Ale Hub Logo Design | A Successful Pub Franchise Case Study

The final Ale Hub logo design, featuring a pint glass in the negative space of the letter 'U'.

Ale Hub: Logo Design for a Successful Micro-Pub Franchise

This case study looks back at the original Ale Hub logo design, the brand identity that provided the foundation for a successful multi-location micro-pub franchise.

The project required a unique brand mark that could help launch the business by balancing a modern, clean aesthetic with the traditional, welcoming feel of a classic pub. This is the story of the logo that provided the foundation for their growth.

The Challenge for the Ale Hub Logo Design

When the first Ale Hub was being planned, the brief presented an interesting challenge. The client required a logo for their new ‘Micro-Pub’ concept, part of a growing UK trend for craft and micro-breweries (External link).

The identity needed to be clean and minimal, but feel neither too “edgy” and modern, nor too “traditional” and old-fashioned. The core task of the initial Ale Hub logo design was to find the perfect middle ground, incorporating classic pub imagery in a fresh, contemporary way.

A mock-up of the Ale Hub logo on a modern round pub sign.

Design Rationale for the Ale Hub Logo

The key to solving this challenge was to avoid literal representations and instead integrate the required imagery in a subtle, intelligent way.

A Pint in the Negative Space

Rather than placing a separate glass icon next to the name, I found a more innovative solution within the typography itself. I focused on the letter ‘U’ in ‘HUB’ and used its negative space to form the distinct silhouette of a pint glass.

This technique provided the nod to traditional pub culture that the client wanted, but in a clean, minimal style that keeps the overall Ale Hub logo design feeling modern and uncluttered.

Achieving the Aesthetic Balance

The balance between modern and traditional was further refined through the choice of a strong, clean, sans-serif typeface. The letterforms are friendly and legible, but with a geometric structure that feels contemporary.

This typographic style, combined with the clever negative space concept, resulted in a final Ale Hub logo that is welcoming, memorable, and sophisticated.

The clean vector version of the Ale Hub logo shown in colour on a black background.

The Outcome: A Versatile Identity for Franchise Growth

The final design successfully met the original brief, providing a unique and ownable brand mark. Its strength and versatility have allowed it to be deployed effectively across multiple locations as the business has grown into a successful franchise.

The Ale Hub logo is now a familiar sight on signage, glassware, and marketing in towns across the Midlands, demonstrating the long-term value of a well-crafted, strategic brand identity.

Need a Unique Logo for Your Small Business?

The Ale Hub logo design shows how a clever concept can create a unique identity for a local business with big ambitions. If your small business needs a logo to stand out and grow, you can explore my dedicated logo design services for small businesses.

VGN Boulevard Logo Design | A Street Food Brand Case Study

A creative logo for a vegan food brand, embossed on wood.

Vegan Logo Design: The VGN Boulevard Case Study

This case study looks back at a fun and creative vegan logo design project for VGN Boulevard, a local street food restaurant that was based in Stourbridge. The project is a great example of creating a versatile and eye-catching logo designed to work across a wide array of materials, from shop fronts to coffee cups.

The Challenge: A Versatile & Eye-Catching Identity

The owners of VGN Boulevard, a passionate local startup, wanted a really eye-catching logo to launch their brand. A key requirement of the brief was versatility; the logo had to be effective across a huge range of applications, including large shop windows, printed menus, signage, staff uniforms, and takeaway cups.

Ensuring brand consistency across so many different touchpoints is a key challenge for any new business (External link).

Example of an illustrative logo design on a takeaway cup for a vegan business.

The Design Rationale for the VGN Boulevard Logo

It was a pleasure to work with the owners, who had clear passion but were looking for a local professional to bring their vision to life after trying other options. The final design was born out of a collaborative process focused on creating something truly unique and adaptable.

Showcasing a Different Style

This project was an opportunity to showcase a more illustrative and graphical style. The goal was to create something with personality that would stand out in the casual and creative street-food scene. The final design used bold typography and a distinctive, self-contained mark that reflected the vibrant nature of the brand.

A Design Built for a Multitude of Applications

The versatility challenge was solved by creating a logo system with elements that could be used together or separately. The full logo worked perfectly for primary branding like signage, while the central illustrative element was strong enough to be used on its own as a stamp on coffee cups or as a social media icon. This practical approach to the vegan logo design ensured it was a hard-working asset across all their materials.

