Services: Packaging, Branding, Marketing & Web/UI Design
Probably the largest project I’ve worked on to date...but it included much more than your standard brief. Installing electrical outlets, developing training guides, standing in cold, windy rain and chasing down patio umbrellas, for a just a few quirky additional tasks.
the early days
Back in 2015, Cafe Red took its first breath as a bicycle-powered coffee cart, bringing caffeine and community to the streets in a truly mobile fashion. Our original logo embraced a Constructivist-inspired aesthetic, but as we grew, we realized that something a bit friendlier and more inviting was a better fit for our vision. This shift helped shape the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines Cafe Red today.
logo
The logo went through several different changes, until we landed on this final version, Featuring the rays of a sun as well as mountains, which represent both the landscape of the Pacific Northwest as well as the terrain of coffee-growing regions. This is the newest version of our logo, set to roll out in store later this year.
menus
Our menus are designed to be bright, engaging, and—most importantly—easy to read. Each element is crafted to embody the inviting, vibrant spirit of our space. To bring special attention to our signature offerings like Oatnilla!, our ceremonial-grade matcha, and our renowned coffee, I incorporated friendly illustrations that naturally draw the eye to these items.
The orange menus are prominently displayed on the wall near the front counter, creating a warm and welcoming focal point for guests as they order. For special events and evening gatherings, the alcohol menu makes its appearance, offering a tailored selection in a sleek, complementary style.
events marketing
One big need for the area was community space. In a town known famous for some of the world’s biggest names in music, South Seattle had little spaces for young musicians to perform their craft. With the space we had, especailly with the opportunity afforded to us by having a patio, we started open mics and held concerts that prioritized local artists.
packaging design
Like many businesses, the COVID-19 shutdowns led us to rethink aspects of our shop. We began offering our ingredients as products, including coffee beans, house-made syrups, and ready-to-drink cold brew lattes, affectionately named Oatnilla. The packaging continues to feature illustrative elements that bring character and warmth to each product.
website
And of course, we needed a website. We kept it clean, harnessing the power of beautiful photography taken by Jo Cosme to showcase the best of our products.
