Amid the pandemic’s disruption to the food and beverage industry, a quiet but bold idea began brewing in Long Beach, CA. With restaurants shifting to delivery and limited café access citywide, Downlow Coffee emerged as a grassroots response — offering small-batch cold coffee delivered straight to local doorsteps.
As Creative Director, I helped shape Downlow from a neighborly experiment into a brand with intentional design and community roots. From the visual identity to packaging design and brand voice, I crafted a look and feel that balanced mystery with approachability. It reflected the brand’s underground ethos and intimate delivery model.
By sourcing beans from local roasters and brewing within the neighborhood, Downlow didn’t just serve coffee, it created a hyperlocal experience that educated the consumer. The brand’s design language leaned into minimalism and familiarity, while remaining quietly rebellious — just like the coffee itself.