A vegan logo design for the VGN Boulevard street food brand.

The Outcome: A Successful Local Brand Launch

The final logo provided VGN Boulevard with a professional and highly flexible brand identity that served them well for several years. The eye-catching design was successfully rolled out across all their materials, helping them to establish a memorable presence in the local Stourbridge food scene.

Need an Eye-Catching Logo for Your Food Venture?

The VGN Boulevard project is a great example of creating a versatile identity for the food industry. If you need a logo that looks great on everything from menus to merchandise, explore my dedicated restaurant logo design services.

Whisky Festival Logo Design: A Rebrand Case Study | Pixel Freak

Birmingham Logo Design for Midlands Whisky Festival

Midlands Whisky Festival: A Vintage Rebrand Case Study

This case study details the whisky festival logo design and rebrand for the successful Midlands Whisky Festival. The project is a great example of evolving a brand’s identity to match its growing prestige and popularity, using a vintage design style to communicate heritage and quality. This project also showcases my versatility in creating logos beyond my usual minimalist style.

The Challenge: A New Whisky Festival Logo Design

The Midlands Whisky Festival had grown hugely in both size and reputation, and the organisers approached me for a rebrand to reflect its new, elevated profile.

A strong brand identity is crucial for attracting sponsors and enthusiasts in a UK market with a growing trend of boutique and specialist festivals (External link).

The challenge for this logo rebrand was to create a more prestigious and sophisticated identity that still felt authentic to the world of whisky.

A mock-up of the logo etched onto a whisky glass.

The Design Rationale for the Midlands Whisky Festival Logo

It’s always a pleasure to work on a design that requires a different creative approach. For this project, a vintage, almost heritage-style aesthetic was the perfect solution.

Adopting a Premium, Vintage Style

To capture the sense of prestige and craftsmanship associated with fine whisky, I developed a badge-style logo with intricate details and classic typography.

This vintage approach to the Midlands Whisky Festival logo design moves it away from a generic event graphic and positions it as a premium brand, appealing to discerning enthusiasts.

Versatility for Event Marketing

A festival logo needs to be a hard-working asset. This design was created to be highly versatile, looking just as good on event posters and tickets as it does etched onto tasting glasses.

The self-contained badge format ensures the Midlands Whisky Festival logo is easily recognisable and adaptable for all future marketing and merchandising needs.

A mock-up of the logo embossed onto a brown, leather-like surface.

The Outcome: An Elevated & Prestigious Brand Mark

The client was extremely pleased with the final logo. The new identity successfully elevates the festival’s brand image to match its growing popularity and prestige, providing a strong and flexible foundation for all future events and communications.

Does Your Birmingham Event Need a More Professional Image?

This rebrand for the Midlands Whisky Festival shows how a new logo can elevate a brand’s prestige.

If your Birmingham-based business or event needs a new identity, learn more about my expert logo design services in Birmingham.

Poster Design – Elvis Tribute For Mark Summers

Poster Design Stourbridge

Poster Design

Poster Design Project for Elvis Tribute Band

Hey, my name is Martin Williams and I created this Poster Design. I am a creative graphic designer with over 25 years professional experience. Below you will find an example of my work, more can be found in my portfolios, thank you.

The Challenge:

Mark Summers is an amazing Elvis Tribute Act who has played all over the world wowing audiences. He is the 2017 UK National Tribute Award Winner.

I have worked with Mark for many years, producing all manner of artwork for him, from poster designs, back-drop artwork, programme artwork and even CD and DVD cover designs.

This particular artwork is an example of one of the many show posters that I have designed for him.

Poster Design

My Thoughts:

I always enjoy working with Mark he is such a nice guy and he always has great ideas allowing me plenty of creativity.

This poster is an old design and one that was never actually used in the end I don’t think, as we went with another design, however I have always liked it so I added it here.

Poster Designer

Have a poster design project of your own?

If you are looking for a graphic designer then please get in touch, I would love to discuss your project with you.

I have worked on thousands of graphic design projects over my long career so I am certain that I can be of assistance to you.

Whether you require design for print, digital use or both just get in touch and I will be happy to help.

You can find further examples of my graphic design work in my graphic design portfolio, or read reviews from my previous clients here.

Have a question?

If you have a question about my graphic design services you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions here

If you cannot find an answer there then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions.

