Building a unified, contemporary brand identity for a multi-designer retail and e-commerce destination.
The Design Corner is a curated retail initiative showcasing the work of 30 independent craft designers and makers, supported by the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Enterprise Office. As a new brand entering the retail and online marketplace, The Design Corner needed a professional, cohesive identity that could represent a diverse community of creators under one umbrella while still aligning with the Local Enterprise Office’s existing visual system. The goal was to build a credible, modern brand capable of increasing visibility, driving footfall, and supporting the launch of a new e-commerce website.
Strategy • Brand identity design • Website design • Launch
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The core challenge lay in uniting a wide range of independent designer, each with their own style, story, and creative approach, under one clear and consistent brand identity.
The Design Corner needed to feel premium, contemporary and trustworthy, while still being inclusive and representative of the wider craft community it served. The brand also had to work seamlessly alongside the Local Enterprise Office identity, maintaining visual harmony without losing its own character. On top of this, the identity needed to function across a variety of touchpoints, from signage and packaging to digital marketing and a new e-commerce platform. Creating a system that balanced individuality with cohesion was essential for long-term recognition and success.
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We began with stakeholder discovery sessions to understand the values, goals and aspirations behind the new venture. This strategic work, combined with research into the local retail landscape and craft sector, provided the foundation for a clear, purposeful visual direction.
The final brand identity centres around a minimalist, geometric mark forming the letter D, constructed from simple shapes that reflect the unity, diversity and craftsmanship within the designer community. The system was designed to feel modern, structured and flexible, working comfortably alongside the Local Enterprise Office brand while maintaining a strong independent presence.
The visual identity was expanded into a complete design system including colour palette, typography, marketing templates, promotional materials, packaging, signage and e-commerce layouts. The result is a cohesive, scalable identity that communicates quality and supports both physical retail activity and online sales.
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The Design Corner launched with a distinctive, unified identity that elevated its presence and strengthened recognition among customers, local makers and supporters of Irish craft. The new visual system provides clarity, cohesion and professionalism across all communications, from in-store displays to online shopping, helping build trust and attract footfall. The brand now presents a strong, contemporary image that reflects the talent and creativity of the designers it represents, positioning The Design Corner for ongoing growth and future collaborations.
“I found Barry and the team at Red Man Media to be fully engaged and understood the design dictates of each and every project. They have a close understanding of the diversity in the craft & design sector in the county and have generated items that reflect the quality and talent within the network.”
Suzanne May,
The Design Corner Co-ordinator
