Keys to creating great “retro” style design

The most important component is understanding and defining the period you are choosing to draw from and the context of that historical time.

A common mistake I see is blended periods, which can equal a blended message. If you are drawing from a 1920’s Art Nuevoux theme with it’s Victorian influences, don’t mix that with a 1940’s Art’s & Crafts theme, with it’s background in modernism. While there is some crossover, one should have a general knowledge of periods, movements, and influences before mucking about in them.

You might not want to use a modern 1960’s ad agency style font with a 1940’s graphic.

The 1800’s cowboy was far different from the 1950’s cowboy. Pecos Bill and Steve McQueen were very different culturally.

1800’s steam-punk is not 1900’s industrialization although they are are related.

Creative license and juxtaposition are great tools, but should be exercised out of knowledge not ignorance.

Research resources:

Thrift stores or antique stores. Museums. Books from bookstores or the library. Historic film like A&E, The History Channel or PBS. And of course the ever growing Internet.