Field Trip Notes:

Star Signs is a company located in Lawrence that specializes in signage and graphic panels. They offer both design and manufacturing services to their clients. They are serving a client base that is far larger than just the surrounding area of Lawrence. They have major clients in KC, all around the Midwest, and even national ones. The major material they were using was aluminum. They shaped pieces using sheers, punches, or a CNC router. The pieces are then rolled, bent, or pressed to shape and then painted. They were equipped with a pantone booth for painting, allowing them to precisely match any color. They used Spooled gun TIG welding. They also an impressive array of printing abilities. They could print on most materials, including aluminum. They often contracted out electrical work or laser cutting work. It was cool to get a tour from a Recent KU ID grad and see where people are going in the industry. My criticism is that they didnt seem to harbor much of a design studio environment. The designer facilities didnt have life to them.