my work
Sundrift Coffee: Branding Package Concept Design
Sundrift Coffee: Crafting a coastal coffee experience.
Project Overview
The Vision Behind the Design
Have you ever noticed how coastal coffee shops often fall into one of two extremes? Either they’re so high-end they feel unwelcoming, or they’re casual beach cafés that sometimes miss the mark on quality. When I created this brand concept for Sundrift Coffee, I wanted to explore that sweet spot in between where premium, ethically-sourced coffee meets the genuine relaxed atmosphere of Southern California’s coastal energy.
The Challenge
Small specialty coffee shop owners in coastal California face a real dilemma; how do you stand out in a crowded market while creating a space that resonates with a diverse community? And how do you capture that coastal vibe without falling into clichéd “beachy” aesthetics that saturate the market?
That’s the challenge I set out to solve with this Sundrift Coffee concept. I needed to balance sophistication with approachability, mirroring the natural tension between Pacific Beach’s laid-back lifestyle and the precision that specialty coffee culture demands.
Research & Mood Boards
From Research to Vision
Before diving into design, I spent time understanding what makes a coffee brand truly connect in a beach community. I collected visual references that captured specific elements aligning with what Sundrift could become. These weren’t just random images, they were the beginning of transforming abstract values into something you could actually see and feel. The mood boards became a way to visualize the brand before it existed.
Logos & Color Palette
Finding Sundrift’s Voice
With a clear direction from the mood boards, I developed three distinct logo concepts. Each explored different aspects of what this brand could be, while maintaining that essential balance between craftsmanship and accessibility.
In the end, I decided to work with Logo 3 and the Rustic Sunset color palette. This combination just clicked. It felt like Sundrift coming to life. This foundation guided every design decision that followed, ensuring customers would have a consistent experience whether they were holding a coffee cup, visiting the website, or walking by the storefront.
Print & Digital Assets
Bringing the Brand to Life
From that core identity, I expanded outward creating everything from social media templates to business cards and environmental mockups. That paper coffee cup you hold in the morning? The sign that catches your eye from across the street? The Instagram post that makes you think, “I need to try that place”? All of these touchpoints work together to transform a coffee concept into a brand customers naturally gravitate toward.
Website Design
Creating the Brand a New Home
To complete Sundrift’s package, I designed a responsive website that would serve as both a digital storefront and a platform for community building. The site architecture prioritizes mobile users while ensuring a rich experience across all devices.
Conclusion
From Concept to Connection
This exploration into Sundrift’s brand world shows how thoughtful design can help small business owners transform their passion into a distinctive experience that resonates with the community. While Sundrift began as a concept project, the approach reflects the same care and strategic thinking I bring to every business I work with, finding that perfect balance between who you are and what your customers are looking for.