I've always enjoyed the visual language of the small, disposable matchbook cover. I don't collect them, it seems pointless, but I am never not astounded by the striking imagery and visual appeal of a really good matchbook cover design. It's a pay-for-production job, undoubtedly, at least when matchbook cover design was an important part of a business's image. Before the internet, it was a marketing tool to spread the word around about your establishment. Even if it didn't reflect the decor of your bar or business, a striking logo or enticing image would draw folks to check out your place. And for the designer, it was a task with substantial limitations; you had to keep the colors few, the lettering readable and the image obvious. Too fancy and it would be cost prohibitive, too noisy and it wouldn't be legible, too dull and it wouldn't be worth the cost of the overhead.
I highly recommend checking out this flickr album of vintage matchbook covers from around the world, put together by Jane McDevitt. It features over 2900 quality scans of vintage matchbooks from around the globe, containing some of the most beautiful spot illustrations you might find anywhere. Definitely worth a perusal!
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