Retro Design Revival

Nostalgia: The retro revolution that Gen Z loves. In an era dominated by AI, the metaverse, and digital overload, nostalgia is fascinating Gen Z, they falling head over heels for vintage aesthetics. Nostalgia, with its rich colors, handcrafted details. From the neon-drenched 80s to the arty warmth of the 20s, the "good old days" are making a grand return, not just as a memory, but as a powerful marketing strategy. Psychology wise, why nostalgia Works? In times of uncertainty, young consumers often gravitate toward nostalgia as a source of comfort and stability. The past represents a perceived simpler and more secure time, even for those who didn’t personally experience it. Nostalgia provides a reassuring escape from today’s fast, unpredictable world, offering a sense of familiarity and belonging. → The power of composition. Old-school advertising excelled in composition, borrowing from classic photography. Designers used dynamic diagonals, balanced focal points, and rhythmic patterns to create engaging visuals. Unlike rigid modern layouts, these compositions feel organic and immersive, making ads stand out in today’s cluttered landscape. →The collage effect. Before digital manipulation, advertisers combined photography, drawing, painting, and collage to create layered, tactile visuals. This hands-on approach added depth and character, inspiring brands today to blend traditional artistry with modern techniques for unique, engaging designs. →The drama of contrast and shadows. Vintage posters were masters of chiaroscuro—the dramatic interplay of light and dark. Bold contrasts, deep shadows, and intense highlights gave ads a cinematic quality that modern minimalism often lacks. By reintroducing these techniques, brands can add depth and drama to their visual storytelling, making their products feel more evocative and timeless. →Handcrafted authenticity. A defining feature of retro advertisements was the presence of the artist’s hand. From hand-painted posters to expressive brushstrokes, these pieces carried a unique personality and warmth. In an age where everything is automated and pixel-perfect, a return to the imperfect yet deeply personal touch of vintage artistry can help brands stand out, particularly in the luxury and niche markets. The Takeaway… The past is more than just a memory, it’s an inspiration. By embracing the aesthetics and techniques of vintage advertising, brands can create compelling, emotionally resonant campaigns that appeal to Gen Z’s love for authenticity and nostalgia. In a world where digital fatigue is real, tapping into the charm of retro design offers a refreshing and highly effective way to connect with new audiences. Find my curated search of examples and get inspired for your next HIT! Featured Brands: Chanel Cutex Dior Max Factor Maxi Natural Wonder L’Oreal Voge #beautybusiness #beautyprofessionals #beautyadvertisement #beautycommunication #GenZ #nostalgia

Draw Them In! Illustrated packaging is breaking through the bland. Brands are waking up to the fact that fact that killer illustrations aren't just for kids or quirky startups. Art meets commerce, and creativity is the new currency Even the most analytical brands are leaning into creativity, using illustration as a shortcut to standing out. In a sea of sameness, looking like everyone else is a death sentence. We're in a creative economy. People don't just buy products; they buy into brands that feel human, expressive, and different. And in a world of clean lines and over-sanitised branding, illustration brings something no AI-generated gradient ever could... personality. Hand-drawn typography, sketch-like graphics, and cartoonish characters don't just look good. They create an instant connection, a visual hook that sticks in people's minds long after they've left the shelf. Look at Lilk. The plant-based milk brand could have played it safe, but instead, it took a risk. Designer Leena Kisonen's revamp ditched the usual sterile aesthetic, pulling from classic UK milk cartons to create something familiar yet fresh. Proof that plant-based doesn't have to mean beige. Illustration conveys a brand's message in a heartbeat. It sets the mood, tone, and personality before a single word is read. Remember the saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words"? It's true. Take Lilk's chubby cloud logo. It's hand-drawn and inspired by the phrase "a cloud of milk in your tea." Adds a personal touch that screams care and warmth. And it's not just food brands catching on. Even tech companies, once obsessed with sleek product shots and cold minimalism, are turning to illustration to add warmth, break the corporate stiffness, and actually connect with people. As digital-first branding takes over, illustration is only becoming more important. Whether it's minimalist line work or full-blown character-driven storytelling, it's one of the fastest ways to stand out while everything else blends into the background. Illustration isn't just decoration. It's branding at its most instinctive. Ready to make a statement? The pen is in your hand. Which brands illustrate this best? 📷Leena Kisonen

