The term vintage has been around for quite some time, but beyond being just a buzzword, it is a design trend that’s here to stay. In a nutshell, vintage pertains to something old or evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone time. When creating a vintage-inspired sign design for a business, look for inspiration from old works of art and design and pick imagery, elements, and fonts that identify well with your branding.

What Makes a Sign Design Vintage?

Vintage design, in fact, spans a wide range of possibilities—from art deco and mid-century modern to letterpress style and steampunk. If you plan to do your sign design with vintage elements, strike a balance by combining them with contemporary imagery for a refreshing contrast.

1. Color palette 

Most designs start with finding the right color scheme. Search for actual designs made during the time period that you want to mimic. Find the popular colors and combinations that best encapsulate an era and try to pick ones that represent your brand’s identity. For instance, bold, neon colors were popular in the 1980s while pastel shades represented the 1950s.

2. Imagery 

Like the color scheme, take a cue from an era's famous visual elements. Geometric patterns were the rage in the ‘80s while hippy, loopy flowers marked the ‘70s. Hand-drawn and -colored illustrations make for more authentic vintage imagery.

3. Font

Typography is an integral part of vintage design, too. To better understand what font to use, think about the period’s technology. Script typefaces were the norm in eras earlier than the 1950s but consider fonts that mimic an old-fashioned printing press or hand-cut rubber stamps.  

4. Composition

How vintage your sign design will look or feel ultimately depends on its overall construction. Imagine the illustration with all the elements tossed in and play it up or down according to your branding goal. If you want to go full-on vintage, you don’t have to juxtapose modern images and fonts with your design.    

How Vintage Signs Work in Businesses

A vintage-inspired sign design isn’t for everyone. Skip doing one if your business is related to technology and medicine—it implies that your brand is outdated and old-timey; it’s not exactly what you want as a brand image.  

On the other hand, a vintage design works best in businesses that sell an idea of nostalgia and good memories. It’s ideal for restaurants, cafés, barbershops, salons, inns, specialty stores, and companies that have a long, rich history.

When you need a vintage-inspired sign design, count on the professionals at Louisville Sign Co. As the premier sign service company in Mt. Washington, KY, they specialize in customizing business signs in and around Louisville. They also provide exceptional sign restoration and installation services. Call (502) 957-2161 to discuss sign design, or browse their gallery of completed works online.