Carolinian Cafe Branding

DEAD STOCK! Brand identity for Carolinian Cafe & Eatery. Unfortunately not every project can be a winner and this here is one of those times we bow our heads and accept our consolation trophy and move on.

We worked though every iteration and every idea but just couldn't find "the one". It happens, and that's ok. I'm still really pumped on the designs we made and the tricks we learned in the process. Highlighted here on shot 1 is the system I believed in the most. The café is tucked away on the Grand River in a quiet little town surrounded by Carolinian forest. The client wanted a minimal mono-line logo mark. One color was important for reproduction costs for merchandise and paper cups.

I always find it tough when designing with coffee cups. The handle throws the balance off faster than an elephant on a sea-saw. What are your tricks to keeping your balance?

Shot 2 is a compilation of two of about 5 artboards we went through developing ideas. I promise it's organized to me.