Coos Brewing
A craft brewery brand rooted in Coös County... the northernmost, most heavily forested corner of New Hampshire.
The Role | Brand/Marketing Designer
After first hiring me to develop their branding, C.B.C. decided to hire me as their marketing designer since they were impressed with my work and expertise. I'm responsible for producing the art and designs for the cans, products, signage, and promotional marketing materials for the entire brewery. We were listed as one of the best new brewers in New England and featured in the New Hampshire magazine.
The Challenge
Designing a logo for Coos Brewing Company posed a thrilling challenge, one that demanded striking the perfect balance. Our objective was to craft a premier logo, mark, and brand identity that resonated with the vibrant community of young craft beer enthusiasts, yet remained approachable to the everyday beer drinker.
Situated in the heart of Colebrook, NH—an industrious town embraced by nature's beauty, nestled between majestic mountains, flowing rivers, and sprawling forests along the Canadian border—the brewery's essence is deeply tied to its locale. The client envisioned a brand that 'popped' and an icon that adhered to modern design trends while seamlessly conversing with the local community.
Incorporating the distinctive local culture into a contemporary design, we meticulously worked to capture the spirit of this picturesque town within the aesthetics of the brand. It was an endeavor to craft a visual identity that not only reflected the vibrant energy of the brewery but also spoke intimately to the community it serves. The result is a logo that is both a toast to modernity and a nod to the timeless beauty of Colebrook, New Hampshire.
Inspiration
It took some time to ascertain the perfect direction for Coos Brewing Company's branding. Eventually, we were inspired by the owner's strong connection to pine cones, which led us to settle on this symbol. We delved into various creative concepts, considering the fusion of glasses, pine cones, and beer to encapsulate a unified idea.
Narrowing Down the Scope
After the client selected their preferred design concept, the brewery owner expressed immense enthusiasm for a specific idea, providing me the opportunity to refine and narrow down the focus. This concept resonated deeply with him, allowing me to intricately fine-tune the details.
Incorporating a creative twist, I decided to embed a hidden 'C' within the logo using vibrant orange pine cone chips, elevating the design further and solidifying the owner's excitement. With this final touch, I gained the green light to proceed at full throttle.
The chosen orange and black color combination captivated the owner, setting the stage for the next phase—developing the can designs and building the core brand experience. It was time to infuse life into the brand, translating this captivating vision into the tangible essence of Coos Brewing Company.
Hitting the mark
After the owners of Coos Brewing Company selected the design that resonated most with them, they found the chosen icon and typography to be truly iconic. With that foundation settled, I eagerly proceeded to expand the brand, playing with a palette of vibrant colors and exploring various creative variants.
Illustration
With the branding solidified, the next step was to adorn the cans with captivating artwork. Opting to collaborate with a local illustrator, we envisioned a beautiful wood scene that would be the centerpiece. Incorporating this art not only completed the can design but also extended seamlessly to other marketing materials, providing a cohesive and alluring brand identity for Coos Brewing Co.
Expanding the brand
As the brewery continued to grow and stores began stocking our beer, we were filled with elation. The owners were eager to expand their offerings, venturing into a new line of beers, growlers, and merchandise.
New Hampshire Magazine
