JENNIFER
MEGAN RINGLER
The Mustard Seed
Thrift & Handmade Crafts Retail | Wheeling, WV
Storefront & Brand Identity Design
Role: Lead Graphic Designer
Scope: End-to-end design execution including primary logo creation, brand visual assets, print prepress for business cards, and vendor-ready layouts for exterior storefront signage and promotional vinyl banners.
Deliverables: Logo Design, Business Cards, Printed Vinyl Banner, Storefront Signage
Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator
Challenge
A family-owned small business specializing in handmade crafts and curated thrifted decor needed a cohesive visual identity to launch their physical storefront.
Because the business relies heavily on local community engagement, the branding needed to feel warm, approachable and memorable across both small handheld print pieces and large-scale outdoor signage.
Strategy & Execution
Brand Identity & Logo Design
Began with establishing a versatile visual mark that balances nostalgia, craftsmanship, and warm accessibility. By pairing timeless typography with an inviting, warm color palette, the identity speaks directly to craft lovers and vintage shoppers.
Business Card Design
The double-sided business card was structured to act as both a contact touchpoint and a mini marketing tool. The layout prioritizes clear visual hierarchy and generous white space, balancing essential store details & hours.
Large-Format Exterior Signage
When expanding the identity into environmental graphics, the primary focus shifted to scale, distance legibility and high-contrast impact. The main storefront sign was designed using bold typography and distinct color contrast to capture the attention of passing vehicle and foot traffic. To complement the permanent signage, a durable, weather-resistant outdoor vinyl banner was developed, using structured layout hierarchy to highlight core offerings like handmade crafts and thrifted decor while remaining vendor-ready for grommet placement and large-scale printing.
Results
Unified Identity:
Established a professional, welcoming retail look that instantly established credibility for a new local business.
Professional Touchpoints:
Exterior signage effectively drew foot traffic during launch week and made the location easily identifiable along the street.
Scalability:
Provided a flexible asset kit that can seamlessly expand into future print collateral, social media assets or e-commerce packaging.