Design Process: Zippo Sign

A few of our friends urged me to write a book about my lighter designs and share my design process. While a book might be too much right now, I'm excited to showcase some designs on my blog. Here's our first post on the inspiration for our Zippo Retro Sign design.

I really enjoyed creating this design. It incorporates many elements that I love about Mid Century Modern artwork and Googie architecture...simple shapes, clever use of space and line weight, and interesting color palettes. 

My goal was to create a sign that you would expect to see in Bradford, PA in the late 1950's. The text 'Windproof Lighters' was an easy decision, but I knew I needed one more catchphrase. I found the text 'Distinctively Styled' in a Zippo advertisement from 1948 and it was just what I was looking for!

To create this design, I had to get permission from Zippo to use their name and trademarked flame logo. I was delighted to receive their approval and thrilled with the final results!

This rendition shows the first concept for the background shape and color.

1948 Zippo advertisement with 'Distinctively Styled' text. 

Thank you Andy Handke for showing this photo on your website 😀

The finished design!