You can find more information on the types of graphic design services I can provide here. However, I have designed most things over the years so don’t worry if what you require is not listed there.

Poster Design UK for Elvis Tribute Act

Poster Design UK Stourbridge Based

Poster Design UK

Poster Design UK for Elvis Tribute Act

Hey, my name is Martin Williams and I created this Poster Design UK. I am a creative graphic designer with over 25 years professional experience. Below you will find an example of my work, more can be found in my portfolios, thank you.

The Challenge:

The challenge with designing any poster is to make them eye-catching so that they stand out. This is never more true than when you are working on an event poster design or a band poster.

The client (Mark) always has interesting ideas or themes for his posters as his tours often revolve around different era’s of Elvis’s music.

Bringing these to life is great fun.

Poster Design UK

My Thoughts:

Always a pleasure to work with Mark, his projects are always fun and allow me to use plenty of creativity. This is yet another example of some of the poster design work that I have completed for him over the years we have been working together.

UK Poster Design

Have a poster design project of your own?

If you are looking for a graphic designer then please get in touch, I would love to discuss your project with you.

I have worked on thousands of graphic design projects over my long career so I am certain that I can be of assistance to you.

Whether you require design for print, digital use or both just get in touch and I will be happy to help.

You can find further examples of my graphic design work in my graphic design portfolio, or read reviews from my previous clients here.

Have a question?

If you have a question about my graphic design services you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions here

If you cannot find an answer there then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions.

You can find more information on the types of graphic design services I can provide here. However, I have designed most things over the years so don’t worry if what you require is not listed there.

Stourbridge Graphic Design Company

Poster Design Stourbridge West Midlands

Stourbridge Graphic Design Company

Just Gin Festival Project - Stourbridge Graphic Design Company

Hey, my name is Martin Williams I own Pixel Freak, a Stourbridge Graphic Design Company. I am a creative graphic designer with over 25 years professional experience. Below you will find an example of my work, more can be found in my portfolios, thank you.

The Client:

The Just Gin Festival was run annually in Stourbridge. Visitors to the festival enjoyed sampling a wide range of Gin from around the world as well as purchasing Gin from the many exhibitors at the shows.

Ran by Nickols & Perks, I was commissioned by them to work on multiple promotional items for the show including logo design, poster design and flyer design etc.

I have worked on multiple projects for N&P over the years including designs for their other shows such as the hugely popular Midlands Whisky Festival.

Stourbridge Graphic Design Company

My Thoughts:

I love working with N&P, the work is always varied so it never becomes monotonous working on a project with them.

The different shows and products always have a distinct style to them which we have developed over the many years working together. Great fun and rewarding work.  

Graphic Design Company Stourbridge

Have a graphic design project of your own?

If you are looking for a graphic designer then please get in touch, I would love to discuss your project with you.

I have worked on thousands of graphic design projects over my long career so I am certain that I can be of assistance to you.

Whether you require design for print, digital use or both just get in touch and I will be happy to help.

You can find further examples of my graphic design work in my graphic design portfolio, or read reviews from my previous clients here.

Have a question?

If you have a question about my graphic design services you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions here

If you cannot find an answer there then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions.

You can find more information on the types of graphic design services I can provide here. However, I have designed most things over the years so don’t worry if what you require is not listed there.

Graphic Design Stourbridge for Midlands Whisky Festival

Brochure Design Stourbridge

Graphic Design Stourbridge

Graphic Design Stourbridge for Midlands Whisky Festival

Hey, my name is Martin Williams and I created this Graphic Design Stourbridge project. I am a creative graphic designer with over 25 years professional experience. Below you will find an example of my work, more can be found in my portfolios, thank you.

The Client:

The Midlands Whisky Festival is an annual festival previously based in Stourbridge and now in Birmingham. Visitors to the festival can enjoy sampling a wide range of Whisky from around the world, experience Whisky Masterclasses as well as purchasing Whisky from the many exhibitors at the shows.

Event Poster Design Birmingham
Roll Banner Designer

My Thoughts:

I have done a lot of work for Midlands Whisky Festival over the years including their logo (which can be found in another portfolio entry). The graphic design work I have undertaken for them includes:

  • Flyer Design
  • Poster Design
  • Web Banner Design
  • Social Media Banners
  • Adverts
  • Social Media Graphics
  • Show brochures
  • Show Flags and Roll-up Banners
  • Show Wristband Design
Event Flyer Design Birmingham
Graphic Designer West Midlands
Graphic Designer Birmingham

Have a graphic design project of your own?

