Business Details
21 Years
experience
Custom Sign Design & Manufacturing in Chicago
Chicago Sign Systems was founded in 2005 by Phil Schultz, a dedicated artist with over two decades of experience in sign design and fabrication. Our workshop, located in a vibrant artist community at 4200 W. Diversey Avenue, specializes in creating custom signage solutions that blend creativity with technical precision. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with clients, treating each project as an opportunity to craft something unique and meaningful. Our team combines traditional techniques like hand-painted signs with modern technologies to deliver dimensional lettering, vinyl graphics, and large-format banners. With a focus on quality and client satisfaction, we serve businesses across Chicagoland, offering personalized consultations and tailored solutions. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted partner for companies seeking distinctive branding through custom signage. We believe in the power of art to transform spaces and strengthen identities, and our work reflects this philosophy in every detail. From small local businesses to large corporations, we approach each project with the same dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.
Services
Hand Painted Signs
Dimensional Letters
Vinyl Decals
Promotional Signage
Logo Design
Large Format Printing
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of sign design expertise
- Our hand-painted signs combine traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics
- We operate from a creative artist community workshop
- We provide full-service sign solutions from design to installation
- Our team maintains ISO-certified quality standards
Services
Hand Painted Signs
Our hand-painted signs combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics. Each piece is created by experienced artists using premium materials to ensure lasting durability and visual impact. This service caters to businesses seeking unique, organic branding solutions that stand out from mass-produced alternatives while maintaining professional quality standards.
Dimensional Letters
Custom dimensional lettering adds depth and dimension to brand identities. We design and fabricate letters from various materials including metal, acrylic, and foam to create eye-catching exterior and interior signage. Installation services ensure proper placement and long-term durability for commercial applications across Chicagoland.
Vinyl Decals
Our vinyl decal service offers cost-effective branding solutions with quick turnaround times. Using in-house plotting and printing equipment, we produce high-quality vehicle wraps, window graphics, and wall decals in over 100 color options. This service provides businesses with versatile marketing tools that can be easily updated as needed.
Promotional Signage
Custom promotional signage helps businesses establish strong brand presence. We design and fabricate trade show displays, event banners, and point-of-purchase signs that effectively communicate marketing messages. Our solutions help small businesses compete with larger corporations through professional-quality visual branding materials.
Large Format Printing
Our large-format printing capabilities handle projects of any scale, from 10-foot banners to full-building wraps. Using commercial-grade equipment, we produce high-resolution graphics on durable materials suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. This service ensures consistent color accuracy and material integrity for maximum visual impact.
People
Phil Schultz
Owner and Artist
With over 20 years in sign design, Phil founded Chicago Sign Systems in 2005. His Wisconsin roots and artist community connections inspire innovative approaches to custom signage solutions.
Mary Catherine Nedbalski
Operations Manager
Mary Catherine brings construction project coordination experience to streamline operations. She manages business systems while pursuing graduate studies in Chicago.
Questions
What types of signs do you specialize in?
We specialize in hand-painted signs, dimensional lettering, vinyl graphics, promotional signage, and large-format printing for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Do you work with small businesses?
Yes, we help small businesses create professional branding solutions that compete with larger corporations through custom signage tailored to their specific needs.
Can you handle urgent sign projects?
We prioritize quick turnaround times for standard sign production while maintaining quality standards, with rush options available for urgent requirements.
Do you offer design services?
Yes, our team provides full design services from concept development to final production, ensuring cohesive branding across all signage elements.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the Chicagoland area with installation and delivery services included for most projects within this region.
How do consultations work?
We offer free initial consultations to discuss your specific needs, providing expert recommendations and project timelines during these sessions.
Reviews (9)
Nic D.
May 20, 2022
Report
Phil's customer service is top notch, I contracted Phil to design a copper real estate management sign for me. He was very responsive throughout the process. I highly recommend his services to anyone who needs business signage.
