Double Take! Fast Frame vs. Fast Signs

So many franchise businesses, so little time for unique brand development. Double take contestant #1: a chain of “fast” picture framing stores called Fast Frame. Contestant #2: a chain of “fast” sign and graphic solutions called Fast Signs. Although these businesses are quite different, they sure have a lot in common when it comes to their brand identity. Both have sans-serifed, italicized letterforms. Both have a red and blue color palettes, with the “fast” being emphasized in red. Perhaps if at least the color combination was unique, they wouldn’t feel so similar – but lack of supporting graphic elements in both brands don’t help to differentiate them visually from each other.