Objective
The Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) sought to establish a cohesive brand identity and digital presence that reflected its role in supporting and promoting Michigan’s craft distillers. The goal was to create a strong visual identity and a user-friendly website that aligned with their mission while engaging industry professionals and consumers.
Project Details
Client: MCDA
Industry: Craft Distilled Spirits
Project Scope: Branding, Content Creation, Website Development
Stats
1. 165 Distilled Spirit Plants
2. $106.2M Expected in Sales
3. Nation’s #7 Craft Distillery
What they had to say
The new branding and website have truly elevated MCDA’s presence in the craft spirits industry. It perfectly captures our mission while making it easier for members and consumers to connect with Michigan’s distilling community.
Challenge
MCDA needed a brand identity that captured the essence of craft distilling—heritage, quality, and community—while also maintaining a modern, professional look. Additionally, their website needed to effectively serve multiple audiences, from distillers and industry stakeholders to consumers looking for local craft spirits.
Strategy
Logo & Visual Identity: Develop a bold, structured logo incorporating Michigan’s state outline to emphasize locality, paired with typography that conveys craftsmanship and tradition.
Color Palette & Typography: Utilize warm, earthy tones combined with vintage-inspired typefaces (Berg Regular, Inner Ornament, Shadow, and Inline) to create a sense of authenticity and heritage.
Website Approach: Prioritize a clean layout with intuitive navigation, making it easy for users to access key information on membership, events, and industry advocacy.
Execution
Designed a modular logo system, incorporating key elements such as the Michigan state map, wheat imagery, and strong typography.
Established a consistent brand color scheme that reflects the rustic and premium nature of the craft distilling industry.
Developed a website with a structured information hierarchy, ensuring easy access to resources for distillers and consumers alike.
Integrated event promotions and association benefits prominently on both print and digital materials.
Created marketing collateral, including save-the-date invitations and informational one-pagers, to maintain brand consistency across all communication channels.
View the Brand Guidelines.
Conclusion
Through a well-crafted brand identity and a functional, engaging website, MCDA successfully positioned itself as a leading voice for Michigan’s craft distillers. The combination of vintage-inspired design elements and modern web usability ensures that the association remains approachable, professional, and aligned with the values of its members. Visit their website here.
