Redx Studios & Technologies - Case Study: Artisan Cafe Branding

Project Overview

Artisan Brew Co. approached us to create a brand identity that would capture the essence of their new cafe concept - a space dedicated to ethical, sustainably-sourced coffee and food, handcrafted with care and presented with artisanal flair. Founded by two former baristas with a passion for the perfect brew, they needed a brand that would stand out in a competitive market while expressing their commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.

Our task was to develop a comprehensive branding solution that would extend across everything from their logo and signage to packaging, menus, merchandise, and digital presence. The brand needed to appeal to conscious consumers who appreciate craftsmanship and authenticity, while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that would encourage people to linger and become regulars.

Challenges

Market Differentiation

The specialty coffee market is crowded with artisanal cafes. We needed to create a distinct visual identity that would help Artisan Brew Co. stand out from competitors while still appealing to the target demographic.

Balancing Tradition & Modernity

The brand needed to honor traditional craftsmanship while feeling contemporary and relevant, avoiding both overly rustic clichés and sterile minimalism.

Versatile Application

The identity had to work seamlessly across diverse applications - from small coffee cup sleeves to large storefront signage, digital platforms, and various packaging materials.

Communicating Values

The branding needed to clearly convey the cafe's core values of sustainability, quality, and community connection without resorting to obvious visual tropes.

Our Approach

01

Research & Discovery

We began with extensive research into the specialty coffee market, including visits to competing cafes, interviews with target customers, and in-depth conversations with the founders to understand their vision and philosophy. We explored both local cafe culture and international trends to identify opportunities for differentiation.

02

Brand Strategy

From our research, we developed a strategic framework centered around three core brand pillars: "Crafted with Care," "Sustainable by Design," and "Community Connected." We defined the brand personality as warm, authentic, meticulous, and slightly playful, with a strong emphasis on quality and attention to detail.

03

Visual Identity Development

We created a visual language that referenced traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist. The logo combined hand-drawn elements with refined typography, while the color palette was inspired by natural materials like coffee beans, wood, leather, and ceramics. We developed a system of hand-illustrated icons and patterns that could be flexibly applied across different contexts.

04

Materials & Applications

We selected sustainable materials for all physical brand applications - recycled papers, vegetable-based inks, and compostable packaging - to ensure the brand's environmental commitment extended to every touchpoint. Each material was chosen to enhance the tactile experience and reinforce the artisanal quality of the brand.

05

Digital Experience

We extended the brand identity to a simple but effective digital presence, including a responsive website, social media templates, and email marketing materials. The digital experience emphasized beautiful photography of their products, spaces, and people, bringing the warmth of the physical cafe into the digital realm.

Brand Elements

Logo Design

The primary logo features a custom wordmark with subtle irregularities that suggest handcrafted quality, paired with a simple icon of a coffee plant that references the product's origins. We created several lockups and simplified versions for different applications and sizes.

Color Palette

The palette revolves around rich, warm tones inspired by the coffee-making process, from the deep brown of roasted beans to the warm beige of fresh foam, complemented by natural greens and earth tones that reference sustainability.

Rich Roast

#5D4037

Bean Brown

#8D6E63

Cream

#D7CCC8

Leaf Green

#33691E

Typography

We selected a primary serif typeface with uneven edges that references traditional printing methods for headings, paired with a clean, highly legible sans-serif for body text. The combination balances artisanal character with modern clarity.

Graphic Elements

A system of hand-drawn illustrations and patterns featuring coffee plants, brewing equipment, and abstract textures provides flexibility and visual interest across applications. Each element was created to work in both single-color and multi-color versions.

Packaging

Compostable coffee bags with hand-stamped labels and recycled paper sleeves.

Menus

Seasonal menus printed on recycled kraft paper with hand-drawn illustrations.

Signage

Wooden and brass signage with etched logo and brand elements.

Digital Presence

Website and social media templates featuring the brand's warm, artisanal aesthetic.

Results & Impact

The brand identity for Artisan Brew Co. has been instrumental in establishing the cafe's presence in a competitive market. The cohesive system has helped create a memorable experience that extends beyond just the products to encompass the entire customer journey.

85%

Customer brand recognition in local area

42%

Increase in social media engagement

3

Local design awards received

28%

Growth in merchandise sales

Beyond the numbers, the brand has helped Artisan Brew Co. attract partnerships with local food producers and events, establishing it as a community hub. The distinctive visual identity has made the cafe instantly recognizable, fostering strong customer loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion. Six months after launch, the cafe has exceeded its initial business projections and is planning to open a second location.

Working with Redx Studios on our brand identity was a transformative experience. They didn't just create a beautiful visual system—they captured the heart and soul of what makes our cafe special. The brand they developed feels authentic to our vision while giving us a distinctive presence that helps us connect with our community. Our customers constantly comment on how much they love our branding, from our coffee cups to our website, and it's become an integral part of our success story.

Emma Chen

Co-founder, Artisan Brew Co.

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