Mission tobacco lounge (MTL)

Riverside, California 2020

(Logo design, illustration,
hand lettering)

BRIEF:

Create a logo reflecting the rich history of the old tobacco lounge as well as the history of the area while incorporating the local “Raincross” logo. The tobacco lounge turned venue has a basement that opens up into a series of endless tunnels used during the prohibition era.

APPROACH:

I utilized the existing “Raincross” logo as a background and frame and incorporated Orange Blossoms as the area used to be all orange groves. The filigree and line work were slightly inspired by old cigar boxes.

The Raincross symbol has been identified with Riverside since 1907 and variations of the symbol are used throughout Riverside in architecture and it’s even used on the city flag.