Have you ever come across the term "retrofuturism" in the realm of interior design? If not, fret not—let's delve into this captivating concept and discover how you can infuse it into your space.
Retrofuturism Unveiled: Retrofuturism is more than just a design style; it's a creative movement that draws inspiration from past visions of the future. While futurism attempts to predict what lies ahead, retrofuturism embraces the nostalgia of earlier era forecasts. This unique approach melds vintage aesthetics with advanced technology, exploring the interplay between traditional retro styles and futuristic innovations. Key themes include the juxtaposition of past and future, as well as the contrasting impacts of technology—both isolating and empowering.
retrofuturistic depiction of a flying locomotive, visually based on the Nebraska Zephyr, in a dieselpunk style reminiscent of the early 1940s
The Diverse Visual Landscape: The visual style within retrofuturism is remarkably diverse, spanning historical eras from the Industrial Revolution to the early phases of the Internet era. In retrofuturistic art, be it illustrations, designs, books, or movies, we witness a future world envisioned through the lens of past generations. For instance, dieselpunk portrays a dystopian future with war machines reminiscent of World War II technology, reflecting on the 1930s to the 1960s. This genre not only contemplates the futility of war but also delves into the fear of nuclear conflict, espionage suspicions, and fascination with new weaponry.
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Defining Aesthetic Elements: Certain recurring aesthetic elements define retrofuturism across various artworks and designs:
Recognizable Historical Aesthetics: Drawing on familiar styles from the Victorian era to the early digital age.
Nostalgic Atmosphere: Evoking a sense of longing for the past, creating an emotional connection to earlier times.
Focus on Engineering, Science, and Technology: Spotlighting technological advancements and their potential impact on the future.
Radical Future Outlook: Presenting an extreme and speculative vision of what lies ahead, whether optimistically or pessimistically.
Distinctive Typography: Utilizing retrofuturism fonts, often characterized by a mix of geometric and rounded elements.
Color and Contrast: Incorporating faded backgrounds juxtaposed with vibrant and bold colors for added depth and dimension.
Marcante testa. by Francesco Stelitano
Creating Retrofuturism Designs:
The principles governing the retrofuturism aesthetic are highly adaptable, offering creators the means to ponder present-day challenges and contemplate potential futures.
Step 1. Explore Exemplars of Retrofuturism:
Begin your journey by examining various instances of retrofuturism—posters, movies, books, graphic novels, and futurology magazines. Delve deeper into the works of retrofuturism artists, immersing yourself in the aesthetics of the historical eras that influence them.
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Step 2. Clarify Your Interpretation of "Retro":
Pinpoint a historical epoch between the late 19th century and the initial years of the 21st century that captivates you. For instance, 80s retrofuturism often revolves around space exploration and an idyllic existence facilitated by intelligent machines. On the other hand, 1950s retrofuturism typically portrays an atomic and dystopian vision. Artists focusing on how the future was envisioned in the 2000s often delve into themes of cyberspace and the adverse human impact on the environment.
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Step 3. Retrofuturism Color Palette and Mood Board:
Create a retro techno futurism mood board that immerses viewers in the world you intend to show. Use our retro futuristic collection, as well as “Favorites” to create a mood board and save interesting visual concepts for later. If you’re working on a static design or futuristic illustration, after this step, you’re good to go with your own design. And if you plan to produce a complex product, such as a brand identity, mobile app design, or standalone animation series, it’s time to come up with some conceptual drafts.
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Step 4. Idea and Storytelling:
Regardless of whether you are working with 50s retro futurism or the style of the 90s, your story is subject to the general rules of storytelling. You need a hero and a conflict for a cohesive product that will engage your audience. Learn more here: A Brief Guide on Sequential Storytelling. Some good examples of retro futurism in marketing include: Toyota “Back to the Future” commercial featuring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd (2015) and Adidas Originals “Your Future Is Not Mine.” We also recommend watching iconic retro futuristic movies like “Beyond the Black Rainbow” by Panos Cosmatos, “Casshern” by Kazuaki Kiriya, and “Sleeper” by Woody Allen. And if you need more practical examples of how to apply retro futurism, check out architecture and product design featuring this style. For example, “Walden 7” by Ricardo Bofill (Barcelona, Spain) or “Habitat 67” by Moshe Safdie (the Canadian Pavilion for the World Exposition of 1967) belong to 70s retro futurism.
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