High-visibility wayfinding signage is critical to L.A. Live, which is why this sports and entertainment district relies on CR&A Custom. CR&A’s brand expertise, marketing creativity, and advanced digital printing technology combine to deliver best-in-class large format signage solutions. The enablement helps create experiences for visitors attending events at L.A. Live next to the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Crypto.com Arena.
CR&A Custom’s Wayfinding Signage Advantage
CR&A Custom’s professional work in wayfinding signage was highlighted in a national story published in The Big Picture magazine. Easily changeable wayfinding helps set CR&A apart from traditional rigid sign manufacturers. This versatile type of sign manufacturing job would not be possible without sophisticated technology that CR&A has invested in for decades.
In addition to a Durst HS350 printer and its UV Direct ink, 3M’s anti-graffiti lamination and 3M architectural film were critical to the project. CR&A successfully printed about 2,000 square feet of skins for the sturdy 0.5-inch aluminum sign bodies, says Masoud Rad, COO of CR&A Custom.
The lamination maintains the look and feel of a brushed metallic finish while also protecting against vandalism, he explains. If someone tampers with a sign – or if a tenant moves out – swapping the graphics is easier (and less costly) than replacing the entire structure or cutting and gluing letters. 
“CR&A employs advanced printing technology, UV inks, specialized laminations, and more printable substrates, so we give our customers more high-quality options in large format print, including ADA signage,” says Rad.
About L.A. Live
CR&A Custom played a key role in enhancing wayfinding and signage at L.A. Live, the premier sports and entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles. L.A. Live includes a diverse range of venues, such as:
Crypto.com Arena – Home to the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks, as well as concerts and major events.
Microsoft Theater – A leading venue for live performances, awards shows, and corporate events.
The Novo – A music venue hosting concerts and private events.
Los Angeles Convention Center – A hub for trade shows, conferences, and large-scale gatherings.
Navigating a High-Traffic, Multi-Venue Complex With millions of visitors annually, wayfinding signage at L.A. Live must accommodate a diverse audience. Navigation challenges arise from:
The sheer size of the complex, requiring clear directional signage.
The variety of attractions, each with unique branding and entry points.
The frequent event turnover, requiring signage updates for concerts, games, and conventions.
The high volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, particularly on game nights and during large-scale events.
To address these issues, CR&A Custom developed a multi-layered signage system, incorporating both static and digital signage to create a seamless visitor experience.
Signage Solutions at L.A. Live
CR&A Custom’s wayfinding system includes:
1. Digital and Static Directional Signage
Large-scale directory boards at key entry points provide an overview of the complex.
Overhead and freestanding signs guide visitors to major attractions, including theaters, hotels, and parking areas.
Multilingual signage ensures accessibility for international visitors.
2. Event-Specific Signage
Event signs highlight upcoming concerts, sports games, and special events.
Displays near entryways provide details on event schedules.
Temporary banners and posters allow for easy updates of late-stage changes.
3. Parking and Transportation Wayfinding
Color-coded parking signage simplifies navigation for drivers.
Pedestrian wayfinding maps highlight key walking paths and transit connections.
Digital signs display real-time parking availability to reduce congestion.
4. Branding and Identity Integration
Consistent color schemes and design elements align signage with the overall branding of L.A. Live.
Custom graphics and illuminated signs enhance the aesthetic appeal of the complex.
Sponsor-integrated signage allows for branding opportunities without disrupting functionality.
The Technology Behind CR&A Custom’s SignageTo ensure durability and adaptability, CR&A Custom uses advanced digital printing and fabrication techniques. Their signage solutions incorporate:
High-performance vinyl and UV-resistant inks, ensuring longevity in outdoor conditions.
Interchangeable panels and modular sign systems, allowing for quick updates without full replacements.
Digital screens and LED technology, offering real-time information and enhanced visibility at night.
These innovations position CR&A Custom ahead of traditional rigid sign manufacturers, as their adaptable wayfinding solutions minimize long-term costs and improve the visitor experience.
Why Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics Matter
The large format printing capabilities of CR&A Custom address the requirements of a venue’s environmental graphics in modern spaces. Whether it's a massive entertainment district like L.A. Live, a high-profile sporting event, or a corporate environment, strategic signage and branding solutions:
✔ Improve Navigation – Helping visitors reach their destinations efficiently.
✔ Enhance Aesthetics – Creating visually engaging environments that align with brand identity.
✔ Increase Engagement – Strengthening customer experiences through thoughtful design.
✔ Boost Revenue Opportunities – Offering branding and sponsorship integrations.
The Future of Environmental Graphic Design
As technology continues to evolve, the future of environmental graphics will see greater integration of digital signage, interactive elements, and data-driven navigation systems. Augmented reality (AR) wayfinding, for example, could become a standard feature in entertainment districts, further improving visitor experiences.
Companies like CR&A Custom are at the forefront of this evolution, combining cutting-edge printing technology, adaptable materials, and strategic planning to redefine how people interact with public spaces. Their work at L.A. Live and beyond serves as a benchmark for the future of wayfinding and branding in large-scale venues.
