VECTOR INSPIRATION FROM YESTERYEAR
I stumbled upon this deadly string of posts on the one and only Aqua Velvet I had to share them for inspiration. Its a series of logos from the mid 60’s pulled from Graphis Annuals. There is no doubt that the computer has taken vector logo design to the next level. But is also fair to say that before the computer, designers relied on geometry, measurement and the heart of an artist. Each image in this post connects to a different series of selections. So just keep bouncing back to look at the next set.
Creating a logo used to be about something more than just how it looks on a website or how a particular Pantone will react with a focus group. It was the soul of a brand. Something intended to be embossed in brass not necessarily scattered in a 12 pound Taco of flyers in your mail box.
As a vector artist and lover of detail, I find these simple approaches refreshing and inspiring. I think these examples have also caused me to look at my own default approach to branding that I have been brainwashed into. I for one would like to see “simple” take a real comeback in a big way.
After riding the train home from school or a day at the studio it’s easy to go into what I lovingly refer to as “Logo overload”. I get it – you’re a brand and you want me to remember you. They are everywhere. We cannot avoid them. But why not dial it back a bit. Romance me with style. I could give a dam if you are 30% more and half the fat.
A big thanks to Aqua Velvet for letting us tag along for the ride. Bookmark them and include them in your daily rotation. Great blog.
I used to sketch it out a little more before I attacked “it”. Timelines have pushed most of my logo gigs into overdrive. These logos required thought – I used to do that. Think, I mean.
It’s great being able to take a step back and looking at the evolution of logo design. Big fan of how simple yet powerful these logos are compared to most logos today that rely heavily on colour or other elements/styles to stand out. We can oftentimes associate many of today’s brands with just the colours they use and it’s cool to see how these logos just really had to rely on shape and form only. Logos have come a long way in such a short amount of time so these truly are classic!