Crafting an Award-Winning Brand for Reno’s Newest Culinary Gem, Madein Food & Drink Collective
At Westward Studio, we pride ourselves on helping brands discover and express their unique identities. Our recent project with Madein Food & Drink Collective in Reno has been one of our most rewarding endeavors yet, culminating in an award for "Best in Brand Identity" from the American Marketing Association, Reno Division. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how we brought Madein's vision to life and created an award-winning brand that stands out in the bustling culinary scene of Reno.
Understanding Madein’s Vision
Madein envisioned itself as a neighborhood sanctuary—a place where locals could enjoy everything from a morning cup of coffee to an evening cocktail. This vision of being a community hub, coupled with values rooted in quality, craftsmanship, hospitality, and accessibility, formed the foundation of our brand strategy.
Our Approach: From Concept to Creation
Community Research: We began by diving deep into the local community and neighborhood to understand its dynamics, preferences, and needs. This involved engaging with potential customers and other local businesses to ensure that Madein's brand would resonate with its target audience.
Value Alignment: Ensuring that the brand values—community, quality, craftsmanship, hospitality, and accessibility—were not just words on paper, but principles that would guide every aspect of the brand.
Brand Identity Design
Logo Creation: The primary and secondary logos were designed to embody Madein's ethos. The main logo, with its blend of thick strokes and curved lettering, strikes a balance between strength and warmth, reflecting the welcoming and robust nature of the brand.
Typography and Color Palette: Choosing the right typefaces and colors was crucial. We selected Kobe Regular for headlines to make a bold statement and Inter for body text to ensure readability and a modern look. The color palette—Forged Black, Pine, Potluck Lucky Green, Golden Mead, and Ivory—was chosen to evoke a sense of sophistication and approachability.
Web Design and Development
User Experience (UX) Design: Our web design focused on creating an intuitive, user-friendly experience. The site structure was crafted to guide visitors effortlessly through Madein’s offerings, whether they were looking for a quick coffee fix or planning an evening out.
Visual Design: We ensured that the website mirrored the physical branding, using the same color schemes, typography, and visual elements to create a seamless brand experience.
Photography Collaboration
Partnering with Basin Visual Media: To truly capture the essence of Madein, we partnered with Basin Visual Media. Their expert photography highlighted the handcrafted dishes and the friendly faces behind the counter, bringing the brand to life visually.
Social Media and Marketing Materials
Consistent Branding: From social media posts to marketing collateral, every piece of content was designed to maintain brand consistency. This included using brand colors, fonts, and logos across all platforms.
Celebrating Our Success
Winning the "Best in Brand Identity" award from the American Marketing Association, Reno Division, was a significant milestone for Westward Studio. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our team, and it validates our approach to brand building.
Innovative Design: Our focus on creating a visually appealing and cohesive brand identity set Madein apart in a competitive market.
Community Engagement: By prioritizing community involvement and feedback, we ensured that Madein's brand resonated deeply with its audience.
Holistic Approach: Our comprehensive approach, from brand strategy and identity design to web development and marketing, created a robust and enduring brand.
Looking Forward
At Westward Studio, we are immensely proud of our work with Madein Food & Drink Collective. This project not only allowed us to flex our creative muscles but also reinforced our commitment to crafting brands that truly resonate with their communities. Winning our first award has energized us, and we look forward to many more successful projects in the future.
If you’re looking to build a brand that stands out and connects with your audience, Westward Studio is here to help. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
