Consider what type of store you are creating a sign for. Thinking about the types of products or services being offered by the store will help you make decisions throughout the design process. You will also want to think about the type of clientele you are trying to attract.
Determine how much information about the store you want on your sign. You may want to use the name of the store by itself. You can also choose to add more information about the store, like the store's motto or logo, the types of products are that are produced or sold or information about when the store was established.
Choose a letter style (also known as a font) that conveys information about the store while still being easy to read. For example, a typewriter font would be suitable for a bookstore sign. You may want to select a letter style that is blocky and formal if it best complements the type of product the store sells. You can also choose a classic-looking font if it appeals to the store's clientele.
Select a color scheme to enhance the look of your sign. Use complementary colors that are very different so that your sign will be easy to read. Also consider how you want people to feel about the store. You can use earthy colors (browns and greens) to give an earthy feeling, or bright colors (yellows, pinks) to cause a feeling of excitement. Your colored drawing tools will be helpful, allowing you to place different colors next to each other on paper to determine whether or not you like the way they interact.
Arrange the components of the sign to create a pleasing composition. Once you've considered the size and shape of the sign, think about the best way place the various elements. Avoid placing elements too close to each other or to the edges of the sign. Also, consider which elements are most important (the name of the store, for example) so you can make these the biggest. Pen the elements of your design in different arrangements on your paper to get a tangible idea of how everything will look together.