Client
Lenah Crawford
Overview
Coffee Koi is the passion project of Lenah Crawford, an Ohioan living in Kenwood, Cincinnati. Inspired by her love for fresh, high-quality coffee and the beauty of sea life, she envisions a space where both can coexist. While her long-term goal is to open a brick-and-mortar café, Coffee Koi will start by selling homebrewed coffee beans at local farmers' markets, hair salons, and small businesses. Kenwood’s coffee scene is filled with corporate chains, leaving room for a more personal, community-driven brand. Coffee Koi aims to fill that gap by offering a bold, craft-driven coffee experience that makes customers feel at home.
Client
Lenah Crawford
Industry
Beverage
Service
Brand Identity
Logo Design
Art Direction
Duration
6 Weeks
The Challenge
In a market dominated by big coffee chains, Coffee Koi needed to stand out while remaining approachable. The brand had to reflect Lenah’s passion and artistry without feeling overly themed. Since the café is still a future goal, the sea life influence had to be subtle, serving as a stylistic element rather than the main focus. The priority was to establish Coffee Koi as a name known for great coffee first.
The Solution
I developed a visual identity that reflects the richness and craftsmanship of Coffee Koi. The color palette, logo variations, and packaging were designed to be eye-catching and fresh, ensuring the brand stood out at local markets. Instead of heavy oceanic imagery, I used organic design elements to add movement and energy while keeping the focus on the coffee.
The Result
The branding gave Coffee Koi a strong foundation and a clear identity to introduce to the local coffee scene. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this project was never realized. However, the branding and strategy remain a solid blueprint should the opportunity arise again.
