Retr-O-Cream aims to brand a business that functions as an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with indoor seating where customers can comfortably enjoy their ice cream. The shop makes purchasing ice cream an event and creates the experience of 1950s retrofuturism. Since retrofuturism implies the use of technology, it can help people adapt to new lifestyles, such as the vegan lifestyle.
From a design standpoint, the shop evokes the future as imagined in the 1950s with a minimal color palette, extended use of geometric forms, strong diagonals, and use of sleek metal chrome finish and various futuristic objects like robots and spacecraft as decor.
Logo
The logo for Retr-O-Cream is the visual representation of an ice cream cone that symbolizes traditional ice cream shops and a robot head that symbolizes advancements in technology that ties with the ideals of retrofuturism.
The logo mark is divided into four distinct pieces: the electric current, the drip, the cone, and the scoop. All of the rounded edges are based on circles. The angled lines are at a 45° angle.
Style guide
TYPOGRAPHY: Mekanik was explicitly chosen to capture the distinctiveness of the brand. This typeface embodies a futuristic feeling gracefully presented in this retro type's stoic design. As secondary typefaces, Eurostile and Franklin Gothic help complement the structure of Mekanik.
COLOR: The concept behind the colors for the brand is derived from various inspirations. These inspirations are tied to a color's specific relationship with an item. For example, red is reminiscent of the traditional American 1950s diners. Following this mechanic, all of the 12 colors of the brand were chosen.
The brand style guide for Retr-O-Cream carefully examines the proper usage of the various elements that make up the brand. With a distinctive look at the company's core values, the guide helps ensure that the brand and the way it is presented is always professional, consistent, and distinctively Retr-O-Cream. Download the full style guide here.
Collaterals
Above are promotional posters of three of the company's twelve flavors. These posters were 36" x 24" in length, resembling the popular size used in both subway platforms and bus stops.
A website was developed for the public to understand meaningfully why Retr-O-Cream stands for what it is. The website gives an insight into its humble beginnings and what sets them apart from other ice cream parlors around the area. You can visit the full website here.
The video above shows real-size 3D-rendered mockups of the ice cream shop. The renderings show the audience how the brand can be applied to all aspects of the store, including furniture, serving counters, and wall decor.
Installation Photos
