Script Lettering logos

I found a really compelling site that is essentially a gallery of chrome logos – mostly, but not all from vehicles – chromeography. Here’s a few samples:

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Dodge Panel van

Dodge Panel van

GMC Custom Camper

GMC Custom Camper

This next one’s from eBay, not chromeography – this is the fender emblem from a mid-to-late 70’s Plymouth Fury – I used to have one of these tacked to my leather jacket back when I was a troubled youth.

1975-78 Plymouth Fury Emblem

1975-78 Plymouth Fury Emblem

The thing I like about this style of logo is that it reminds me of ye olden tymes before computers and graphics software, when everyone that went to design school learned hand lettering. Film title screens, posters, print ad headers, logos – you name it – were all done by hand. Nowadays the only time most designers learn the technical aspects of hand lettering is if they get into calligraphy or drafting.

There are, of course, a lot more hand-drawn typography pieces out in recent times given the (relatively) recent trend towards the hand-drawn look, like the kind of work you see on typeveverything or typophile gangsta. I find it charming, but often intentionally anachronistic as the point is to create an “artisanal” effect, probably a response to the hyper-slickness of most corporate branding (I’m looking at you, Apple).

As I’ve mentioned before, I enjoy calligraphy and lettering, so here’s my stab at it working in this style with a bit of an updated approach so as not to look too pseudo-vintage-y :

Ian Rogers - Grey not Grey revisited

Ian Rogers – Grey not Grey revisited

No, I’m not rebranding, just enjoying myself. I don’t think I quite nailed the automotive aspect, it’s bit too fun and pretty – but I bet it would look swell in chrome.

UPDATE:  I found another great collection here via LogoDesignLove. A couple of samples:

Belvedere emblem

Wildcat emblem