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Crafting a visual identity for a new infused cigar brand: Buzz Monkey

Written by Hunter Wickersham | Dec 1, 2023 2:30:00 PM

Introduction:

At Open Flow, Inc., we thrive on transforming visions into compelling brand stories. Our recent collaboration with Buzz Monkey, a premium infused cigar brand based in Arizona, presented an exciting challenge. The task was to create a brand identity that seamlessly blended luxury with irreverence, catering to a diverse audience spanning multiple generations.

Project Overview:

Client: Buzz Monkey

Categories: Brand Identity, Packaging Design, Apparel Design, Web Design

Tech: Adobe Illustrator, Shopify

 

The Challenge:

The founders of Buzz Monkey had a unique vision for their brand. They wanted an identity that exuded luxury while maintaining a youthful and rebellious vibe. The brand name, derived from a code phrase the founders used for cursing, set the tone. Our challenge was to craft a brand that resonated with Gen Z and millennials, yet retained an allure for Gen X and Boomers – all while incorporating a monkey as the mascot.

 

Our Approach:

Creating a brand that spoke to adults while featuring a monkey required a delicate balance. Traditional monkey imagery often leans towards a playful or sporty feel, but for Buzz Monkey, we needed to convey maturity. Our design team embarked on a journey of exploration, experimenting with various monkey iterations.


After several iterations, we landed on a distinctive greaser-style monkey. With messy hair and sunglasses, the mascot exuded an adult-use, rebellious charm. This edgy aesthetic allowed us to bridge the gap between generations, ensuring the brand's appeal to Buzz Monkey's target audience of individuals aged 21 and older.


Crafting the Visual Identity:

Once the mascot was in place, the next step was to choose brand colors that complemented the graphic while adding a touch of exclusivity. The selected color palette not only enhanced the monkey's persona but also conveyed a sense of premium quality. The end result was a visual identity that perfectly encapsulated the luxurious yet playful essence Buzz Monkey aimed to achieve. 


Outcome:

The culmination of our efforts can be experienced firsthand on Buzz Monkey's website, Buzz-Monkey.com. The sleek web design, coupled with carefully curated brand elements, successfully captures the brand's spirit. Buzz Monkey now stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of luxury and irreverence, appealing to a wide audience across age groups. You can help this local company by visiting their site: BuzzMonkey.com


Conclusion:

At Open Flow, Inc., we take pride in turning challenges into creative opportunities. The Buzz Monkey project allowed us to showcase our expertise in crafting brand identities that transcend generational boundaries. By marrying a rebellious monkey mascot with premium design elements, we've helped Buzz Monkey establish a brand that speaks to the young and the young at heart. Cheers to creating experiences that leave a lasting impression!

If you’re interested in revitalizing your company’s branding, reach out to us today to learn how we can help you grow and strengthen all of your visual touchpoints. 

 

“This company is second to none! Their positive attitudes and ability to help people is amazing. Can’t send enough thanks to this business!”

Eli Swope, Founder Buzz Monkey

 
 

Here are some more visuals from this project: