Let’s talk about vintage versus retro versus outdated when it comes to designs for your business and what you can do about that.
As always, I start with some definitions:
- Vintage is anything that is 20 years old or older that evokes a sense of nostalgia and is original to the period it comes from.
- Retro is a reproduction, a new piece made to look like the old pieces of the era.
- Outdated is typically less than 20 years old, with no sense of nostalgia. It’s considered past its prime.
Now, what can you do about this? Can you use them in your business? The answer is yes, you can absolutely incorporate these styles into your business. However, if you’re going to go the vintage route, ensure consistency. If only one element looks vintage while everything else is modern or contemporary, it will make the vintage piece look outdated and old, which you want to avoid.
If you choose vintage, go all in — your logo, business cards, flyers, website style, staff uniforms, storefront appearance, and messaging — everything should align with the vintage theme. However, if a full vintage approach isn’t appealing to you, you can use pops of nostalgia. For example, you could use a nostalgic font choice with everything else being corporate, giving it a hint of nostalgia without going full vintage.
Anything else might look outdated, which is not a good idea for a business, especially a service business. Outdated visuals and messaging can lead people to assume you’re not in touch with modern business practices, which can be off-putting.
Ultimately, when it comes to branding your business, it’s a personal choice. You need to make it appealing to your customers, something that differentiates you, helps you stand out and feels authentic to you. If vintage or retro resonates with you and you’re willing to commit to it fully, then go for it, and don’t worry about the naysayers.
That’s all I got right now. Talk to you soon!