INSIDE RETRO METRO
Looking back to look forwards.
Retro Metro believes in looking back to see forward. Or, in the words of Mark Twain:
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes."
Our purpose is to celebrate forgotten brands and the critical transportation solutions they once provided. To promote the important role they once played in supporting and building communities and connecting people in nearly every community.
BRAND RECOVERY
Recovering and recreating lost brands.
Our process begins by research and investigation to find an article that includes a logo or brand identity. These can be from historical era photographs, but often the company's printed materials or tokens are the best source (if available).
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The first photo below shows an actual token used by the Spokane United Railways. Note the prominent logo in the center.
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The second step is to scan and digitize the material and begin the slow and arduous process of replicating patterns and shapes of the logo (or token) as well as rebuilding the font (generally, there are no fonts available that are good matches for these historic typefaces).
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The final step is to create a multi=layered vector art file that allows our design team to test different color themes, add shadows and texture, and make the art suitable for printing.
WHO IS RETRO METRO
Recovering and recreating lost brands.
Marketing and advertising professional Jerry Quinn was inspired by the forgotten businesses and companies that used to once connect neighborhoods in cities across the country.
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While these brands may have been forgotten, Jerry felt it would be useful to give voice to these forgotten brands as both an homage to trend nostalgia trends but, more importantly, to also serve as a reminder that what we think of as progress today, may turn out to be a step backward.
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Jerry uses his graphic design skill to carefully recreate these identities and hopes that you share his enthusiasm for the design, stories, and value that these brands represent.