Signs are useful. They guide us and inform us, but sometimes, strange signs also leave us scratching our heads in bewilderment.
There's a Facebook group called Rare and Unusual and Funny Signs, and it knows no bounds. Literally, "Please post any funny signs you see. No rules," the people running this online community write in its 'About' section. "If [you are] offended by a sign, just scroll past. Don't be a sniveler and complain because [we] will kick you off the group and name and shame you."
With 5,000 members, the Rare and Unusual and Funny Signs Facebook group isn't the biggest in its class, but these folks still regularly deliver the goods. From questionable designs to mind-boggling spelling mistakes, clever wordplay, and simply funny signs, here are some of their most popular posts.
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How to Make a Truly Good Sign
Chances are that after looking at this selection from the Rare and Unusual and Funny Signs group, you might be wondering whether there are any truly good, clear signs around. Well, there are, and we found some expert advice on how to create neither weird nor unusual signs that deliver a clear message.
Experts at Signs & Lines, a company that has been making great signs for over 35 years, think good sign needs to be aware of these four critical things:
- Audience – a sharp focus on key users;
- Message – design, brand, location, and visibility;
- Environment – the sign's location and nearby architectural features;
- Function – durability, information, static or interactive.
"Irrespective of the sign type the key premise of a sign is to convey a message," people at Signs & Lines explained.
"Usually this is a relatively short, sharp communication. The number one task of any sign is to get a message across as quickly and effectively as possible."
Hang them outside your house if you want to annnoy the heck out of your neighbours!
Business owners should remember that their signs are kind of a big deal and it is better to stay away from strange funny signs. "Whether static or digital signage, your customers, users, guests, staff, students, and visitors need you to have good signage ... [because] it's the first visual connection with your company," the Signs & Lines team said.
Good signs will:
- help them find your business;
- assist in their navigation of your organization;
- convince them that you are professional;
- assure them that they are in the right place.
"Transitioning from good to great signage involves many different aspects of design including logo, creative, positioning, colors, and manufacturing ability," Signs & Lines added.
Once designed in detail, a typical sign may undergo a number of steps to achieve a high-quality result. These include:
- routering of materials to create precision shapes;
- fabrication of metals to form rigid structures and frameworks;
- spray painting of sign elements to automotive standards;
- graphics imagery to bring the messaging to life;
- illumination by LED or neon for 24/7 visibility;
- assembly of all components;
- installation on-site at height or in the ground.
Or, in other words, there are plenty of areas where they can fall short! Luckily for us, sometimes bad signs make for a good laugh, and there are plenty more rare and unusual and funny signs to laugh at on this list.
I need this sign! BADLY! We have a public walking trail just before our private driveway starts. Guaranteed from the 200+ daily walkers we'll get 2 who can't follow directions OR read the 7 no trespassing signs between the trail and our house. Last week a couple walked by and after giving them the "you're lost, didn't you see the no trespassing signs?" speech, the guy ACTUALLY said to me "How do I know this really is your land? YOU COULD HAVE JUST BOUGHT THESE SIGNS AT A STORE and put them up!". Wait! What?
I'll bring the spike pads and the crackers, is anyone here willing to bring cheese?
It is merely a 'do you feel lucky today?' - sign. If a cow falls on you, what would you do?
If Voice box is f****d from yelling "ding dong" ...just slam head against the door
How nice of them to provide a location for cannibals to enjoy their meal
I definitely read that in Hannibal's voice. XD
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No entree, thanks, I'll just have some fava beans and a nice chianti.
This isn't actually mentioned in silence of the lambs! Hannibal says 'Good evening Clarice'. The misquote was from Jim Carrey in The Cable Guy! :D
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I was thinking, why customers may whant to eat in the restroom, when saw Hannibal's face and got confused.
Pardon me while I pry my mind out of the sewer. I did *ot* think of Hannibal Lector!
Finally, a gender neutral washroom, enby cat demons want to eat people too!
Honestly, it would have been more understandable if they’d change up the word, but is understand it
Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 51 images based on user votes.
"Transitioning from good to great signage involves many different aspects of design including logo, creative, positioning, colors, and manufacturing ability," Signs & Lines added. **minor note, 'creativity' vice 'creative'. -Proofreader Geek**
"Transitioning from good to great signage involves many different aspects of design including logo, creative, positioning, colors, and manufacturing ability," Signs & Lines added. **minor note, 'creativity' vice 'creative'. -Proofreader Geek**
