1. Concept Development:
The concept for "Nickel City Boutique" was rooted in Buffalo's local culture, history, and humor. I aimed to create a brand that resonated with Buffalonians and invoked a sense of community and shared identity.
2. Research and Local Inspiration:
Extensive research on Buffalo's history, local humor, iconic streets, the Buffalo Bills, and the legendary chicken wings was conducted. This research helped inform the brand's visual and thematic elements.
3. Logo Design:
Nickel City Reference: The term "Nickel City" is a popular nickname for Buffalo, derived from the city's original name, "New Amsterdam." The logo incorporated references to Buffalo's iconic streets and elements from its history.
4. Aesthetic and Color Palette:
Local Culture and Humor: The design aimed to capture the local culture and humor, incorporating references and inside jokes known to Buffalo residents.
5. Typography:
The typography was chosen to complement the brand's playful and approachable personality, with a style that captured the essence of Buffalo's friendliness.
6. Advertising Collateral:
Apparel Design: The clothing designs featured references to Buffalo's local culture, humor, the Bills, and iconic streets. The designs resonated with locals, creating a sense of connection and pride.
Email Campaigns with Mailchimp: To promote the boutique, email campaigns were created using Mailchimp. These campaigns engaged customers with special promotions, product launches, and stories related to Buffalo.
7. Shutdown and Future Plans:
Unfortunately, the business had to be temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the vision for the brand remains intact, and the goal is to restart and continue creating meaningful connections with Buffalo's community.
8. Portfolio Presentation: - In my portfolio, I documented the design process for "Nickel City Boutique," highlighting the local culture and humor references, the Buffalo-inspired color palette, and the email campaigns created using Mailchimp. The brand's potential and the desire to restart the business were emphasized as well.
"Nickel City Boutique" embodies the spirit of Buffalo, its rich history, and the shared humor and culture of its residents. With a commitment to celebrating the city's unique identity, the brand has the potential to continue forging connections with the local community.