Vintage Logos – Unleashing Nostalgia and Timeless Charm

Introduction

While many brands are going for modern logo designs, you can stand out by going for something a bit more timeless and classic. Vintage logos are the way to go for any brand that wants to stand out!

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a modern logo. But there’s something that just feels most classic and appealing about a well designed vintage logo.

Below we’re exploring everything there is to know about vintage logos, what they are, what brands are using them and how you can create a vintage logo of your own!

What Are Vintage Logos?

Vintage logos are simple designs that steal design ideas from the past. They often involve more elegant fonts, retro, antique or sepia colour themes, and use icons that look and feel older

As we explore below, vintage logos are having a modern day revival. And there’s an increasing number of businesses and brands that are going off the beaten path by using vintage or retro style logos.

Pro Tip

If you like vintage or retro designs, that is a great reason to use a vintage style logo. But you must make sure that a vintage logo is still in line with your business and its brand persona. Check out our vintage logo template gallery to see different retro logo ideas and how they fit with your current brand image.

Why Should You Choose A Vintage Logo?

When most modern businesses are going right, a vintage logo presents you with the opportunity to veer left and stand out from the crowd. Vintage logos are unique. And they are used less often. So they can be striking and eye-catching. 

It is more common for modern businesses to use minimalistic or modern designs. And we are not saying there is anything wrong with that. But a vintage logo is your business’s way to buck the trend and make a design choice that helps get you noticed. 

Pro Tip

To create a great vintage logo you can take a modern design and apply subtle design tweaks that feel vintage or retro. You don’t have to create an entirely vintage design. You can use modern symbols, imagery or icons and make them feel retro too!

 

A Logo’s Journey Through Time

To help you get a better appreciation of vintage logos, let’s take a journey through time. We’ll look at vintage logos from throughout time and explore the history of logo design and to give you some inspiration for your vintage logo.

Looking Back

Businesses have always needed to distance themselves from their competitors. But there was much less competition in the past. So it was not as important for businesses to use visual branding. 

It was not until the 19th century that businesses started embracing logos. Elegant typefaces and flowery fonts. Intricate details. And more complex patterns with multiple design elements were more common in the past. 

The Golden Age Of Business

About 75 years ago in the mid-20th century we entered the golden age of marketing and branding. Brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Ford were all using classic designs at the time. And those classic designs are still used and recognized by modern consumers today.

Reviving Those Retro Designs

Since the mid-20th century many brands have redesigned their logos to make them look more modern. But in recent years we’ve been seeing a blast from the past. And modern day brands are increasingly using vintage or retro designs to get noticed.

Pro Tip

If you want to design a vintage logo we encourage you to research classic branding and look at what other businesses have used for branding in the past. Don’t copy them. But do pull ideas from their logos that you can use in your own vintage logo design.

Crafting A Vintage Logo For Your Modern Business

Designing vintage logos can be a challenge. But by keeping a few simple design tips in mind it can be that much easier. Here are a few tips to help you design a great vintage logo from scratch.

Research

Research is the first step you should take. You need to research your own business, your audience and your competitors to get a better idea of what will and what won’t work. Vintage logos are great. But if they’re not implemented properly or if they’re not relevant to your brand or its target audience they will fall flat.

Vintage Fonts & Colours

Businesses once used elegant and sophisticated fonts. Cursive fonts like Great Vibes or even Kaushan Script are slightly more modern. But they can still give your design an older and more vintage feel. 

You also want to choose vintage colours. So sepia colour palettes and faded or more subdued tones are recommended.

Timeless Icons

You want to choose an icon or symbol that represents your business and product offering. But once you choose a symbol you can use colours, fonts and other design elements to make your design as a whole feel a bit more timeless and classic.

Balancing Your Design

You also need to experiment with different layouts. You want your design to look clean and harmonious. So it is best to avoid too many design elements. The fewer elements, the better. The more likely your design will look good and achieve the vintage or retro look you’re after.

Pro Tip

GraphicSprings makes it easy to try out vintage design concepts. Browse our logo template galleries, create logos with our Logo Maker tool or browse our blog for ideas and inspiration for creating amazing brand logos.

Vintage Logos Across Different Industries

Pretty much every business can use a vintage logo. But these designs look a bit better in certain industries, like the ones we highlight below.

Vintage Fashion Logos

Vintage logos feel fancier and more elegant. So they are great for fashion businesses who want a similar appeal. Fashion designers, ecommerce businesses or even local fashion boutiques or thrift stores can all use vintage logos for an added touch of charm. 

Vintage Business Logos

Vintage business logos feel professional and trustworthy. They feel authentic and reliable, which are both things any business, financial or consulting service would want its customers to think when dealing with them.

Vintage Travel Logos

Travel companies can also use vintage logos to stand out. Vintage travel logos are great for evoking a sense of romanticism. They can feel nostalgic and that feeling can transport travelers to simpler and more carefree times.

Pro Tip

Vintage logos can make a positive impression on your audience. And they can help you stand out. Explore our vintage logo templates to find logo ideas to call your own.

 

Here are a few more tips for incorporating a vintage logo into your business.

• Be consistent – Whether you’re using your logo on a website, business card, brochure or anywhere else… You MUST use it consistently. This just helps to build brand recognition over time.
• Versatility – Simple is always better. Not only because vintage logos often use simple design layouts. But also because they are more versatile. Whether you are using it as a small icon or placing it on a larger billboard, the design will still look good.
• Classic storytelling – Your logo should tell your brand’s story. Do your best to design a vintage logo that conveys your business’s history and its core values.
• Know your audience – Your customers are important. So you need to know your audience’s pain points and preferences. Audience research can help you make better and more informed design choices. 

Modern Brands Using Classic Logos

As you know by now, vintage logos are NOT just for older companies. Sure… These types of logos were common in the past. But they were not actually vintage back then. They were just current and modern at the time. Either way, modern brands still use vintage design ideas and styles to create modern branding that is super unique. Let us take a look! 

Coca-Cola

Coca-cola’s logo was created a long time ago. But it is still a great design that is relevant even today. Their signature style logo is simple. But that simple design is still relevant and easily recognizable.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson is not a new company. But they have been using the same bar and shield logo since the company was founded. It’s just a great design because it looks like a street sign. And that’s a perfect on brand logo for a brand that has a worldwide cult following.

Create Vintage And Retro Logos With GraphicSprings

Vintage logos are one of the best ways to connect with your audience. 

They’re fun, good looking and nostalgic. And all that is perfect for connecting with your current and future customers on a deeper level. 

So go for it! Try creating a vintage logo today and we are sure you will love what you see!