’80s Animal Art Motifs

Sandylion stickers from Etsy shop Vintage Sticker Love

If you’re ever tempted to ditch your collection of ’80s stickers, do yourself a favor hang onto these adhesive treasures! Not only are they works of art in themselves, they point to larger art and design trends from the 1980s. In fact, many people have chosen to revive their sticker collections, thanks to vendors like Etsy shop Vintage Sticker Love, which offers an amazing array of ’80s sticker selections.

Above, we see two Sandylion sticker selections, both of which feature prominent outlines for a “stained glass effect.” The bold lines are also a signature ’80s Deco trend, as illustrated by the flamingo sticker (above, left), which is nine inches wide! The pegasus sticker (above, right) is also nine inches wide–these large adhesive items were ideal for decorating windows in the ’80s, as they were transparent. Both selections are from Vintage Sticker Love.

While we’re on the topic of popular ’80s animals, let’s explore the wonders of the flamingo. From the opening credits of Miami Vice to the canvases of many original works of art, these pink birds emerged from a plethora of ’80s design projects. Take the Christopher Cross album cover below (left), with its tropical yet Deco look, much like Miami itself!

Images from Christopher Cross albums

Next we have the photo on the inner sleeve of Cross’ album Another Page (above, right), the cover of which also featured a flamingo. Note how this stylized bird has set the tone of the entire room, from the pink walls and flowers to the lush greenery.

The room in the photo got us thinking about other 1980s motifs… When it comes to the interior design of our favorite decade, there is definitely an exotic quality that regularly emerged. Rattan furniture, tropical vegetation and animal motifs were distinct trends of the time. Even the prominent clouds peeking in from the window in Cross’ album photo were a signature ’80s theme, often showcased in surreal artwork of the era.

Peacock Sandylion sticker from Etsy shop Vintage Sticker Love

Much like the peacock Sandylion sticker shown to the left, the room below is an exotic take on ’80s style. Designed by Moya Bowler, the room displays a cloud mural by Graham Whyte. The photo is by Michael Nicholson, EWA, and it appears in the book Decoration and Design for the 80’s by Pamela Ferguson.

We love the parrot artwork featured on the walls, along with the clouds. Globular pendant lighting illuminates the space, especially the ceiling, which is an extension of Whyte’s artwork. An acrylic coffee table adds drama and clarity to the space–it even seems that there is landscaped greenery inside. Bring on the tropicana! And don’t forget the cane furniture!

An '80s interior designed by Moya Bowler

We end with one more ’80s selection: a Mello Smello scratch and smell sticker featuring a heavily-outlined duck. Don’t worry–the scent is pine, not poultry! The sticker comes from Vintage Sticker Love, who we’d like to thank for making today’s blog post possible. Happy Monday–may it be as wild as the animal life featured today!

'80s Scratch and Smell sticker from Etsy shop Vintage Sticker Love