Front Street Brewery - Rebrand
Logo Creation, Brand Identity, Product Design
Case Study
More than a Marquee
The First of its Kind in Wilmington, NC.
Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Front Street opened in 1995 and is the city's first and longest-operating brewery. The building itself is a historic landmark and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering great food, craft beer, and whiskey.
The Challenge
Create a Modern Brand but Stay True to the History of Front Street
Front Street Brewery has a rich history that needed to be reflected in the brand, while also feeling modern and timeless. With the explosion of breweries in Wilmington, Front Street needed a new identity to help their beer and restaurant stand out from the competition. The 1920s-inspired design of the building provided inspiration for the brand. The new logo needed to be responsive, work in print and digital, and be suitable for can art, a new venture for the business.
Original Identity
We presented a suite of original concepts, but ultimately, they wanted to move away from the monogram look of “FSB.” Front Street decided they wanted to focus on the hop. The challenge then became, “how do we make a hop original for a brewery?”
The answer, inject it with an art form steeped in the history of their building: “art deco.”
Rejected Concepts
Winning Concept
The Results
The outcome was a stunning art deco logo that reflects Front Street's history and stands out in the crowded market. I also created supporting elements such as patterns, colors, and typography to enhance their look. We delivered a detailed branding guide to ensure successful designs in all marketing efforts. I also created their first can design, and they updated their merchandise and transportation to match the new brand.
Final Thoughts
Revitalized Branding Gives Front Street Brewery a Competitive Edge and a Place in Downtown Wilmington's Historic Landscape
Front Street Brewery came to us at a time of transition, looking to take back their rightful place as a top brewer. The final brand worked perfectly for them and supported all their current and new ventures while fitting in seamlessly with the historic block of buildings in downtown Wilmington.