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Unique Design and Materials – Stand Out From the Start

Solid Construction That Lasts for Years

Illumination Effect – Your Brand Visible at Night

Flexible Solutions – Because Every Company is Different

An Element of Space That Builds Brand Image

Your Pylon – Your Showcase

Get Inspired and Create a First Impression That Truly Works!

We recently had the opportunity to participate in a fascinating project, which will certainly remain in our memories for a long time. It concerns the design and execution of a double-sided neon sign in the shape of the 'Lidl' logo and the word 'Welcome' on the façade of a shop for a well-known German shop chain, which opened its next branch in Warsaw on Tamki Street. Why was this project special for us? Well, designing and creating neon signs is not only our job, but also our passion. We have been doing this for years, and it started with learning about the history of creating traditional glass neon signs and falling in love with this unusual craft. This time we were able to design and make a traditional neon, double-sided perpendicular semaphore one of a kind!

1960s-style neon sign for Lidl

Working on this project brought us great satisfaction, especially as the result is truly unique. Our neon sign not only reflects the Lidl logo, but also alludes to the aesthetics of the communist era. You will not find another one like it in Poland, or even in the whole world! This one is one of a kind, as it is made of original hand-moulded glass neon. The colour scheme of the sign has been carefully thought out and harmonises perfectly with Lidl's visual identity. The neon double-sided semaphore mounted perpendicular to the façade has impressive dimensions — 1.5 m × 1.5 m — making it highly visible and eye-catching. The design and personalisation of this neon sign was cautious, capturing the spirit of the 1960s with a modern twist. We went to a lot of trouble to ensure that the double-sided perpendicular neon semaphore blends harmoniously with the architecture of the building, creating a coherent entire. In addition to the neon Lidl logo, we also made the spatial neon sign 'Welcome'. It was a big challenge, but the effort paid off, and the result meets the highest quality standards.

We made no secret of the fact that we were working under a lot of time pressure. The shop had a strict opening date, which introduced a certain amount of nervousness.

Nevertheless, we managed and can now rejoice in our joint success. We are proud that such a reputable company as Lidl trusted the Pretende brand. For years, we have been recognised on the market all over Poland and have successfully carried out various sign commissions.

The greatest reward after a completed project is always positive feedback from the client. In this case, there was no shortage of praise and words of appreciation. Such feedback gives a great sense of satisfaction and fulfilment, which drives me to take on more challenges. We look to the future with this attitude. We are ready for new projects for the 21st century.

The remarkable story of traditional neon signs

Creating traditional neon signs is a true art that requires precision, skill, and patience. The process began with design, where the creator would prepare an accurate drawing of the lettering or graphics in actual size. This was followed by the bending of glass tubes, made from sodium or borosilicate glass. The tubes were heated over a gas burner until they became flexible, and the craftsman manually formed them into the correct shapes according to the design. Once formed, the tubes were thoroughly cleaned inside to remove any impurities. The next stage was to fit electrodes to the ends of the tubes, which were then connected to a vacuum pump. This removed the air from inside the tube, creating a vacuum, after which the tubes were filled with a suitable gas, usually neon (which gives a red light) or argon (which gives a blue light). Once filled, the tubes were sealed and tested for leakage and proper illumination. The finished neon tubes were mounted on special frames or panels using acrylic brackets and insulators, then installed at the target site and connected to a transformer that provided the correct voltage to power the neon lights.

Thanks to the precision and dedication of craftsmen at every stage, traditional neon signs became a popular advertising element and aesthetic symbol of the 20th century, and now, thanks to new design possibilities, neon signs are thriving into the futurism of the 21st century. And this is our goal — Pretende is growing and taking on more and more new challenges, and the greatest reward for us are orders from well-known and reputable companies because they testify to the trust we have earned with our presence on the market for many years. Thank you!

Illuminated advertising is a proven way to distinguish a brand from the crowd. Thanks to it, the company can really influence the visibility in the industry, and what and consequently, an increase in the sale of products or services. Therefore, if you are looking for a creative and effective way to support your business activities - be sure to read the article below.

Under the slogan of light advertising there are several products, and each of them differs both in appearance and technology. The choice, however, is not hard when an advisor comes to your aid. The one that knows how their products can help your business.

Why is light advertising a good choice?

It's an advertisement that actually works. Sometimes even independently of ours awareness. Why? Mainly because we are good observers. Our attention is drawn to the things that stand out from the surroundings elements. And there is no denying - light advertising - is excatly such"attractor". It is visible during the day, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions (precipitation, fog, cloudy sky), as well as at night, when the surroundings are plunged into darkness. It also stands out thanks to the light indoors. Brightened logotypes, slogans or characteristic elements of the given data brands, which are additionally produced in accordance with the visual identification company, are remembered by recipients and unintentionally activate in the future with simple associations.

Where and what light advertising to use?

The answer is simple: it depends! Which type and location of light advertising will work best for your brand defines a few elements and it is dependent on:

• the business you create,
• the industry in which you run your company,
• the goal you want to achieve,
• needs,
• and a few other factors.

