BRAND
PROJECT
BRANDING DESIGN FOR FOUR KEY’S BREWING
SUMMARY
I created the branding for Four Keys Brewing, a nanobrewery located inside of the Starling Lounge Coffee Bar in Blissfield, Michigan.
MY ROLE
Branding Design
Print Design
BRAND
PROJECT
BRANDING DESIGN FOR FOUR KEY’S BREWING
SUMMARY
I created the branding for Four Keys Brewing, a nanobrewery located inside of the Starling Lounge Coffee Bar in Blissfield, Michigan.
MY ROLE
Branding Design
Print Design
BACKGROUND
THE REALIZATION OF A DECADE-LONG BREWERY DREAM
Four Keys Brewing is a taproom nano-brewery located within Starling Lounge, a full-service espresso bar in downtown Blissfield, MI. Their beers are brewed and served on-site, offering a diverse tap list with up to ten drafts, including mainstays, one-off styles, and collaborations.
Opened in 2022 by Ben and Lindsey Forche, Four Keys Brewing has quickly become a community gathering spot for beer, coffee, food, music, and more.
The name is more than a play on the pronunciation of their last name, Forche (for·key), it also represents the four key ingredients in beer: water, malt, hops, and yeast.
DESIGN CHALLENGE
CREATE AND DEVELOP THE BRANDING OF FOUR KEYS BREWING
The primary design challenge for Four Keys Brewing was to establish its brand identity within the context of its location inside the Starling Lounge coffee bar. Since the brewery is both situated within and operated by the owners of Starling Lounge, they requested that the starling bird from their existing branding be incorporated into the new design.
Since Four Keys Brewing is both situated within and operated by the owners of Starling Lounge, they requested that the starling bird from their existing branding be incorporated into the brewery’s branding.
RESEARCH
CRAFTING AN IDENTITY: INSPIRATIONAL SOURCES FOR FOUR KEYS BREWING
I started the research & development phase by drawing inspiration from a variety of branding styles that resonated with the client's request. I then analyzed nearby breweries to gain insight into their visual identities. I also explored contemporary brewery design trends to ensure that the branding for Four Keys Brewing remains current and impactful.
DESIGN PHASE 1
SKETCHING AND CONCEPTING
During the sketching and conceptualization phase of the Four Keys Brewery branding project, I dedicated my efforts to sketching initial concepts, exploring diverse design elements such as typography and color, and experimenting with various visual themes. This approach aimed to ensure that the brand identity resonated with the distinct aesthetic preferences and style envisioned by the owners of Four Keys Brewing.
DESIGN PHASE 2
RENDERING AND REFINING
During this phase, I refined multiple design sketches and converted the most compelling ones into digital formats, while also creating initial logo concepts. I then incorporated feedback from the client and made the necessary adjustments to enhance the strongest options.
FINAL DESIGN
FINALIZING AND SHIPPING ASSETS
In this last phase, I finalized the selection of the preferred logo. Additionally, I meticulously refined color palettes, typography, and visual components to ensure alignment with the new brand identity and values. Through close collaboration with the client, we guaranteed that the implementation of the new brand materials—from signage to packaging—delivers a unified brand experience across all products.
