The online portfolio of Page Redford
Peony season is a short-lived season at the changing between spring and summer. Growing up I always thought of peonies as the harbinger of summer. At TJs they are grown in greenhouses, so we get them a little before “summer” every year.
These signs will be copied, cut out, laminated, and then priced for these beautiful blooms when they arrive.
Often when I am asked to do a semi-permanent sign, I try to focus on animals or food items. I am making signs for a grocery store, after all. Occasionally, however I draw people or flowers. I have been redesigning the signage for our floral section the last few weeks, so I felt inclined to draw a portrait of a lady with flowers.
This illustration will be featured on the reverse of one of our display “end caps” and will be a semi-permanent fixture in the store. I plan to draw another lady in a different color scheme opposite her.
I was asked to create signage for our cheese department. There are many ways to “build a cheese board” and sometimes those choices can be overwhelming. I tried to make a fun sign that could guide customers and work with any budget.
As you can see, I am working directly on this farmhouse-style wooden paddle (purchased at Michael’s craft store) using Posca brand paint markers. These markers are the best markers for what I do, in my opinion. They come in a range of sizes and colors and they have replaceable nibs.
For every painted sign of any size, I always do a preliminary sketch on paper and sketch out the design using white chalk. As the paint drys and I get further through the design, I wipe away the chalk while the paint stays in place.
I was recently asked to make a Chalkboard A-Frame for our Kosher for Passover meat products. The butcher shop has undergone a big re-branding lately, and we wanted to bring attention to these special holiday products.
I was inspired by old-fashioned butcher shop signage.
The A-Frames we use measure 2 x 3 feet. They are sturdy, durable, and reusable. I generally use mostly white chalk and white chalk pens to do the lettering and, depending on the board, add additional colors to highlight aspects of the design.
I had fun making this sign! This back side is simple foam core!
For this sign, I made a back that was inspired by the price flags and old-timey window signs from neighborhood markets. This highlights the prices (literally) making it easy for customers to compare the price-per-pound for the different cuts of meats.
This weekend we will be hosting a Vegan Foods Demonstration and Tour!
I was asked to make an A-Frame for the event:
No animals were harmed in the making of this A-Frame :-)
The A-Frames we use measure 2 x 3 feet. They are sturdy, durable, and reusable. I generally use mostly white chalk and white chalk pens to do the lettering.
I’m sure you know by now, but I am working as a Sign Artist at Trader Joe’s. Every so-often we have Fearless Flyers, sales specials and new-item flyers that showcase some of our awesome product. Each store decorates to let the customers know that the “Flyers have landed!” This month we’ve decided to give the flyer a “Sailor Jerry”-syle nautical tattoo theme.
Here are some photos of works in progress:
This photograph shows the work in progress and the original sketch as well as color-blocking and color ideas. We use paint, markers, and paint markers to do signs like this. The paint markers save a lot of time because they dry so quickly!
This is one of my favorite signs. This sign is going to go over the wine and liquor section. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with some great wines and cheese. Several great wines and cheeses are featured this month!
This sign is probably going to go over the “Demo” area. Swallows, roses, and fun lettering make for eye-catching signs.
Another swallow sign. Did you know that swallows symbolize love and loyalty? We love our loyal customers! :-)
Now here are the final pieces, hung and ready for the Flyer:
This sign is above our cheese and deli meats section. There are quite a few products featured from this section. Make your honey some fondue this Valentine’s Day!
This sign is hanging above the liquor section. Don’t forget the snacks to go with your drinks!
All dry and ready to be brought up to the front of the store. How exciting!
This sign is on the far left of our veggie cooler where our bagged veggies and fruits are kept.
This sign is on the far right of our veggie cooler where our bagged veggies and fruits are kept.
This sign is a little wider than the rest and fit perfectly above the Demo section. It reminds our customers who are tasting the demo items that they are available in this month’s flyer! Yum!
I’ll be sure to post more photos as I take them. That’s all for the signs for this month’s flyer, but I will be sure to share more photos of more projects soon!
Page Redford 