Austin Wade
I’m a graphic designer, illustrator, and art dirctor speaking to the design-minded and aesthetic appreciators. My work draws influence from old world design styles and places emphasis on a refined, naturalistic feel. I believe that a focus on natural textures and handcrafted looks creates a connection and draw with the end user that is unrivaled in today’s highly digital landscape.
In 2010 I got my start designing merchandise and album covers, and worked my way through the ranks to being the art director of a multi-million dollar international corporation. I’ve worked in nearly every industry you can think of and have touched just about every type of design project there is, from designing Instagram ads to directing and treating full 1000sq/ft trade show booths.
My focus is on intentional branding, packaging, and telling compelling, thoughtful stories through advertising.
Bayside Mobile Grooming
Bayside Mobile Grooming, a luxury mobile pet grooming service in Northeastern Ohio, partnered with us to revamp their brand and stand out from a crowded market. Seeking to break away from cliché industry aesthetics, we developed a visual identity inspired by high-end spas, creating a sophisticated yet approachable brand that resonated with their target audience. Our work included a new logo, van wrap, merchandise, and a user-friendly website, all designed to reflect the luxurious experience Bayside offers pets and their owners. As a result, Bayside saw a significant increase in demand, with bookings filling up a month in advance and a branding system that has remained strong for over five years.Services:
Logo & Identity Design
Iconography
Website
Merchandise Design
Illustration
Bayside Mobile Grooming is a standout in the bustling pet care industry of Northeastern Ohio. This mobile pet grooming service brings luxury-quality grooming right to pet owners’ doorsteps, making it a convenient choice for those looking to pamper their furry friends. Bayside’s target clientele tends to be discerning pet owners who value high-end service at a competitive price point. In a market saturated with clip art and cliché designs, Bayside sought a unique identity that would truly reflect the warmth and quality of their services.
Prior to our collaboration, Bayside’s branding struggled to resonate with its target demographic. Their existing identity failed to capture the essence of the luxurious experience they aimed to provide, leaving them feeling indistinguishable from the competition. Faced with a sea of mobile groomers adopting similar design languages, Bayside realized it was time for a refresh. They wanted to embody a brand that exuded the same comfort and opulence found in high-end spas, while still remaining accessible and relatable to pet owners across the region.
Why Rebrand?
The catalyst for this rebranding effort was Bayside’s recognition that their previous identity wasn’t working. They felt they were doing a disservice to themselves and their clientele by blending in with a homogenous design landscape that lacked creativity and differentiation. With most mobile pet groomers opting for clichéd aesthetics, Bayside wanted to rise above the noise and communicate a message of high-quality, one-on-one grooming experiences tailored for beloved pets.
Their vision was clear: they aimed to convey an experience akin to that of a luxurious salt spa or an upscale salon for pets. Bayside wanted pet owners to feel like they were making a statement each time they saw the familiar van pull into their driveway, indicating they truly care about the well-being of their furry companions. Balancing a high-end feel with competitive pricing was key to ensuring they didn’t alienate potential clients while still attracting those who sought premium pet care services.
The Process
Our journey with Bayside Mobile Grooming began with a deep-dive consultation where we gathered insights about their goals, values, and the experiences they wanted to communicate. We crafted a mood board to visualize these aspirations, drawing inspiration not just from pet grooming but from the world of luxury care and wellness. By exploring how brands like Aesop and Diptique present themselves, we were able to create a rich tapestry of influences that informed our design direction. We sought to unearth the unexpected, drawing parallels between luxury spas, boutique massage parlors, and the approachable charm of Bayside’s services.Once the mood board resonated with Bayside, we shifted into the ideation phase. Testing various typefaces, compositions, and hidden motifs, we finally landed on a primary mark that elegantly conveyed the brand’s identity. The new logo features Bayside’s name accompanied by four paw prints, subtly referencing the star-rating system of hotels. This choice struck the perfect balance between approachable luxury and a sense of specialness. From here, we developed a comprehensive visual language, creating memorable iconography and messaging that could be applied across their van wrap, social media, merchandise, and other advertising platforms.
Outcome
The final deliverables for Bayside Mobile Grooming were a stunning visual identity that drew inspiration from high-end spas and coastal serenity. The color palette mirrored the calm and inviting hues of a salt cave, evoking feelings of relaxation and care. Our design included catchy phrases that resonate with pet owners, all while maintaining an air of sophistication that was approachable yet refined.
We wrapped Bayside’s van in eye-catching vinyl, ensuring it would stand out in any driveway while acting as a mobile billboard. The van features clear contact information and catchy phrases that entice potential clients, maximizing their visibility on the road.
Additionally, we designed merchandise for dedicated fans and branded bandanas for pets post-grooming, enhancing the experience and fostering a sense of community around the Bayside brand.
Impact
The impact of our rebranding effort for Bayside Mobile Grooming has been nothing short of transformative. Following the launch of their new identity, Bayside experienced a surge in bookings, with clients lining up a month or more in advance. This dramatic increase in demand highlighted how effectively our branding resonated with their target demographic, allowin g them to stand out amid a crowded market.
Owner Kayla has expressed immense satisfaction with the new branding and identity system. Unlike their previous branding, which lasted just a year, this new identity has thrived for over five years, proving its lasting appeal and effectiveness. Bayside Mobile Grooming is now not only recognized for its high-quality grooming services but is also celebrated for its stunning and luxurious brand presence, reinforcing the message that pets deserve the best care available. The successful collaboration has solidified Bayside’s position as a leader in the local mobile grooming industry, attracting a loyal clientele that values the exceptional service they provide.