The Pink Bean
Project Overview
Objective: The project aimed to create a brand identity for a company of my choice, centered around three core brand values that I selected.
Purpose: To explore and understand the relationship between RGB color on digital screens and its translation to print media that uses CMYK.
This process involved learning how colors behave differently across mediums and how to maintain brand consistency in both digital and printed materials.
Scope: The project required the development of a brand identity, with a brief understanding of the brands target audience with these deliverables included:
Style guide including brand logos with color variants, brand values, colors, and typography.
A two-sided business card design, followed by printing and cutting the cards to finalize them
Chosen Brand Values:
Fun, community-oriented, and inclusive.
Ideation & Market Research
When considering what type of business to establish, I explored several options, including a flower shop, a coffee shop, and a candy store. To narrow down my choices, I created color schemes and brainstormed words associated with each idea, aiming to capture the essence of each potential brand.
Upon revisiting my notes, the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere associated with a café or coffee shop stood out the most. I envisioned a space that would embody the brand values of fun, community, and inclusivity—a place where people could gather and enjoy a welcoming, playful environment.
As I developed the brand name, I focused on the core value of "fun." This led me to consider an animal theme, which felt both engaging and approachable. I wanted to incorporate the word "bean" in a playful manner, reflecting the coffee aspect of the business. The idea of a "cat's paw," which resembles a pink jellybean-like footpad, sparked the inspiration for the brand name "The Pink Bean."
This name perfectly encapsulated the playful, friendly, and inviting atmosphere I wanted to create for the coffee shop.
How cute is that!?
Research & Target Audience
Brand Identity Concept:
The Pink Bean targets individuals who appreciate the charm of small businesses that source products locally. The audience is LGBTQ+ friendly and values community connections.
Differentiation from Similar Organizations:
Unlike nearby businesses like Neko Cafe and Analog Coffee, The Pink Bean focuses on bonded pairs and cats of color—specifically black, brown, and grey cats—who are often overlooked in shelters. The café offers a welcoming environment for various activities, such as working on a laptop, reading a book, or enjoying coffee with a friend.
Visual Identity: The brand's visual identity uses the "jumble" font, which features slightly inflated, rounded edges resembling a bean, adding a playful touch. The overall style embraces softer, whimsical rounded shapes to convey a fun and approachable atmosphere.
Project Outcomes:
The key lessons I learned from this project was:
The noticeable difference between on-screen colors (RGB) and printed colors (CMYK) required numerous print tests to achieve the desired shades of pinks and browns for this brand.
Factors like paper weight, finish (gloss or matte), and the printing location all impacted the final result.
This experience underscored the importance of building strong relationships with local print shop staff for quicker troubleshooting and better outcomes in future projects.
Also, adopt a cat!
