An apparatus for digitally generating an image includes a printer for generating a desired image either on a final substrate or a carrier sheet with the image then being transferred from the carrier sheet onto the final substrate. The generated image is "built up" on the carrier sheet or substrate to form a sign, thereby eliminating the need for the weeding process. According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a printer that allows the digital application of adhesive onto an image, substantially placing an adhesive in register with the image, for subsequent application of the image with adhesive placed thereon. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a layer of adhesive is applied over a substrate. An image is built atop of the adhesive. A consumable sheet is then brought in contact with the substrate to remove excess adhesive, which is still disposed on the substrate, such that once the consumable sheet is separated from the substrate, the image remains on the substrate with the adhesive disposed therebetween. According to another embodiment of the present invention, liquid film or structural ink is used to generate structure for the image.