Editor’s Note
Hostage on the Go
Commuting via public trans can be a drag, but bright and cheery signage can turn the ride into
something stimulating and enjoyable.
Having spent my 20s and then some as a resident of Chicago, I have endured many
hours of utilizing public transportation, including Chicago Transportation Authority
city buses and elevated track trains – better known to locals as the “L” – and Metra
commuter trains. Th e day never went by without the use of the system. Needed to go
to work? Took the train. Needed to go to class? Took the train. Needed to visit the doctor or a
friend? Took the bus.
My commute to work and school changed
as the years went by as jobs changed and
I moved around various parts of the city.
Sometimes my time spent sitting on one of
these modes on transporation was a mere 10
minutes, while others were an hour-plus of
my day – each way, mind you. Some days it
was a bus, others it was a train, and at times
even a combination of the two. It was a wonderful
stop, and the heated bus shelters waiting for
the 36 Broadway bus on a frozen February
morning. I was hostage to the advertising
throughout my commute. It was the perfect
way to grab my attention. I did not have to
pay mind to driving while looking at a sign
going by and learned a lot in the process.
I was informed about the various exciting
festivals in town, shows to see, and new
products to try (of which samples were oft en
being doled out at stations).
Th e opportunities in the mass transportation
market are endless. Printed signage inside
buses and trains, bus and train wraps,
station signage on just about any surface,
and digital signage, too – the list is LARGE.
We cover this fast-moving market segment
in “Making Your Mark in Mass Transit”,
starting on page 16. And, next time you’re
“stuck” on a slow moving city bus, take the
time to take a gander at that sign across
the way, think of it as an opportunity, not a
setback on your day.G
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way to get from one place to another,
especially those underground and elevated
trains, bypassing all of that congested city
traffi c on the roads.
I would sit there, listening to my iPod or,
more recently, Pandora radio stations on my
iPhone, enjoying the ride and the luxury of
not having to worry about driving – seriously,
the traffi c is insane! And while my ears
were occupied with my 80s tunes, my eyes
were free to look around, people watch, take
a nap, or read the signs on the interior walls
of the bus, the train, along the tunnel while
I waited for the Red Line to arrive at my
By Jennifer Wilberschied
Editor
Jennifer Wilberschied is a seasoned
journalist who brings her awardwinning
talent and fresh perspective
to the ever-changing print and
graphics industry, exploring the
issues, challenges, and technology
revolving around the commercial,
digital, sign, and wide-and grandformat
markets.
Signs By Tomorrow’s
Competitive Edge
Signs By Tomorrow – Rockville created a stunning
workplace for the American Diabetes Association’s new
headquarters (see story on page 10) and won Grand Prize
for Project of the Year earlier in 2017. They also took 2nd
Runner Up in the contest for their iHeart Media project,
which included wall wraps for the Southwest Sound Stage
performance studio, 3D acrylic logos, ultraboard panels
and backsplash graphics. 1st Runner Up went to Signs By
Tomorrow – Virginia Beach for its Operation Smile project,
which included murals, movable wall panels, and vinyl text.
Congratulations to all of the Signs By Tomorrow winners.
PrintingNewscom August 2017 Wide-Format & Signage 5