Urban Alchemy: Weaving Past and Future in Urban Design" Picture a bold urban revolution where the intricate blue metalwork and glass of avant-garde design clash and merge with the vibrant, historic architecture of Al Balad. This concept dares to sparks a dynamic dialogue, Envisioning a fractal art nouveau structure erupting amidst traditional wooden balconies, crowned with lush greenery where people gather to sip coffee under the shade of palm trees. This isn’t just design; it’s a manifesto for a future where cultural heritage and futuristic innovation are inextricably linked, challenging us to rethink the boundaries of urban spaces. Design Trick, Here’s a pro tip: To achieve this seamless blend of old and new, use a "layered contrast" technique. Start by identifying key historical elements and juxtapose them with sleek, modern materials (such as blue metalwork). Introduce fractal patterns to create visual continuity between the two styles. Use greenery as a unifying element, softening the transition and adding ecological value. This approach not only preserves cultural identity but also pushes the boundaries of contemporary design, making it a masterclass in architectural fusion.

[NOTE: PDF link below] Ollie Johnston’s lecture emphasizes that great animation stems from thinking like an actor, not just a draftsman. Every drawing must serve the story and reveal something specific about the character’s emotion or intent. He encourages animators to go beyond the superficial and ask, “What is the character thinking?”—as thought drives believable movement. Timing and rhythm are central: actions must have clarity, contrast, and variety, with strong anticipations and follow-throughs that express personality. Simplicity is key—poses should be readable in silhouette, and gestures should communicate clearly even without dialogue. Johnston advises working from the inside out, building animation on solid emotional beats and well-observed physical action. He warns against over-animating or cluttering scenes with unnecessary motion, which can dilute meaning. Instead, restraint and specificity bring characters to life. He also stresses the value of planning—using thumbnails and careful breakdowns to shape the flow of each scene before committing to full animation. Above all, Johnston insists that animators must care deeply about their characters. Emotional sincerity, rather than technique alone, is what gives animation lasting impact. It’s not about moving drawings—it’s about making the audience believe they’re watching a living, feeling being unfold on screen. https://lnkd.in/gRU-42Mz

Master the 12 Principles of Animation. If you want your animations to come to life, these 12 timeless principles are your guide. Introduced by Disney’s legendary animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, they’ve shaped the art of animation for decades. Here’s a quick breakdown: 1. Squash & Stretch: Add weight and flexibility to your objects for a realistic and dynamic feel. This principle gives the illusion of mass and elasticity, which is crucial for creating lifelike movements. 2. Anticipation: Anticipation prepares the audience for an action, making movements more engaging. It helps convey what is about to happen, enhancing the overall storytelling. 3. Staging: Make every scene visually clear; let the audience know where to focus. Effective staging ensures that the main action is easily understood and visually appealing. 4. Straight Ahead & Pose to Pose: Combine spontaneity and planning using fluid and structured animation methods. This allows animators to create dynamic sequences while maintaining control over key poses. 5. Follow Through & Overlapping Action: Actions don’t stop abruptly—parts like hair or cloth continue moving after the main motion. This principle adds realism by showing how different elements react to movement. 6. Ease In & Ease Out: Smooth transitions in motion create natural and pleasing movement. This principle emphasizes that objects accelerate and decelerate, enhancing the believability of actions. 7. Arcs: Most natural actions follow a curved path, so use arcs for lifelike animation. Arcs help create fluid motion, making animations appear more organic. 8. Secondary Action: Add subtle movements that support the main action, enhancing storytelling. Secondary actions enrich the narrative by providing additional context and depth. 9. Timing: Control the speed of actions to show emotion and realism. Proper timing can greatly affect how an audience perceives movement and emotion in animation. 10. Exaggeration: Push your poses and movements for a stronger visual impact—stay believable but bold. Exaggeration can enhance comedic effects or dramatic moments in animation. 11. Solid Drawing: Master the basics of form, weight, and volume for professional-looking animation. A strong understanding of drawing fundamentals is essential for creating believable characters. 12. Appeal: Make your characters and scenes visually captivating—audiences connect with charm! Characters should be designed in a way that draws viewers in, making them relatable or intriguing. 🌟 Whether you’re just starting or refining your craft, these principles are your secret sauce for animations that captivate and inspire. Which principle do you find the most exciting or challenging? Let me know below! ⬇️ #AnimationPrinciples #12PrinciplesOfAnimation #MasterAnimation #AnimationTips #LearnAnimation #CreativeJourney #AnimationBasics #BringCharactersToLife #AnimationInspiration #MotionDesign #AnimatorLife #DigitalArt #ArtOfAnimation

