The use of commercial signs around the globe identifies a business, shop, restaurant, food outlet or service provider located in a particular premises. Such signs offer use a combination of words and imagery to let people know who they are. For example McDonalds has a very familiar use of M lettering which is now well know to most people worldwide.

The variations of designs of signs varies dependant on the level of literacy, for example in some countries it will also be important to use imagery to tell people what sign conveys, arguably even for those who are literate use of good imagery portraying what the business, etc is about is still a good way to design new signs.

There are many forms of commercial signs such as; Wall lettering sign, Aircraft smoke-formed sign, Mural sign, Paper sign - lettered, Plastic sign - lettered, Plastic sign – engraved, Sample sign, Showcard sign – lettered, Silk screen processed sign, Billboard, Blimp-painted signage, Complex outdoor sign, neon and lettering, Complex outdoor sign, sheet metal with lettering, Poster, PVC sign, Proprietor sign, Proprietor sign – hanging, Rooftop sign, Aircraft towed sign, Banner, Exterior wall sign – lettered, Hanging sign – lettered, Hanging sign - multi-listing, Interior wall sign – lettered, Lettering on glass, Lettering on glass with goldleaf, Lettering on vehicle sides, Digital signage on LCD, Plasma, LED or similar forms of display, Distributor advertising sign –metal or lettered, Distributor advertising sign – neon, Neon sign and Oilcloth sign - lettered (similar to banner) to name but a few!

Commercial signs are designed with the aim of attracting and identifying businesses and their products to potential customers, for example; signs are placed prominently on retail outlets so people can see the shop from a variety of angles and from a distance. Billboards are rented by large corporations to advertise their products and companies such as drink manufacturers develop small signs to be placed in pubs, bars and clubs to advertise their drinks.

A surprisingly large and interesting topic, if interested in further reading advise searching online using web or book search or consulting your local bookshop or library or local sign solutions provider.