One day I got an exciting message in my inbox. A designer-youtuber I follow, Will Paterson was inviting me to a challenge. “What?! I know you, I’ve seen your videos! Of course I’m in!” I said.

The challenge was to create the branding identity of an artisan coffee house & roaster nestled in the heart of Seattle. And my contender was Lewis, a great designer from England.

“Willow & Hearth is not just a place to get your caffeine fix; it’s a place where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and memories are made. Our family-owned farm and our passion for sustainability are at the core of everything we do, ensuring that every sip and every bite contribute to a better world.”

Brand Keywords:

Connection
Creativity
Warmth
Cozy
Eco-friendly
Plant-based
Organic
Culture

Target Audience:

Families
All ages
All genders
Coffee connoisseurs
Young professionals
Artists
Seattle locals

custom lettering logo sketches in blue pencil on white paper on a wood background
custom lettering logo sketches in blue pencil on white paper on a wood background

I inspired my designs in the funky typography and hand painted signs from the 60s and 70s, with a hint of hippie and “back to the old times”.

willow and hearth logo versions in positive and negative contrast

The final logo is a combination of a custom lettering and an icon that can be used separately, that way the brand becomes versatile to the multiple uses and applications this unusual coffee house requires.

color scheme page of the branding guidelines
food packaging mockup with logo print and pattered paper
mockup of window design with painted logo in light yellow. Front of a cafe with table and chairs in autumn
paper napkin design with logo in brown on light yellow
stacked paper cups with Willow and Hearth logo in brown on yellow on a smooth cement surface
3d render of a door mat with logo in the shape of a hearth on a green retro floor
3d render of a chocolate cookie with the Willow and Hearth logo stamped on a patterned background with the logo in brown on light yellow
mobile phone mockup with social media designs
video cover showing Will Patterson and the two competitor's logos for Willow and Hearth

If you want to watch the video and see who won the challenge click on the image above.