Local artists

small design web icon

Merch Branding Design & Illustration

Author: Sean H.

Case Study: Kentucky Branded – Elevating Local Pride through Unique Merchandise and Graphic Design

Overview: Kentucky Branded, a local merchandise company in Kentucky, has made a name for itself by offering a wide range of products featuring unique and eye-catching Kentucky-themed art and graphic design. Their product line includes T-shirts, mugs, and promotional sportswear, all of which celebrate the rich culture, history, and spirit of Kentucky. This case study explores how Kentucky Branded has successfully built its brand and expanded its product line through innovative branding and graphic design artwork.

Challenge: Kentucky Branded faced the challenge of creating a strong brand identity that would resonate with both locals and visitors. They needed to design artwork that was not only visually appealing but also captured the essence of Kentucky’s heritage. Additionally, they wanted to ensure that their products stood out in a competitive market and appealed to a broad audience.

Solution: To address these challenges, Kentucky Branded took a strategic approach to their branding and graphic design. They conducted thorough research on Kentucky’s history, symbols, and popular culture to gather inspiration for their artwork. They then worked with talented graphic designers to create original and authentic designs that truly represented Kentucky.

The company also focused on using high-quality materials for their products, ensuring that the artwork was printed clearly and would last for a long time. They paid close attention to detail in every aspect of the design and production process, from the color schemes and typography to the placement of the graphics on the products.

Results: Kentucky Branded’s commitment to quality and authenticity in their branding and graphic design artwork paid off. Their products quickly gained popularity, and the brand developed a strong reputation in the community. Customers appreciated the uniqueness of the designs and the quality of the products, leading to positive reviews and repeat business.

The company’s innovative approach to merchandise also allowed them to expand their product line and reach a wider audience. They introduced new products and designs regularly, keeping their inventory fresh and appealing to customers. As a result, Kentucky Branded saw a significant increase in sales and brand recognition.

Conclusion: Kentucky Branded’s success story highlights the power of strong branding and creative graphic design in building a unique and beloved brand. By staying true to their roots and focusing on quality and authenticity, Kentucky Branded has become a go-to source for Kentucky-themed merchandise, celebrating the state’s culture and heritage in every product they create.

Tourism and City Visitor Map Design

Author: Sean H.

Designing a visitor map for Louisville, Kentucky’s Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) involves a strategic and thoughtful approach that benefits various stakeholders including local retail, tourism, wayfinding, corporate partnerships, and overall Louisville business development. Here’s a detailed case study:

Project Overview

Client: Louisville, Kentucky
Project: Downtown BID Visitor Map Design
Objective: To create an informative and user-friendly map highlighting local businesses, restaurants, entertainment, hotels, and hospitality services provided by the BID.

Research and Analysis

  1. Stakeholder Assessments: Collect data from local business owners, hotel managers, and tourism officials to provide accurate data and provide what they hoped the map would achieve.
  2. User Studies: Gathering information from tourists and locals about their navigation challenges and interests in the downtown area.
  3. Competitive Analysis: Reviewing existing maps and visitor guides from similar districts in other cities for best practices.

Design Strategy

  1. Content Selection: The map includes prominent local businesses, popular restaurants, key entertainment venues, and hotels. Each category is color-coded for ease of identification.
  2. Wayfinding Elements: Clear street names, landmarks, pedestrian pathways, and public transportation hubs are highlighted to assist navigation.
  3. Accessibility: The map is designed for print and digital use, ensuring accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities.

Benefits

  1. Local Retail: By featuring local shops and boutiques, the map drives foot traffic and supports local commerce.
  2. Tourism Enhancement: Tourists benefit from a comprehensive guide to the city’s attractions, increasing their likelihood of extended stays and repeat visits.
  3. Wayfinding Improvement: The map simplifies navigation, reducing the stress of exploring a new city and enhancing visitor experiences.
  4. Corporate Partnership Opportunities: Local businesses can be featured on the map or advertise it, creating resources for the BID and promotional opportunities for businesses.
  5. Boost to Louisville Business: A well-designed map can be a tool for economic development, encouraging investment and interest in the Downtown BID area.

Implementation and Distribution

  1. Production: The map is produced in both print and digital formats, ensuring wide accessibility.
  2. Distribution Points: Maps are distributed at key entry points to the city, including the airport, hotels, visitor centers, and participating businesses.
  3. Online Presence: A digital version is available on the Louisville BID website and through a dedicated mobile webpage.

Evaluation and Feedback

  1. User Feedback: Regular surveys of map users to assess its effectiveness and areas for improvement.
  2. Business Feedback: Ongoing dialogue with local businesses to measure the impact on foot traffic and sales.
  3. Analytics Tracking: For the digital version, usage analytics help understand user behavior and preferences.

Conclusion

The Louisville Downtown BID visitor map represents a significant step in enhancing the visitor experience, supporting local businesses, and promoting the district as a vibrant and welcoming destination. Its strategic design and thoughtful implementation are crucial in realizing these benefits. Continued evaluation and adaptation will ensure the map remains an effective tool for visitors and locals alike.