Charles Eames, the mid-century design icon, was born on this day in 1907. The husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames was one of the most influential industrial design partnerships of the mid-20th century. In the early 1940s, using a homemade vacuum pressure bag, nicknamed the Kazam machine, they began experimenting with plywood lamination to form organic curves for seating furniture and other applications. . They soon envisioned a lightweight and strikingly biomorphic plywood leg splint for the United States Navy, which they put into production in 1942. Their splints created from wood veneers, which they bonded together with a resin glue and shaped into compound curves using a process involving heat and pressure allowed medical workers to pass cloth through the split and secure the patient’s leg. The United States government contracted the Eameses for 200,000 leg splints, a deal that gave the couple access to the latest developments in synthetic glues and plywood production, as well as a significant boost to their business. . Charles and Ray Eames, Leg Splint, 1941-1942, Carnegie Museum of Art, Gift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor.

I’m immersed in some mid-century modern design study today. TVs of the 1950s had some consistent design qualities. First, notice that every manufacture delivered their units on pedestals rather than the notion of mounting a TV to the wall like a piece of art today. Second, the design was more furniture grade and style conscious. Just like furniture in your home, the television furniture was a personal statement, reflecting your personality. The tech was intended to dissolve into the space as a common household item. And lastly, notice the use of materials including wood, fabric, and finish variety, which allowed each piece to distinctly stand out. Consideration of sound quality was accelerating, and these pieces were expected to last for many many years. The manufacturing leaders of the day included Philco, Zenith, RCA, Sparton, and Muntz to name a few. Many of these companies either don’t exist today or possibly names. You have never heard. The era was in the evolution of the television as a household item. Striking the balance between functionality and aesthetic while serving its purpose of Entertainment delivery. #television #history #interiordesign #av #hometechnology

Mario 🤝 Pringles 10/10 Nostalgia ads. Smart brands are betting BIG on nostalgia. Do you remember Poppi's 2024 Super Bowl ad? Dripping with Y2K references? It melted the internet... - Most watched ad reaching 29.1 million households - Website sales literally 10Xd that day - Grew IG engagement by 250% But what about for regular ad flights? That aren't big game ads? Check this out: 🧵 NOSTALGIA AD PERFORMANCE DATA (2024 research by Ipsos & Nielson) There are THREE distinct types of "Nostalgia Marketing" 1️⃣ CONNECTION Renault brought back their original 90s ad characters in "Papa Nicole", a campaign that drove a 52% increase in purchase consideration within just three months. Connect your audience by bringing back OG characters. 2️⃣ COMFORT KFC saw a 3 - 5% lift in revenue growth per campaign cycle with their nostalgic ads for "Chicken Town." The nostalgia play here was tapping into the "comfort" of old times profiling the Colonel and their brand history. Bring consumers comfort by revisiting your brand roots. (It triggers an emotional response in people) 3️⃣ BLEND FUTURE AND PAST Crayola ran a "Colors of the World" campaign which blended nostalgia with progressive values based on data that 44% of UK folks would prefer to have "grown up when their parents were children." They exceeded their revenue projections by 8X driving over 2 billion impressions in their first six weeks. Remix past and present. 👀 BONUS: NICHE YOUR NOSTALGIA BY GEOGRAPHY In the UK, personal nostalgia (ex: individual memories) drives higher brand love, while in India, historical nostalgia (ex: collective cultural memories) performs better. 📌 TLDR; There's massive opportunity with nostalgia. Only ~10% of global ads tap into it. But nostalgia generates lift. A fairly consistent + 3 to 5% per campaign cycle. Nostalgic ads using a brand's history or heritage get 8% higher brand attention. -- 👋 P.S. Making "retro" looking ads is only ONE part. Nostalgia is a larger emotional strategy. Not just a design style. Your bigger goal should be to reconnect consumers with specific emotional memories that you can tap into to drive purchase behavior. Just like this Mario & Pringles partnership. Incredibly smart creative.

