Hawaii-based lettering and graphic design artist Matthew Tapia has an on-going photography series of signs in Hawaii that feature beautiful type. Majority of the signage that Matthew seeks out happens to be vintage, which is ironic considering he is a modern graphic typographer.
The vintage signs vary from all over the island -- from the North Shore to Waikiki -- and majorly belong to hotels. For example, the Park Plaza hotel's sign includes typographic elements from the 50s and the Waikiki Grand Hotel looks like it could date back to the 80s. Many signs look so ancient that the buildings they belong to may very well be abandoned; they are unkept, rusty or faded.
If you have a love for typography or Hawaiian landmarks, you can keep up with the artist's series on his Instagram account.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Vintage Signage Photography
- Opportunity to create a niche market for vintage sign restoration and preserving typography in modern design.
- Typography in Graphic Design
- Increasing demand for unique typography in modern graphic design with inspiration from vintage signage.
- Cultural & Landmark Preservation
- Encourages and promotes preservation of cultural and historic landmarks in Hawaii through showcasing typography in photography.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Photography
- Can create a new niche in vintage sign photography and preservation.
- Graphic Design
- Can inspire unique typography and design elements from vintage signs in modern digital media.
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Can preserve cultural and historic landmarks by promoting their typography and landmarks with vintage signs.
