Barstools, Brick Walls, and Bold Tees

We thought outside the box and leaned into the 36-year legacy of this neighborhood staple. The first thing you see when arriving is the storefront — a classic mix of brick walls, large windows glowing with neon beer signs, and the unmistakable vibe of a true local bar. We abstracted that scene into a bold, simplified one-color graphic, capturing the essence of the place without overcomplicating it. The result is a design that feels both timeless and wearable — rooted in the real but reimagined for merch.

To complement the detailed storefront illustration, we developed a simpler, secondary one-color design focused solely on the name. Using a script font inspired by the style of the original signage, we extended the tail of the “S” into a flowing banner that underlines the name and features the text “St. Louis, MO.” This version offers flexibility in application — perfect as a small chest print to pair with the larger back graphic, or scaled up for a bold front-and-center look. It opened the door for more styles, placements, and garment color options while staying true to the brand’s roots.

Finally, we wanted to introduce a more expressive and visually dynamic piece. We selected a striking sunset photo taken from the Smitty’s patio and applied a posterized treatment to enhance contrast and bring out the mood. The script banner logo was layered across the image, intentionally extending beyond the photo’s edges to create energy and visual tension. This design brought a bold, lifestyle-driven feel to the collection, especially when paired with both neutral and vibrant garment colors that echoed the warmth and tone of the sunset itself.