It is important to choose the product in the best way and make it in accordance with your brand. It must be consistent with the colours, font, idea and vision, because only then it will create a coherent image of your brand in the recipient's mind and only in this way it will become a real element of your company's visual identity.

Here I am - illuminated advertisement as a signpost.

One way to use light advertising is to create a kind of signpost. Neon hanging over the entrance to a pub or restaurant will show the direction even in the darkest night. Highlighted company name suspended on the building will be visible from the position of the moving car. Such illuminated advertising can be integrated into the reception area by placing it just behind its service desk. In this way, we make it easier for guests to reach the information point and at the same time influencing the perception of the company as professional and caring about the client. And as you know, the first impression is the basis of good relationships. Significant is also the indication of the building number or street name itself, and in the case of hotel industry - rooms, names of conference rooms or signs leading to specific locations in the facility.

Information or decoration?

Light advertising has an informative function, but the undeniable complement (which is sometimes even more significant) is its decorativeness. The technologies at our disposal allow us to create attracting in form and colour inscriptions referring to the most diverse styles, e.g. retro, american dream or glamour. The signs that also gained great popularity are large format subtitles. They found their place in the tourism industry by promoting the city and encouraging visitors to take photographs in front of them. They also work well in the wedding industry, becoming the decoration of open air or halls wedding.

Advertising limited only by your imagination.

Light advertising can be used in many ways: from basic signage to the most creative projects. It all depends on the goal and needs. The technology we have allows you to create individual and unique solutions made of various materials: wood, metal or glass. Taking advantage of these opportunities will make your brand visible and recognizable, which will automatically affect the relationship with customers. And that's simple way to increase sales and success of your company.

Flashy, colourful neon lights, symbols and eye-catching bright graphic elements - these are the distinguishing features of the American style, which reigned in the United States in the 1950s. It was an expression of fascination with the future and the cosmos, as well as a reflection of the positive mood prevailing in the society at the time. And although this enthusiastic era has long passed, the American style still fascinates and finds itself well in the advertising market.

Undoubtedly, if we want to stand out from the competition, it is a style that is worth being inspired and used to promote the brand. Especially if you belong to people who focus on individualism, and courage and creativity are their middle name.

American-style light advertising - where does the idea come from?

The style in question is a combination of flashiness, colours and shapes that attract attention from the distance. That was the purpose of mid-twentieth-century American signs. They invited people to roadside bars, restaurants and motels. They indicated specific points with large arrows, symbols and lights. They surprised with their futuristic appearance, but on the other hand they blended in perfectly with the so-called Googie architecture. If you are looking for references in culture, the second part of the movie "Back to the Future" can be mentioned, in which the main character goes back in time to a town full of neon lights and enjoys a classic "milkshake" in a pastel bar. From fairy-tale references, "The Jetsons" fit perfectly into this style, delighting with a futuristic vision of a city in the clouds. It is a style that was ahead of its time, attracted attention and allowed to break the standards prevailing at the time. Today, it is being rediscovered in various industries. Among other things, due to its uniqueness, but also partly due to the fascination with what fits into the vintage trend.

American style in a modern edition

Although it seems that the American style is glamorous and exaggerated, it undoubtedly attracts attention. In our projects, we get the best out of it. We get inspired and we always try to adapt to the client's visual identification. This style is characterised by its individuality, which is influenced by the fact that the first designs are always made by hand. We have launched a new, special production line to produce these non-standard signs. Thanks to this, we are the only company in Europe that specializes in creating creative advertising in the American style.

What distinguishes the American style in light advertising?

There is no question of minimalism and simplicity in this light advertisement. Here, a multitude of elements are in the lead, well matched to each other, distinguishing and at the same time complementing each other. Therefore, we find here:

• colour - bright colours, clear, but also often combined with pastels,
• graphic symbols - arrows, geometric figures, stars, hands pointing in the direction,
• light bulbs - like in wardrobes from old movies,
• neon signs - swirls made of glass forming names, slogans or slogans,
• forms and shapes - flat surfaces, wavy surfaces, transparency or sheet metal colored bases of letters and symbols.

Without a doubt, there is a lot going on in these signs. Just like the brands they represent.

Down with minimalism - we will find a golden mean

The secret of a good American-style light advertisement is to match it perfectly to the surrounding space and find the golden mean in its design. Therefore, as in the case of any project, talking to our advisor is essential. Any abstraction and exaggeration can be framed, and our technology allows us to create the most diverse ideas of our clients and create their own American Dream.

This time, a Ukrainian restaurant from Sopot ordered external signage in the form of a light box from our company. I recommend Ukrainian cuisine to everyone :)
Our project - Light cassette, silver dibond with spatial letters encourages you to enter the restaurant :)

We produced two external neon signs, which were installed in Warsaw at Krucza Street. One of them is a two-sided circular semaphore, tinted glass. The neon lights effectively illuminate the entrance to the premises, the more so as it is another neon sign on Krucza Street.