GMC Motorhome Art
This page displays some screen images and brief descriptions of work done as a long-time user of Adobe Illustrator.As the newsletter editor and webmaster for GMC Eastern States I’ve created several illustrations based on the GMC’s classic motorhome as well as other artwork to enhance the quarterly newsletter and club’s website. Seldom do I use graphics from other sources. The two images below are samples of the motorhome artwork Byron developed for a presentation by Topeka Graphics at the Fall 2009 rally in Elkhart.
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GMC motorhomes (frame,
drivetrain, engine, and body developed by the GMC truck
division) were produced from 1973 to 1978. During that
period several models were made in the 23-foot and 26-foot
lengths. In the early years the model names referred to
color combinations and interior trim. In the later years of
production, other model names came into being that were
also linked to interior design and treatment as GMC tried
to create a more upscale line while maintaining entry level
models. In the last year of production Coachman Industries
took over completing the interiors while GMC just built the
coaches.
Now that these classics are more than 30 years of age, many
have been repainted and are seeing continued use and
enhancement. For those that want a piece of history,
I’m offering renderings of the model names in the
graphic style of the originals. All artwork was done in
Adobe Illustrator CS4 with photos as templates submitted by
a variety of owners. Low resolution versions of the
graphics are displayed here. High resolution and scalable
versions are available from Byron Songer. By acquiring a
scalable graphic, owners may take the computer files to a
vinyl sign maker and have decals made to replace the
originals on a repainted coach. Of course, if you prefer,
you can also grab the graphics on this web page and use
them to create your own GMC-based stationery.
The GMC logo, as it appeared in
1973 and 1974 was a decal. In later years the logo was done
in chrome-plated plastic lettering.
Also in 1973 and 1974, GMC designated the different models
as 230 and 260 indicating the length of the coach. A 290
was designed but never came to market. These numbers also
appeared as decals with the background color showing
through.
Model names were displayed
under the driver and passenger windows (with some units
having names on the front and rear as smaller decals). GMC
used a unique typeface. The shapes are similar but
different from the Palatino typeface. Lending to a
decorative appeal, swashes, on some characters, are used
instead of the standard serifs. Swashes alter the basic
letter form to give an artistic flair. Of the lettering
I’ve seen, the placement of the Glacier moniker was
probably more unique in that it was placed under the
driver/passenger windows next to the large window.
Over the next month or so, I’ll be adding other model
names including Glenbrook, Palm Beach and Brirchaven and
others as they are made available. Note that the coloring
is provided in these graphics as a representative view and
common color scheme.
Contact Byron Songer if you have any
questions or desire high-quality images. Since great
time and effort has gone into producing these graphics,
a small fee would be appreciated when ordering the
scalable graphics.