If you are looking for a graphic designer then please get in touch, I would love to discuss your project with you.

I have worked on thousands of graphic design projects over my long career so I am certain that I can be of assistance to you.

Whether you require design for print, digital use or both just get in touch and I will be happy to help.

You can find further examples of my graphic design work in my graphic design portfolio, or read reviews from my previous clients here.

Have a question?

If you have a question about my graphic design services you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions here

If you cannot find an answer there then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions.

You can find more information on the types of graphic design services I can provide here. However, I have designed most things over the years so don’t worry if what you require is not listed there.

Website Design Stourbridge for Khoury Architects

Website Design Stourbridge West Midlands

Website Design Stourbridge

Website Design Stourbridge for Khoury Architects

Hey, my name is Martin Williams and I worked on this Website Design Stourbridge project. I am a creative web designer with over 25 years professional experience. Below you will find an example of my work, more can be found in my portfolios, thank you.

The Client:

Khoury Architects is a practice of highly creative and imaginative architects, committed to designing contemporary and sustainable spaces and places which are as striking and innovative as they are socially, economically and environmentally responsible.

They are based in Stourbridge in the West Midlands.

Website Design Stourbridge
Web Designer Stourbridge West Midlands

My Thoughts:

Khoury Architects needed a full website re-design to replace their existing site. Being creatives themselves they had very exacting requirements especially in regards to the aesthetics of their new website. They had a vision, and tasked me with making that a reality.

Over several months we went over every detail to ensure that the final website was pixel perfect.

Web Design Stourbridge

Have a web design project of your own?

If you are looking for a web designer then please get in touch, I would love to discuss your project with you.

I have worked on hundreds of website design projects over my long career so I am certain that I can be of assistance to you.

You can find further examples of my web design work in my web design portfolio, or read reviews from my previous clients here.

Have a question?

If you have a question about my web design services you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions here

If you cannot find an answer there then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions.

You can find more information on the types of web design services I can provide here

Rebranding Birmingham | A Student Property Case Study

A rebrand case study for a student property company in Birmingham.

Rebranding Birmingham: A Student Property Case Study

This case study details the total rebrand and logo design for Signature Living, a Birmingham-based property company. The project highlights the strategic design challenge of creating a brand that must appeal to a youthful, modern audience (students) while simultaneously conveying the professionalism and trustworthiness required of a housing provider.

The Challenge: A Modern Identity for the Student Market

Signature required a complete overhaul of their visual identity to move on from a dated look. The core challenge for this rebranding Birmingham project was to create a new identity that was simultaneously “bright, bold, and fresh” to attract and connect with a savvy student demographic, yet it also had to look highly professional and credible.

Marketing to a savvy student demographic requires a unique strategic approach (External link).

The modern logo for a student living rebrand in Birmingham.

The Rationale Behind the Signature Logo Design

This was an enjoyable project that focused on creating something vibrant and different. The solution was built around a modern, geometric emblem paired with clean typography, creating a sophisticated yet approachable logo design.

A Modern, Geometric Emblem

The core of the logo design is a hexagon, which creates the impression of a room or living space. Inside, a simple bed and lamp icon instantly communicates the theme of ‘student living’.

The isometric 3D perspective gives the mark a modern, architectural feel, while the bright, warm colour palette of orange, yellow, and red creates the fresh and energetic vibe needed to appeal to a younger audience.

Balancing "Fun" and "Professional"

While the emblem is bright and playful, professionalism is maintained through the choice of a clean, sophisticated sans-serif typeface for the brand name.

This balance ensures the logo is appealing to its target audience without sacrificing the sense of quality and reliability essential for a property company.

A geometric emblem designed for a student-focused brand.

The Outcome: A Fresh and Professional Rebrand

The client was very pleased with the rebrand. The final logo design successfully repositions the brand, making it highly appealing to its target student demographic while maintaining a professional and trustworthy image for their Birmingham property business.

Does Your Brand Need to Connect with a New Audience?

This rebrand shows how design can strategically target a specific audience. If your Birmingham business needs a fresh identity, discover my expert logo design services in Birmingham.