Design case study | Alive! a cold-brew coffee brand

Tell us a bit about the brand – its heritage, its story, and its markets – and the brief for this project. How does the design express the brand’s values? 

According to the owners, this coffee brand was created for true coffee maniacs who “know their stuff”. Alive!’s business model was to create a coffee brand that would spread only by word of mouth. To create a seductive experience as a “secret” and exclusive product for the growing market of coffee lovers in Mexico.

The designers at nu studio were tasked with designing a visual presentation of the brand that was both seductive and quirky, balancing the line between mystery and engaging fun. The designers created a logotype inspired by the editorial design of the 1970s, embellished with imperfections and “quirks” that make the design more unique. They kept the vintage aesthetic with geometric illustrations of stars, bubbles and grids. And finally, an appealing manga-inspired brand icon that entices consumers to come closer.

What is innovative or unusual about the pack? 

The Alive! bottle is screen-printed with a white label that contrasts perfectly with the rich, dark colour of the coffee. The anti-fraud seal is also printed with a custom black and white design using the brand’s visual system.

What reactions have you had from consumers? 

Launch country: Mexico

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