Today's blog post branched off of my Cafe Interior post from Saturday (below). As I was picking out my cafe colors, textures and furnishings, I began to imagine what sort of a brand I would want throughout my cafe/shop. Would it be a cute polka-dotted strategy of whimsy? A modern streamlined approach? Ponder, ponder.
Branding :: creating a unique name and image for a product/company in the consumers' mind, mainly through advertising campaigns with a consistent theme. Branding aims to establish a significant and differentiated presence in the market that attracts and retains loyal customers.
For some reason, my mental journey of "branding" for the cafe started with the signage on the restroom doors. I began to sketch different graphics, but this sketch-session strayed further from the cafe to more of a "what would this bathroom door say about the establishment?"-session.
Here are my concepts, their applications and what kind of an establishment in which they may be seen.
What? Unique/Artsy :: bright-colored decal applied to a funky door that has a bold pattern.
Where? A hip local clothing store or cafe/coffee shop; comic book shop or record store.
What? Realistic :: decal printed to contrast door color
Where? Classy spa/wellness center or gym; where there is focus on the body
What? Whimsical :: wooden door; laser-cut bright-colored acrylic bows; face circles are set in the wood - stained a different color than the rest of the door.
Where? A cafe/coffee shop/hangout where customers have thick-rimmed glasses, and dress like Zooey Deschanel.
What? Metaphoric :: sand-blasted (deep) on frosted glass window set in a dark-stained wooden door in a mood-lit bathroom hallway
Where? Classy lounge bar/restaurant
What? Modern Twist :: laser cut from stainless steel; mounted onto dark wooden door.
Where? Trendy, modern office/studio or restaurant.