27/10/2025
How long a project is likely to take is one of the questions we get asked the most, and justifiably so. In this article, we will attempt to answer the question by explaining the factors that contribute to each project lead time.
However, it’s important to stress that every project is different, and that we also aim to accommodate your required turnaround whenever possible. So, please feel free to get in touch if you’d like to speak with us directly.
Okay, so here’s a ‘ballpark’ estimate.
On average, a bespoke signage project can be completed within 8 to 12 weeks. This can be shorter in some cases, and may sometimes also be longer for projects with intricate designs, highly customised installations, uncommon materials, and so on.
The reason for this figure is the process involved in designing and creating bespoke signage, which is inherently ‘bespoke’ to each project. At Image Technique, the process starts with an in-depth consultation to help understand your vision, objectives, and business aesthetic for your signage. During this, we will gather all the necessary details, including the dimensions of your signage, volume, materials, brand guidelines and your design preferences. Investing time at this stage usually shortens the overall design and production process. This stage normally takes a week or two depending on availability.
After this, concept development and design take place, in which our designers will create various concepts and illustrations to reflect your brief, and invite feedback and refinements until you are completely happy with the final design and mock-ups. This could take 2 to 4 weeks. Material sourcing and fabrication are the next stages, and these often takes the longest in the project – anything from 5 to 8 weeks.
Finally, installation could take anything from one or two working days to 2 weeks depending on the complexity of the project. Our professional installation team will set up everything for you on site and ensure that everything is safely and securely fitted in its designated area before inviting you to sign off the project.
Changing or updating your design
Like any creative project, signage design is a dialogue between the designer and customer, and so design changes and updates are an integral part of the signage manufacturing process. Branding needs and visions often change throughout the project, and a good supplier will be able to accommodate this without it seriously derailing the project timetable. However, extensive changes can increase your timescale and potentially your costs, which is why it’s good to set clear expectations and establish open communication channels from the outset so you have the right balance of flexibility and certainty for your project.
What about rush orders and short deadlines? Are these possible?
Some suppliers will accommodate urgent or rush orders happily and some are less happy to do so. If you have an urgent deadline, speak with your provider first so that everyone knows what’s involved and so that realistic expectations can be set. We get it – sometimes businesses simply need signage in a hurry, whether for an event, rebranding, or a specific need. This is why we do have processes in place to meet short timelines without compromising on quality, especially when working with local customers in the London area. For urgent orders, for instance, we can fast track the design approval and material procurement processes to shorten the turnaround, and can prioritise certain projects in our production workflow.
Find out more
Image Technique brings 25 years of expertise in the signage design and manufacturing industry to every project, combining precision and creativity with unflinching attention to detail. To discuss your project brief with one of our team or to find out more, please contact us today.
Image source: Canva
