NORTHERN LIGHTS COFFEE CO.
Packaging and brand design for coffee wholesellor
Northern Lights Coffee Co. is a brand inspired by Canada’s vast natural landscapes and my passion for line-centric design. The brand began with a striking illustrative design for Bear Claw Blend coffee beans, establishing a distinct identity that captures the spirit of the Canadian wilderness. Building on this foundation, I expanded the brand with additional designs, maintaining a cohesive and memorable visual style.
Project Development:
- Conducted research online and in my kitchen cabinets to understand legal packaging requirements and industry-standard styles for coffee products. From there, I developed the brand’s name, identity, and art style.
- Designed the first label for Bear Claw Blend by experimenting with Art Deco-inspired line art. I began with hand-drawn sketches of individual elements in my sketchbook, then refined the designs into vector linework using Adobe Illustrator.
- Collaborated with my illustration professor to refine the design, incorporating secondary elements inspired by Canadian wildlife and adventure motifs. These elements included animal tracks, coffee beans, and unroasted coffee cherries, representing the brand’s sustainable and fair-trade ethos.
- Experimented with a two-color tonal scheme, ultimately choosing a deep green with a vibrant yellow accent to reflect the natural and bold personality of the brand.
Following the success of Bear Claw Blend, I expanded the product line with Moose Jaw Java and Canada Goose Café. These new labels allowed me to further explore the themes of Canadian wildlife and nature while keeping the design consistent and engaging. Seeing these designs on 3D mockups and physical packaging solidified their place as standout pieces in my portfolio.
Outcomes
The biggest challenge was maintaining balance within the design, ensuring the type stood out on shelves while complementing the delicate, minimalist logo and quirky product names. Through trial, feedback, and refinement, I created a design system I am proud of.
This project consistently receives the “wow factor” when sharing my portfolio. My passion for a good cup of coffee, paired with my desire to promote ethical and equitable supply chains, made this work deeply meaningful. It also helped me discover and refine my illustration style, marking a key milestone in my design journey.
