A sign is formed from an adhesive-backed, vinyl sheet having a backing sheet. At least one graphic design or character is cut from the interior of the vinyl sheet. Tabs in the backing sheet extend between the edges of each character, the tabs maintaining the position of each graphic relative to the surrounding portion of the sheet. The sign is installed by adhering a portion of the graphics to the application surface, and then severing the tabs to free the vinyl graphics from the surrounding sheet. A device cuts the sign from the sheet and removes the waste material, reducing the labor required to produce the sign.