Mid-Century Modern Revival: Blending Timeless Design with Modern Aesthetics The mid-century modern design is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, and it's not hard to see why. Characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and functional beauty, mid-century modern elements are being seamlessly integrated into contemporary interiors, creating spaces that are both stylish and timeless. Why the Comeback? Mid-century modern design offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Its emphasis on functionality, minimalism, and natural materials resonates with today's design ethos. Here's how to incorporate mid-century modern elements into your modern spaces: 1. Clean Lines and Organic Shapes: Opt. for furniture with clean, straight lines and gentle curves. Think of iconic pieces like the Eames lounge chair or a sleek, low-profile sofa. These designs bring a sense of elegance without overwhelming the space. 2. Natural Materials:   Use materials like wood, leather, and metal to add warmth and texture. A teak dining table, walnut sideboard, or leather armchair can anchor a room while maintaining a natural, organic feel. 3. Functional Design:  Mid-century modern is all about practicality. Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes or offers clever storage solutions. A credenza with hidden compartments or a coffee table with built-in shelves can be both stylish and functional. 4. Bold Colors and Patterns: Incorporate pops of color and bold patterns to add visual interest. A bright orange chair, a patterned rug, or geometric wallpaper can energize a space and pay homage to the playful spirit of the mid-century era. 5. Statement Lighting   Light fixtures are crucial in mid-century modern design. Go for iconic designs like Sputnik chandeliers, arc floor lamps, or pendant lights with a retro flair. These pieces not only illuminate but also serve as focal points. 6. Blending with Modern Elements:  To create a cohesive look, balance mid-century pieces with modern elements. Pair a vintage wooden sideboard with a contemporary abstract painting or mix a retro chair with a minimalist coffee table. This blend keeps the design fresh and relevant. Embracing mid-century modern design allows you to create interiors that are not only beautiful but also timeless and functional. It's about finding the perfect balance between old and new, classic and contemporary. How are you incorporating mid-century modern elements into your designs? Share your experiences and let's inspire each other! #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #MidCenturyModern #DesignRevival #ModernAesthetics #TimelessDesign #FunctionalBeauty #DesignTrends #HomeInspiration #IconicDesign #BlendOfOldAndNew

Yesterday started just like another Thursday in April — and ended with three masterclasses in football branding, retro storytelling, and cross-sport creativity. ‣ Each came from a different angle. ‣ Each targeted a different emotion. ‣ Together, they reflect how clubs are diversifying brand strategy through product design. Let’s break it down 👇 𝟏. 🕰️ 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐱 𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐬 – 𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟗/𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎 ‘𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤’ 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁: Retro brand marketing done right adidas brought back the iconic home and away kits from Real Madrid’s 1999/2000 season — the year they won their 8th Champions League title. The campaign blends nostalgia, fashion, and fan memory. • Classic “Teka” sponsor, gold details, navy collar • Full collection includes retro track jackets and pants • Launched with legends like Casillas, Morientes, Guti and lifestyle creators 💡 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: Real Madrid turns retro into relevance — reminding the world that legacy is a brand asset, not just a chapter in the past. 𝟐. 🏍️ 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢 – 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁: Cross-sport collaboration with a club-loving icon Inter and Nike teamed up with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi to design a jersey that merges football heritage with racing culture — and celebrates Rossi’s lifelong support for the Nerazzurri. • Features Rossi’s iconic “Sun & Moon” symbols • Number 46 stylized to resemble a MotoGP racetrack • Limited edition to be worn during the Serie A match vs Cagliari 💡 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: Inter proves that when a club becomes a canvas for multiple passions, it evolves from a team brand into a cultural brand. 𝟑. ⚓️ 𝐒𝐒𝐂 𝐍𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁: Local identity as global strategy To celebrate the 2,500th anniversary of Naples, SSC Napoli dropped a limited-edition jersey rooted in mythology and cultural memory. Only 2,500 units were produced — one for every year of the city’s history — developed in partnership with EA7 (Emporio Armani). • Inspired by Partenope, the siren tied to Naples’ origins • “Partenopei” replaces the club name on the collar • A visually rich campaign focused on generational heritage 💡 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: This is how a club turns local heritage into a premium narrative with global emotional resonance. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: • Real used memory to sell emotion. • Inter used fandom to create crossover appeal. • Napoli used myth to build identity. 🟡 ⚽ 💼 Interested in Football Business? Check & Follow Football Business Journal! 📸 Adidas, Inter Milan, SSC Napoli #LinkedInSports #SportsMarketing #Fashion #Football #Sports #Business #Marketing #SportsManagement #FootballBusiness #FootballMarketing