When local businesses come together to support one another, magic happens. This is precisely what occurred when KOAN approached ShieldCo Art for their interior signage needs.
The collaboration goes beyond a simple business transaction. It shows that shared values and collaborative community efforts can produce something genuinely remarkable. This article will share insights from this collaborative process that brought KOAN’s beautiful new custom 3D signs to life.

A Local Collaboration Built on Shared Values
Supporting local businesses has never been more critical for community economic growth. Research shows that when a person spends $100 at a local business, approximately 68% of that stays within their local economy, compared to just 48% when spent at a large company. This economic multiplier effect illustrates why partnerships between local enterprises, such as KOAN and ShieldCo Art, benefit entire communities.
KOAN’s dedication to wellness, quality, and creating a carefully curated customer experience mirrors ShieldCo’s own approach to business. Both companies recognize that achieving excellence is rooted in meticulous attention to detail and a sincere commitment to their clients. When KOAN needed interior signage that would reflect their brand values, they turned to a company that shares their commitment to quality craftsmanship.
The sign was designed and fabricated at ShieldCo’s home base in Hagerstown, MD, keeping the entire project local. This decision reinforces both companies’ commitment to strengthening their community’s economic foundation while assuring the highest standards of quality control and customer service.
From Vision to Reality: Designing with Purpose
Creating effective custom 3D signs requires a clear understanding of aesthetic goals and functional needs. For KOAN’s project, the design objectives centered on developing a focal point that would serve as an artistic statement while providing an informational element for customers.
The inspiration behind the natural motif came from KOAN’s modern and nature-centered brand identity. Layered botanical elements were incorporated to reflect the company’s connection to wellness and natural products. These design choices weren’t arbitrary; they were strategic decisions that would help customers immediately understand KOAN’s brand values through visual communication.
The collaborative design process with the KOAN team included numerous iterations and feedback sessions. ShieldCo’s approach emphasizes partnership throughout the entire design phase, making sure that every element aligns with the client’s vision. This collaborative method allows for refinements and adjustments that result in signage that authentically represents the brand’s essence.
The Art of Dimensional Signage
The technical execution of KOAN’s vision showcases the powerful visual impact of custom 3D signs. The project used a layered metal construction, featuring a carefully planned mix of finishes and textures. Each layer was created to enhance depth and visual appeal while maintaining structural stability.
Precision laser-cut detailing formed the foundation of the design. This manufacturing technique enables intricate patterns and clean edges that would be impossible to achieve using traditional cutting methods. The multi-layered construction generates shadows and highlights that evolve with the changing lighting conditions throughout the day.
Hand-finishing processes complete each piece in order to make sure that every surface meets ShieldCo’s quality standards. The combination of advanced manufacturing technology and traditional craftsmanship yields signage that serves as both a functional wayfinder and an artistic installation.
The impact of dimensional design cannot be overstated. Small businesses contribute to local economies by stimulating innovation and growth. When companies invest in high-quality custom 3D signs, they’re investing in their community’s visual landscape, creating environments that attract customers and enhance property values.
Precision Made. Maryland Proud.
American-sourced materials proudly fabricated by ShieldCo’s expert team form the backbone of every project. This commitment to domestic suppliers supports the broader manufacturing ecosystem while delivering consistent quality and maintaining reliable supply chains. The KOAN project exemplifies this philosophy through its material selection and fabrication processes, which prioritize durability and performance.
This project represents more than just a simple sign: it’s a symbol of local excellence and trusted partnerships. Economic development creates jobs by attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and promoting innovation, allowing communities to create diverse employment opportunities. When companies like KOAN choose local partners like ShieldCo Art, they’re participating in this economic development cycle.
The completed signage embodies KOAN’s brand identity and ShieldCo’s craftsmanship, assuring durability for years to come. Powder coating processes provide color retention and weather resistance, while the structural design delivers stability and longevity. These quality investments protect the client’s branding investment while maintaining visual appeal over time.

Transform Your Space with ShieldCo Art
Your business deserves signage that tells your story with the same care and craftsmanship that went into creating KOAN’s interior focal point. ShieldCo Art specializes in creating custom 3D signs that reflect your brand’s values while providing lasting visual impact.
Whether you’re looking for interior signage, exterior displays, or artistic installations, our team combines traditional metalworking skills with modern design techniques to produce exceptional results. We collaborate with you from the initial idea all the way to the final installation, making sure that every detail aligns with your specifications and goes beyond your expectations.
Are you ready to create something extraordinary for your business? Contact ShieldCo Art online or call (240) 394-9893 to discuss how we can bring your vision to life with precision-crafted signage that makes a lasting impression. Let’s build something beautiful together.