Vintage logos are more than just pieces that give resemblance to the past; they’re powerful design choices crafted to give a brand an authentic identity with a classic vibe. Whether you are trying to rebrand or create one for a business, vintage logos can do the trick.
Through this article, we’ll give you 8 vintage logos for inspiration and we’ll throw in useful tips on how you can create your own business logo design.
What is a Vintage Logo?
A logo is an image that serves as the identity of the brand or a business. For the vintage logo, the design is inspired by the old times. With the use of classic images, symbols, earthy tones, muted colors, and classic typography, anyone can create a design with a vintage feel.
The use of vintage logos have an impact on businesses. For most businesses, it allows them to establish a more authentic and trustworthy atmosphere. When people see vintage logos, tendencies are they would think the business is stable and going strong.
Vintage logos are the epitome of classic branding. Whether the design is simple or intricate, it can easily bring that nostalgic feeling of the past.
8 Vintage Logo for Inspiration
1. Coca-Cola
Classic
Coca-Cola’s logo since 1880s hasn’t changed much. The flowing script with red and white colors shows how consistent the brand is.
Not only that the logo itself is simple but it’s also visually appealing and easy to spot even from afar because of the bold colors, red and white. Coca-Cola’s logo is the perfect example of how a business or brand can use a simple yet effective logo leaving a lasting impression on its consumers.
Tip: Choose a simple color palette with two to three colors. The lesser the better to make it easily recognizable.
2. Levi Strauss
Timeless Fashion
The distinctive typography and the blue color palette of Levi Strauss’s logo are the standards of timeless fashion. The design is Levi Strauss’ way of incorporating its legacy of producing quality denim products that attract people who are into fashion.
Tip: Use classic typography and colors that show your brand’s identity to create a vintage logo that lasts for years.
3. Brandwood Distilling
Craftsmanship
When it comes to Brandwood Distilling’s logo, the combination of symbols and vintage typography reflects a lot of their commitment to producing quality products in the spirits industry. Consumers who are fond of artisanal products will surely be attracted.
Tip: Symbols and classic typography show authenticity.
4. The Brenner Handyman Services
Reliability and Professionalism
Brenner’s logo made a remarkable impression on its customers with the bold fonts and designs used. The straightforward logo design is very masculine showing strength and dependability. A vintage logo with this kind of style is very common in industrial businesses.
Tip: Go for strong typography and sturdy designs to convey dependability and expertise.
5. Hardgraft Elbow Grease
Industrial Strength and Durability
An industrial motif with a strong typography is what made Hardgraft Elbow Grease’s logo stand out. The logo gives a strong, durable, and dependable feeling when it comes to consumer appeal.
Tip: Go for strong typography and strong designs to show durability and service expertise.
6. Shell
Iconic Simplicity
Shell’s logo evolution inspired by a real shell turned into a simple yet bold icon that shows how a plain icon can create a lasting impression on a lot of people.
The logo’s effectiveness is because of its simple and bold design. Even at a glance, the shell shape can be easily recognized. Plus, the bright colors make the logo stand out from a distance. The Shell logo is an example of a minimalistic vintage logo that is very powerful.
Tip: Choose simple elements and imagery that represent your brand.
7. The Blind Crow Coffee Shop
Cozy Atmosphere
Attracting coffee enthusiasts and hoping to give them a comfy experience is what the Blind Crow Coffee Shop’s logo design aimed for. The mix of rustic typography and hand-drawn icons gives a welcoming feeling just like your old neighborhood cafe growing up.
Tip: Rustic fonts and typography with a combination of hand-drawn imagery are perfect for a welcoming ambiance.
8. Oldtimer Mark’s Car Garage
Automotive Passion and Expertise
Although a truck logo design is very common for vintage logos, Oldtimer Mark’s Car Garage managed to excel in the industry. The classic truck image with the vintage font made the logo even more appealing to truck enthusiasts.
Tip: The truck logo, rustic colors, and typography give off a rustic vibe.
Tips to Make Your Own Vintage Logo
Understand Your Brand
Understanding what your brand stands for is important before designing your logo. What emotions do you want to convey? What values are important to your brand? A thorough understanding of your brand’s identity will give you a clearer vision of what choices you will make when you start designing your brand logo.
Research and Gather Inspiration
Search or do a logo crowdsource for different vintage or retro logos and jot down the things you like and don’t like about each of them. Pay clear attention to the fonts used, color choices, shapes, and overall styles. Create a board with your favorite designs to help you visualize the elements you want to incorporate into your own logo.
Choose the Right Fonts
Vintage logos often use serifs, flowing script fonts, or hand-drawn typography. Go for a font that reflects your brand’s vision and values. Always bear in mind when choosing a font, it should align with the kind of industry you are in.
Keep It Simple
Vintage logos don’t always have to be simple. You can add intricate details but simplicity will always be the better option for starters. A simple logo is easy to understand and remember. Putting a lot of designs, shapes, or elements could ruin the message you are trying to convey to your customers.
Use a Limited Color Palette
A vintage logo means vintage colors. Choose colors that are known to give a vintage feeling like earthy tones, muted colors, or simply the classic black and white combination. The colors of your logo design should also be aligned with your brand’s identity, values, and vision.
Add Texture
Adding textures to your design can add depth to your logo. You can add grains, blur, and distressed effects to give your design a feel. When adding texture, make sure not to overdo it because it can overwhelm your logo.
Be Consistent
Making a long-lasting impression starts with the consistency of your branding. Once you have decided on the final look of your logo design, always use it to represent your brand whether online or on paper marketing.
Test Your Logo
Before launching your logo, test it in different sizes and on different online platforms or gadgets to ensure its adaptability and visibility in various modes. A good logo should be visible and recognizable whether it’s on small flyers or big screens.
Seek Feedback
Gather feedback for improvement. Show your logo to friends, family members, or your target audience to get suggestions on how you can improve your logo’s design. Refining your design a few times can help you get the right logo that resonates with both your brand and consumers.
Iterate and Refine
Design is not a one-day process. Always be prepared to re-work your logo design until you become satisfied. Take your time in getting it done since your logo will not just represent your brand but will also become your business’ identity for the coming years.
Key Takeaways
The unique charm of vintage logos allows people to instantly connect to them emotionally. When looking for inspiration do not just look at its design, try to feel it because a vintage logo’s timeless appeal depends on its simplicity, elegance, classic imagery, and colors.
The trick is to keep things simple. When you start to create your logo, choose colors, fonts, and imagery that best represent your business. Present your chosen logo to different platforms to get feedback before officially launching it. Once decided, be consistent in your using your logo design.
Be inspired by the old times and create a vintage logo that will give your brand a long-lasting impression to your consumers and future clients in the years to come!