Branding Built on a Shared Vision… and Views
As the Point Ruston area continues to grow, the local merchants realized a need to come together to better support one of the South Sound’s premier destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Their challenge wasn’t just about standing out—the location already offers one-of-a-kind experiences for locals and visitors alike. They wanted a brand that could truly unify their local businesses and showcase the vibrancy of their neighborhood district. We helped build that brand and tell their story in a way that would bring more people in and position the Waterfront as a thriving hub for commerce, entertainment, and community engagement.
How We Helped
Brand Positioning, Brand Identity, Web Presence: Design & Build, Brand Copy & Storytelling, Strategic Partnership
Our Approach: Understanding the Vision
Our process always starts with listening. We took the time to understand the challenges of a diverse group of businesses. From eclectic dining and boutique shopping to health and beauty salons and family entertainment, it was clear the Waterfront Merchants Alliance is a community that’s working tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the neighborhood.
We worked with the Alliance to build a brand identity that would resonate with the community and highlight the wide range of offerings that make the Waterfront a true destination. We developed a brand platform that appeals directly to locals and tourists alike, inviting them to explore the diverse experiences the Waterfront had to offer—whether it was a family day out, a relaxing trip to a salon, or a unique shopping and dining adventure.
The Result: Unifying Local Merchants with A Bold New Brand
From the fresh visuals to dynamic messaging, the brand now mirrors the energy and passion of the Alliance’s work to support local businesses and welcome new endeavors.
We custom illustrated a logo mark that gives them a unique, professional look and a badge to gather around, leading to increased visibility for their merchants and a stronger sense of community engagement. The mosaic styling celebrates the unique views the space offers while exploring the idea that many parts can come together to create a unique and vibrant vision. We built out a flexible system and brand guide with wordmarks, monograms and multiple versions of single color marks to make sure the brand works anywhere.
To create consistent language that communicates the values, benefits and goals of the Alliance, we also developed brand positioning language as a foundational brand promise.
Bringing the Brand to Life Online
Designed to unite local businesses and serve as the go-to destination for visitors, we created a connection point that promotes local merchants and provides an easy way to explore everything the waterfront offers. We made sure to include an events calendar so visitors could plan their trip and a visitor info page with easy directions and parking information.
For us, branding is about more than design—it’s about capturing the heart of a community and telling its story in a way that resonates with people. Whether you’re a small business owner, a startup, or an organization like The Waterfront Merchants Alliance, you deserve a brand that reflects your vision and helps you grow.
Let’s dream big together and create something that not only looks great but also drives real impact.