Retro vintage has been prevalent in advertising art, and it evokes a nostalgic feel about the time, when the world was not partly digitized and dependent as it is today in computers. Back then, designers had to create the elements of a signage manually without the aid of graphic software that we use now. They had to render and stylize the letters using their own hands or with some tools which at best, pale in comparison with what design software of today can do. They had to literally, create hand painted signs which are not only beautiful, but also catchy as effective ads should be.

With the apparent lack of aid from computer programs, designing back then clearly demands a higher level of skill and dexterity in executing the proposed ideas. Instead of computer screens with action packed video to catch attention, retro signage designs used thin neon light tubes to draw attention. This post is showcasing some excellent examples retro signage designs. You will see that they have perfectly executed typography and shapes.

As a whole, you will see designs that tend to be ornately embellished as opposed to minimalistic approach that can be found in many of modern signages. To see more of designs along this line, you can see some nostalgic retro vintage logos, retro vintage package designs and retro vintage posters. If you find this post useful as a source inspiration help us share it by clicking our social media buttons. Enjoy!

Sam’s Town RV Park

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

Frontier Motel

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

deangelis (delightfully different) donuts

Photo used under Creative Commons from macwagen

Larry’s Mexican Restaurant

Photo used under Creative Commons from Molly Block

Palomino Motel

Photo used under Creative Commons from Jennifer Redsteake

The Florida Motel

Photo used under Creative Commons from greg.turner

Golden Gate Casino

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

Vintage neon signs

Photo used under Creative Commons from Molly Block

Bowling With Weezer

Photo used under Creative Commons from Thomas Hawk

Golden Nugget Gambling Hall

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

Shady Lane Motel

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

south haven

Photo used under Creative Commons from Dystopos

Binion’s Horseshoe

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

El Rancho Boulder

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

Vintage Las Vegas Neon Signs

Photo used under Creative Commons from Roadsidepictures

Longview, Washington

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Cronn

Rio Grande

Photo used under Creative Commons from debaird

Oregon Motor Motel

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

Bell Bouy Crabs

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

Pheasant Grill

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

Old Baskin-Robbins sign

Photo used under Creative Commons from lordog

Motel Hamburg

Photo used under Creative Commons from eriwst

Missionhill Cleaners Laundry

Photo used under Creative Commons from aboutTime

Restaurant Bar Jackpots

Photo used under Creative Commons from waltarrrrr

El Capitan

Photo used under Creative Commons from Curtis Gregory Perry

Model Smoking Tobacco

Photo used under Creative Commons from william couch

The Beer Port 2

Photo used under Creative Commons from the dorsch

Highway 1 Pacifica (North)

Photo used under Creative Commons from miss_rogue

The Empress Jewelry

Photo used under Creative Commons from Bill Lim

A Simpler Time – Mall of America

Photo used under Creative Commons from Roger Penguino

Brauntex Theatre

Photo used under Creative Commons from Molly Block

Vintage Trailer Park

Photo used under Creative Commons from Jeremy Brooks

The City Club

Photo used under Creative Commons from Olivander

Vintage Signage

Photo used under Creative Commons from Atomiq Design

Rexall Drugs

Photo used under Creative Commons from mattgrimm

Macys Liquor Store Sign

Photo used under Creative Commons from monkeyshine

2011 NCAA Women’s Final Four

Photo used under Creative Commons from Kyle Eaker

Vintage neon sign in Grand Prairie, Texas

Photo used under Creative Commons from Molly Block

Parkside

Photo used under Creative Commons from Richard Smallbone

The Arrogant Butcher Wall Mural

Photo used under Creative Commons from TunnelBravo