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4 Groovy Old Signs - Brand Logos

By Guest Author in logos, branding, logo branding.

Trawling through the visual highways and byways of Flickr I discovered four excellent examples of brand logos. They're all a bit worn out and tired, but that is exactly what gives them their charm and makes them so groovy. I've picked them out and listed them below with an explanation of why I liked them so much...

Dr. Pepper

Photo: anyjazz65

Dr. Pepper isn't about ‘what's the worst that could happen' it is instead just simply ‘good for life'. This sign is brilliant, it's big and worn and painted straight onto brick, which gives it that really textured look now it's faded. The ‘Good for Life' campaign ran from the 20s up until the late 40s. The chances are then that this advert has been around for at least 70 years. The shot was taken in Commanche, Oklahoma.

Colgate

Photo: Tony the Misfit

This octagonal Colgate clock is located in Jersery City and faces Manhattan. Built in 1924 it harks back to when factories were prevalent on the waterfront. The structure is huge, the face measures a whopping 50 feet across with the hands measuring a respective 25 and 20 feet in length. Despite the size of the clock the mechanism is that of a traditional clock that you might find hanging on the wall in a house, however it is powered by 28 huge batteries. The factory that the clock was part of has long gone, demolished in fact, yet the clock remains and still stands on area of real estate due for redevelopment. What happens to the Colgate clock is as yet undecided.

Coca-Cola

Photo: Caveman Chuck Coker

If ever there was a logo synonymous with old signs it is that of Coca-Cola. The logo is ubiquitous globally and has been for many decades, populating the commercial landscape of the West and spreading ever further East. This example was photographed in Mexico and as with the Dr. Pepper example has been placed straight on to brick, giving that wonderful authentic vintage aesthetic.

7-Up

Photo: kevin dooley

It seems fizzy drinks manufacturers dominate the logo sign landscape. This one for 7-Up was snapped at the Sleepy Dog House Bisbee Arizona. The vintage tin sign is an ever-popular decorative feature for those with a penchant for the 50s and this one has the authenticity value given by a thick coating of rust. It also has some very hip typography, "You Like It.. It Likes You".