I've frequented the One-Stop around the corner from the garage for years. Growing up, it was known as the sketchy gas station amongst my friend group. Despite its offputting exterior, it has been a steady source of income for some of the nicest gas station attendants in the area. You’ll find patrons mid-bustle at any given time, whether to buy cigarettes or gas, try their luck at the slots or scratch-offs, or resupply their mainstay brew.
The used appliance and repair shop next door has recently been vacated, but the block now boasts one of the best Dominican barber shops in Gwinnett. If you’re looking to burn a different kind of cigar, you can also find refuge at the Blue Corner smokeshop adjacent to the One Stop.
For years, this establishment has been the only 24-hour gas station along this side of Lawrenceville Highway. While others have now tried to copy the stylo, none can beat the familiarity and friendliness of the Original One Stop.
Design-wise, the One Stop features the late 20th-century version of the Valero logo. I find this logo more cohesive and striking than the update issued in 2019 by Atlanta-based firm, Antista Fairclough. Apparel design emphasizes legibility, which lends itself to bold text and all-caps (otherwise a faux pas in design circles). The negative space below the yellow band in Valero's iconic "V" was the only logo feature that had to be recreated. While it would be possible to substitute a white line beneath the gold band, it is important to remember that "Shadows are not white," so some rudimentary tracing sufficed.
Printers should relish the chance to retrofit missing colorways to their customers' art libraries. Doing so provides clients with a trusted vendor to match their business's brand identity.
Words, images, and print by IG Short