In 2022, the Georgia Aquarium signed a sponsorship deal with Margaritaville Vacation Club By Wyndham to become the title sponsor for the Dolphin Coast exhibit.
In the past, Pinnacle Custom Signs has worked with the Aquarium on a handful of projects. Michael Lewis, Vice President of Exhibits and Projects, contacted our Sales Director, Stephen Conklin to build the sign for the new sponsor.
This project pushed our fabrication team to the limits. Unlike the previous sign, the one we created features many different facets.
For example, the project features a pierced-face backlit channel cloud, front-lit channel letters spelling out the word ‘Dolphin,’ and front-lit channel letters spelling ‘COAST’ affixed on a channel cloud that depicts the sun setting.
Every aspect of the signage is backlit RGB and taps into the Aquarium’s DMX (Digital Multiplex) System. This system allows the Aquarium to change the lights for special events or holidays.
The Margaritaville pierced-face channel cloud sits at the top of the sign, measuring 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. A pierced-face sign features individual letters, symbols, or shapes cut out from a solid panel, leaving empty spaces where the letters appear. Acrylic, PVC, or other durable substrates fit nicely behind the front of the aluminum or cabinet face. The logo or image illuminates through the acrylic. Using this feature creates a flatter and sleeker appearance. Watch the Pierced-face channel cloud come together in this video.
In addition to the pierced-face backlit channel cloud, the Dolphin Coast Project includes front and back-lit channel letters spelling out ‘Dolphin.’ Back-lit channel letters create an effect of a light cloud behind the letters. This feature gives a nice pop of color behind the letters. The letters feature digitally printed vinyl applied to the faces, giving them a sleek and modern look.
Another impressive element of the Dolphin Coast Project is the setting sun front and back-lit channel cloud, which includes a set of standard channel letters spelling out ‘Coast’ mounted on the face. The sun feature is back-lit RGB and ties into the Aquarium’s DMX System. This method gives the Aquarium the freedom to change the lighting.
Channel letters combined with a channel cloud background create an appealing 3D effect, allowing your signage to stand out and attract attention.
We are thrilled to share this project with you and can’t wait for you to see it in person at the Georgia Aquarium.
Watch the entire project come together in Part 3!
