Detroit Sip
2017
The Ask: Design a promotional poster for Detroit Sip, a soon-to-open coffee shop started in efforts to “unite the [local] community
one sip at a time.”
I had the fortunate opportunity of meeting with the owner at this new coffee shop prior to its opening. We were able to hear her story and learn what inspired her to start her own business.
Before our discussion, I wandered around the unfinished shop searching for inspiration for the poster and happened upon this chalk art sign behind the coffee bar. Apparently made-up by the logo designer, this fun phrase with the word Jive (used to communicate a harmonious joining of community and coffee just as the owner’s own tagline intended) caught my curiosity right away.
It perfectly captured this reminiscent Motown feel that I innocently, but immediately wish to experience when I think of the best of Detroit. And with that I thought “how fitting for a coffee shop intended to encapsulate all things good about Detroit.”
I let the jazz connotations of the word JIVE
inspire the creation of the lettering and let the coffee do the rest.
Additional Asks: I was approached later to design a postcard, that would feature my original poster, as an announcement and invitation of the Grand Opening of the coffee shop to be distributed throughout the surrounding community.