Retro Sign Design

[Pinfinity]

I am currently working on an existing projected sign that we are going to re finish. The customer is looking for a 1950's retro look for the new graphics.

would appreciate any professional comments on this initial layout.

Thanks much

 

[shoresigns]

http://www.lobsteristhenewcomicsans.com/

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Looks fine to me & looks very retro, good going

 

[SignManiac]

You're getting pretty good at this stuff Pin

 

[SheelahB]

http://www.lobsteristhenewcomicsans.com/

for that ^ LOL! When in doubt, use Lobster...




Oh, and... nice design, I like the colors!

 

[Pinfinity]

SM...Thanks, I appreciate your comments.. your work is always outstanding!

 

[Pinfinity]

thank you...craig

 

[John Butto]

some red neon...

This is how I remember them...paint cabinet white, cut in the tourq, red and imitation gold and drop shade with some neon tubing on bottom strips.

 

[bob]

It's every bit as ugly as all the rest of the accoutrements of the 1950's were. During that time the cars, the houses, the clothing, the haircuts, the signs, and most everything else, were butt ugly.

Why anyone would want to revisit the hideous esthetics of that time boggles the mind.

 

[John Butto]

Your Momma...

It's every bit as ugly as all the rest of the accoutrements of the 1950's were. During that time the cars, the houses, the clothing, the haircuts, the signs, and most everything else, were butt ugly.

Why anyone would want to revisit the hideous esthetics of that time boggles the mind.

Bob, you calling my mother butt ugly, John Wayne would lay you out flat with those words.

 

[OldPaint]

LOOKIN FOR RETRO........here ya go......
take some from one and then some from another......
https://www.google.com/search?q=old...=1854&bih=864#q=old drug STORE signs&tbm=isch

 

[shoresigns]

I remember a time when people here would pounce on a design and pick it apart with constructive criticism. Arguments would ensue, feelings would get hurt, but there was always a lot of learning. I would rather teach and learn than just give a pat on the back and a "good job!"

Here are some issues I thought would be obvious enough that they'd be mentioned in the first few replies.

1. Whether a font is attractive and whether it's appropriate for a particular use is mostly subjective, and subject to change with changing trends. Lobster was a great font until it became ubiquitous, which makes it a poor choice for almost any type of layout now. It looks like you picked the first font that came up when you searched for "retro font". Its popularity also makes it really obvious that you're not using an authentic typeface from the era.
2. Black drop shadow on dark blue background. It's hard to see (poor contrast) and drop shadows are not particularly prevalent in the style you're attempting to reproduce.
3. The shape of the sign. You haven't done anything to make your layout complement the outer shape (sometimes known as the "format") of the sign. You have a big awkward bit of whitespace in the bottom left, and assuming the sign is double-sided, you'll have to come up with something that works on both sides.
4. Keep your audience in mind. This might be a matter of opinion, but to me, the Rx symbol is something that the public would recognise, while the snake sipping from a martini glass is something pharmacists and doctors would be familiar with.
5. If you're refinishing an old sign, why don't you show us a "before" picture for context?

 

[Marlene]

I like where you are going with this. I would suggest making the top angle higher and more pronounced. the circle with the RX logo is now sitting on the edge and looks like it landed there. by making the top angle higher, it would make the RX fit better into the design.

 

[Marco]

Nice work... And yes to Marlene.

 

[visual800]

I like retro stuff! I think its cool and different. good design