13 October 2009

Neon Typography

I thought it would be interesting to look at a cross section of neon typography from one location. The examples below are all from the Can Company in Canton.


This parking sign has a lot of personality for something that seems to have been slapped together to fulfill a basic function. Each syllable runs slightly uphill, having the effect of breaking the sign into two words: PAR KING. I also like that it says RARKING, because the stroke off of the P isn't completely blacked out.


This sign for a tanning salon has a lot going on typographically. “Electric” is all lowercase in an extended typeface that calls to mind wiring or circuitry. “Rays” is upper and lower case in a retro script typeface reminiscent of the Ray Bans logo. Finally, “Tanning Salon” is all caps in a typeface similar to the “electric” typeface, but less extended.


The LensCrafters sign is a simple neon version of their logotype.



Saving the best for last, this is the sign above a side door near the bar area of the Austin Grill. The typeface has a Western feel that communicates the TexMex vibe of the restaurant. The letterforms remind me of rope, and I particularly like the curlicue on the exclamation point.

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