RiggityRed

This morning I woke up and realized I was out of coffee, so I ran to the store for a quick caffeine fix. Standing there, it hit me—every brand on that shelf is telling a story before you even take a sip. That’s the power of branding.

Take a classic like Folgers—it leans into comfort, routine, and that familiar “start your day right” feeling. It’s warm, dependable, and meant to feel like home. Then you’ve got something like Death Wish Coffee, which goes in the complete opposite direction. It’s bold, aggressive, and a little rebellious. As an illustrator and logo designer, that one grabs me immediately. The skull, the name—it’s clearly speaking to people who think that kind of imagery is cool, and honestly, it worked on me. I ended up spending $11 on it.

That’s what good branding does. It doesn’t just sell a product—it sells a story you want to be a part of.

So comment below what’s your favorite coffee brand, or if you’re interested in possibly starting your own someday 🚀

Fern creek station 65

Josh reached out to me to create a badge for Station 65 of the Fern Creek Fire Protection District, and even though it was my first badge, I was up for the challenge and wanted to go above and beyond. Station 65 serves the Fern Creek community out of Louisville, Kentucky, as part of a team dedicated to fire response, fire prevention, and community safety from their location on Bardstown Road. 

This badge started with a simple idea: protection. The bear represents strength, vigilance, and the instinct to guard what matters most. Look closer and you’ll see a fire hydrant hidden in the nose — a subtle nod to fire protection, readiness, and service that’s always there when needed.

Fire marshals — like the ones at Fern Creek who oversee inspections, fire code compliance, and community safety programs — play a vital role in preventing emergencies before they start. 

It’s bold on the surface, but layered with purpose. Every line has meaning. Every detail tells a story.