BRIEF HISTORY - 06.26.17
Locals refer to it as Vince's Hotdog Stand, but it's legal name is Vince's West Elm Drive In. I grew up less than 2 miles from it and was hired as a car hop at 14 years old back in '86, making $1.25 p/h, plus tips.

It's one of those classic drive-in type restaurants, you pull up in your car, you are greeted by a girl who takes your order, who then brings it out on a tray, resting it on your window. When you're done, you honk your horn or flash your lights and the girls collects the tray.

It was, and still is, family owned and operated, residing on the South side of the River Raisin in Monroe, Michigan, and are best known for their chili dogs and root beer.

The building, signage and menu signs have not changed since I worked there, back in 1986. But when I visit home, Vince's is a must-stop.

STYLE / VISION / CONCEPT

Three things I want to place emphasis on when sketching:
1.) Family-Owned – focus on a hand-lettered, stylized, some-what calligraphic lettering since the actual name of the restaurant is the name of a family member.

2.) Est. 1955 – Reference retro signage from hotels, restaurants, road signs that call to attention to a less digitized, but hand-made age; consider retro elements of the time to retain a historical feel.

3.) Nostalgia – This is an iconic restaurant in this town; change is brought on very slowly in my hometown; give more life to the name of this hometown favorite. VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 1 - student project

MOODBOARD - 06.26.17

Pulled reference from 3 sources: 1.) restaurant signage that are retro-inspired 2.) car emblems given this is a drive-in and 3.) Italian-inspired design since that is the family's ethnicity.

VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 2 - student project

SKETCHES

Began sketching today…I tend to favor mostly lower caps, with the V as an upper cap. Pulling ideas from old signage and car emblems to lean in the direction of a drive-in.

Any thoughts on which one(s) you find you are drawn to is appreciated. I plan to work up a few more ideas before choosing a direction.

VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 3 - student project

07.07.17 - More Sketches / Variations from initial sketches

VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 4 - student project

07.11.07 - Final Logotype
Initially I liked the sketch above that was on a curve and began working on that version. But as I continued refining, I found the logotype worked better on an angle with the secondary text.

VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 5 - student project

VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 6 - student project

VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 7 - student project

VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 8 - student project

VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 9 - student project

VINCE'S HOTDOG STAND - image 10 - student project

Stefanie Calkins Wolfe

Graphic Designer / Photographer

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