More Than Just a Sign
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Arby's started in 1964.
As a designer, I generally do not like coming up with a logo for a spanking new company.
A new company needs to figure out their stuff. They need to figure out processes and goals for the overall company. They are in the letsfigureutout phase. That means the logo is essentially a bookmark. Just a design you stick on things until you , ummm, figure it out.
As a brand refresherizer (that's what I am going to call it), I come in, strategize with where the established company has been and where it wants to go. The process is almost akin to psychoanalyzing a person. I need to really get into the weeds of what/who is the company. Only then, can I create a logo brand package that will go in the right trajectory.
As for Arby's, they have a fascinating story for their logo. They started with their giant hat and a fully written name. Over time, it was shortened to ARBY'S. This is quite clever since the acronym says it all.
A new logo was created, the hat remained. Now in 2012, Arby's got caught up in the sans serif logo trend. They created their logo in a sterile logo font (I love the font, NOT for their logo). This was a great example of the design firm no reading the room. They went with something that was trend heavy and not pertinent to the brand.
Lucky for me, there is an Arby's that has the original hat and long form logo. I remember this original branding as a kid and I was always amazed at just how big this damn hat was. I loved the kitschy-ness of it and I filed it away into my future sign making brain space.
Fast forward to today, when you can rarely see a creative sign, nevermind a classic, still in working condition sign. In South Knoxville, I pass by this one often and always sigh a relief that it is still there, yet worried that it could be any day that it is taken down.
I've been painting a lot of signs lately. Not THE signs, but creating watercolor paintings of signs that I see in the wild that have inspired me. This is definitely one. What's it strange to me, though, is that this sign isn't famous for it's nostalgia, but for its surroundings. Like I mentioned, this is in South Knoxville. A place that is exploding with fast growth, it can barely keep up.
Somehow, it is nestled within a hillside that is covered in kudzu, the crazy invasive plant eating up the south. It makes this Arby's look like it is in a Jungle. Like somehow, there is a tribe of Amazonian people that will be walking up to it, any minute, loin clothes and all.
But nope. This is in a city.
Thus making this an epic Arby's. I couldn't NOT paint this sign. It is so cool, I am not sure what sign will be next for my painting endeavors.
You can check out others on my site in the greeting card section. And now, this one is there, too.
This blog was written 100% by human brain power AND my slow typing. I hope you enjoy today's thoughts and grammar errors. At least they are my own. Oh, and don't forget to order a card. The world needs more cards in circulation.
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