Stag Motors: A Retro Logo for a Custom Car Motor Garage

A Tribute to American Muscle Cars and Vintage Design

The inspiration for Stag Motors came from the ornate designs and typography found on rustic tins and canisters of the mid-20th century. Dockins combined this with the concept of American Muscle Cars, incorporating elements of motion and retro colors like muted blue and gold. The result is a logo that exudes a sense of speed and nostalgia.

The typography used in Stag Motors reflects the old-school feel seen on signs and race cars from that era. The choice of blue and gold as the primary colors is a nod to the common color patterns used in race car advertising. The gold stripes on the outside of the logo further emphasize the idea of motion and fast cars.

Creating the Stag Motors logo involved several stages. Dockins began with sketches in a notebook, refining each component until the design was just right. Mood boards were used to draw inspiration and ensure that the overall objectives were being met with each iteration. The final designs were then digitized using Adobe Illustrator, with minor corrections made to perfect the logo in its digital format. The logo was initially completed in black and white, with color palettes applied later to provide a small number of choices.

The Stag Motors logo is a vector-based design, measuring 3600 x 3600 pixels. This digital format allows for easy scalability without compromising visual quality. The logo can be used on various platforms, including business cards, shop doors, and merchandise.

Stag Motors was created by John Dockins of Path Media, based in Ohio, USA. The project took approximately 35 hours to complete, including research, sketching, digital creation, and color application. Dockins drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including 1950s-1960s badges, tins, race cars, and era-specific magazine ads.

The design process for Stag Motors presented several challenges. Dockins had to find a way to combine the complexity of old badge-style logos with the simplicity often seen in race car designs and business logos of that era. Additionally, the logo had to capture a retro look while still conveying a sense of motion associated with fast cars. Dockins also had to ensure that the logo remained legible at any size and distance, as it would be used on various mediums.

Stag Motors is a versatile logo design that encapsulates the spirit of American Muscle Cars and vintage design. Its retro aesthetic and attention to detail make it a perfect fit for a custom car motor garage. With its flexibility and visual appeal, the Stag Motors logo can be proudly displayed on business cards, shop doors, and merchandise.