to router out the AXIOM letters. These were mounted to sintra blocks painted black. The 3-D AXIOM was then applied to a large sintra board painted red and black vinyl lettering was applied to complete the sign.

The end product looked stunning propped against the shop wall, but the true beauty and power of the sign itself was not apparent until we visited the site after the sun went down. Not only was it visible at a considerable distance, it silenced all the competing signs. The chemetal was a perfect choice, as it reacted so well with the signs spotlight, the surrounding street and building lights and, of course, all of the oncoming headlights. Owner Reagan was very pleased.

9939 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32819
(407) 996-9939
Reservations: Toll Free (866) 996-6338
Reservations: Local (407) 996-6338
Fax (407) 996-9935

Rosen Shingle Creek, opened September 9, 2006, is one of the largest full-service convention hotels in Central Florida. The 14 story hotel includes 1,500 guest rooms and suites, and 445,000 square feet of dedicated, state-of-the-art meeting/event space including one of the nation’s largest column-free ballrooms at 95,000 sq. ft. Awarded the AAA Four Diamond designation for 2008, the hotel offers an array of amenities such as The Spa at Shingle Creek, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, an 18- hole championship golf course, twelve dining/lounging options, four outdoor swimming pools, two lighted tennis courts, basketball, nature trails, fishing, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit and more.

Created as an impressive example of the 1900’s Spanish Revival style architecture, the hotel’s high-carved arches, accented by the natural warm earth tones, illustrate the sense of casual elegance and the grace of Florida's early years. Guests are inspired by the 230-acre natural environment, which includes a backdrop of dense oaks and pines along historic Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT:
A Land Remembered: This New Legend Steakhouse is named after Patrick Smith’s rich novel featuring memorable historical moments of Florida's history and rich landscapes. This traditional steakhouse features Harris Ranch Black Angus Five Diamond Prime Beef and Florida-themed specialties like Gator Creek Stew and Key West Seafood Au Gratin. A Land Remembered serves lunch and dinner and offers a private dining room (up to 30 people) and relaxing lounge. Seating capacity: 120.

Cala Bella TM (“Creek Beautiful”) : This Italian Bistro is the hotel’s fine-dining signature restaurant. Cala Bella serves dinner and has a private dining room for up to 50 people. In addition, a presentation-cooking bar is available where individuals can dine alone comfortably with the companionship of our creative chefs preparing their culinary delights. The waft of garlic will lure into this dining experience if the soft music from the quiet bar doesn’t first! Seating capacity: 160.

Bella’s Bar: A piano bar is located in the vestibule of the Italian Bistro, a perfect location for a quiet relaxing or more intimate gathering or a pre-reception to an excellent Italian meal.

Café Osceola & Osceola Bar: Café Osceola & Osceola Bar are beautifully appointed in Spanish revival colors of blue and gold. Its views are evident due to the floor to ceiling windows bringing the outside in. The buffet restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving a buffet and a la carte menu. Seating Capacity: 412.

18 Monroe Street Market: A tradition of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, we extend convenience to our guests by adding our upgraded 24-Hour deli. The 18 Monroe Street Market offers a variety of items from a quick snack to a quick-to-order meal. Dine-in as well as take out. Seating capacity: 28.

Smoooth Java TM : Our conveniently located coffee bar makes up a large part of one's expectations at your home away from home. Located in the main lobby, Smoooth Java will serve an assortment of coffees, pastries and snacks. Seating capacity: 48.

Headwaters Lounge TM : The Headwaters Lounge lobby bar is centrally located and is a perfect meeting and networking place for everyone! Seating capacity: 247 not including bar.

Creek Ice Creamery: The Creek Ice Creamery serves in excess of thirty flavors “plus yours” in a variety of cool flavorful treats.

Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille: Shingle Creek epitomizes the atmosphere of relaxation in every sense. Rosen Shingle Creek will offer the Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille to add to the relaxing atmosphere and brings the convenience of dining to you. Located adjacent to the pool areas, The Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille will serve a range of beverages and food items at your fingertips.

Par-Take: Par-Take offers golfers a variety of fare including sandwiches, muffins and beverages.

SHOPPING:
The Gallery: Offering fine art and jewelry by renowned artists including Luis Sottil, known for his colorful, larger-than-life depictions of nature. Guests can also purchase Florida wildlife photography by Garritt Toohey, Rosen Hotels & Resort’s Vice President, whose works are seen in guest rooms, The Spa at Shingle Creek and other public areas throughout the hotel.

John Craig Fine Menswear: Gentlemen can shop for a new golf shirt or quickly replace that tie left sitting on the bed at home.

Alta Moda : Meanwhile, the ladies will find all their hearts’ desires at Alta Moda. The boutique carries a variety of jewelry and accessories by Brighton, bags by Vera Bradley as well as hotel wear by Lilly Pulitzer and Fresh Produce. Of course, flattering swimsuits and wraps are available for those who can’t resist a dip in one of the hotel’s four crystal clear swimming pools.

Eagle’s Nest Gifts and Sundries: Provides plenty to choose from, including Orlando tees, caps and other memorabilia, casual clothing by Life is Good and a variety of Rosen Shingle Creek merchandise from sweat shirts to coffee mugs. Forgotten toiletries, pool toys and travel accessories are also offered.

Additional information about this Luxury Hotel can be found at www.RosenShingleCreek.com.

The majority of signs for Fire Stations in the area are vinyl applications or simple digital prints.
 
We took this opportunity to create a more visually appealing structure for Fire Station Number 55 & 77 with tremendous results. David New came up with the concept and it was implemented by Shawn Glynn. He airbrushed the fire symbol to create a more beautiful piece of work.