David Forgue
Sep 30, 2019
Report
Chicago Sign Systems created and installed a sign for my firm. The sign looks beautiful, Phil was prompt and professional, and the price was fair. I wish we needed more signs.
Brandi M.
Jul 17, 2018
Report
Phil is amazing, professional and insanely efficient! I totally threw a last minute project at him and he had it done for me in mere days. The normal company I have worked with for years hasn't even responded to my request for over 5 days. Definitely will be taking my business here going forward. Highly recommend Phil and his awesome shop!
Suzi M.
May 01, 2017
Report
AAA++ Outstanding customer service! Went to the store to speak with Phil regarding our sign for our shop, however he was not in. He followed up with a phone call and a visit to our store, personally took a "Hands on approach" and physically fixed our sign via the ladder we provided! HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Elliott C.
Sep 06, 2016
Report
They did a perfect job. They did 3 wooden signs for both of our locations, it was better than we expected. Phil is the go-to guy, he answers everything and comes up with ideas based on what you give him. The guys who set up the signs were professional, got the job done and kept it moving. We HIGHLY recommend them. Check out our signs to see their work, you won't be disappointed.
Jose C.
Mar 06, 2015
Report
Professional work quality, quick turnaround, and a friendly smile - what more can you ask for? Artistic passion and creativity ooze from every square inch of this colorful shop on the north side. Need signage but are not sure how to attack the issue? Let Phil show you what he is capable of creating. Know exactly what you want done and just need pro craftsmanship? One look inside the work space and you know only the best and up-to-date equipment is used. There is a real love for signs here. There is a big difference between simply making a sign, and creating something beautiful. Be sure to check this place out!
Michael G.
Sep 05, 2014
Report
These guys were excellent. I own a plumbing service company and while we were happy with the sign company we had been using for our vehicles in the past, they are located way out in Wheaton and the drive to drop off and pick up a van for lettering was a real pain. I met Phil when he hired us to do some plumbing at his home, and upon learning what he did for a living, we decided to give him a shot at a new Ram ProMaster we just purchased.
The slightly updated design he came up with looked great, and his turn around time and the quality of the work was fantastic. On top of that his prices were totally reasonable. A few weeks later we purchased another Ram van, and he did another bang up job. We use several restored VW Microbuses for service vans, and one has been on the road for 8 years and will be going in for a repaint soon, and Phil will be getting the job of doing the logo work for that vehicle as well.
The slightly updated design he came up with looked great, and his turn around time and the quality of the work was fantastic. On top of that his prices were totally reasonable. A few weeks later we purchased another Ram van, and he did another bang up job. We use several restored VW Microbuses for service vans, and one has been on the road for 8 years and will be going in for a repaint soon, and Phil will be getting the job of doing the logo work for that vehicle as well.
Sam W.
Jun 10, 2014
Report
These guys were great both times I've needed to get signs done for my business. The first time was an over-sized image that even though I didn't have the file format right, they worked with me to the point of me bringing in my computer, them recreating my image on their computers as well as calling the original designer to make sure everything was correct. The prices were reasonable and the turn-around time was very speedy.
I plan on going to them for any of my signage requirements in the future. The only sad part is once I've used them I barely have any other needs for their services. I'll try to think of other things just to bring them more business.
I plan on going to them for any of my signage requirements in the future. The only sad part is once I've used them I barely have any other needs for their services. I'll try to think of other things just to bring them more business.
Ben Dunn
Apr 19, 2014
Report
Chicago Sign Systems is a great shop that does super quality work. My business regularly gets asked for sign printing -which we don't offer. Until we found CSS we'd given up on even referring our customers elsewhere because we simply didn't trust the quality and didn't want to risk a bad impression for work we can't control. Chicago Sign Systems solved that riddle for us. Now they provide excellent work for all of our sign and vinyl needs and they've done great work for our clients as well. They're also easy to get along with and genuinely creative people.


