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The Nashvilla

Brand Identity   |   Website   |   Apparel
Custom Icon Set   |   Print Products


The NashVilla is a luxury Bed & Breakfast that has got to be the coolest house in Nashville. From the atmosphere and amenities to the two working recording studios and a backyard to match, this place is somehow luxurious, comfortable and creatively electrifying all at once.


We linked up with the NashVilla team early in their process of creating this business, around the time that renovations to the house were just finishing up. The team had the property and the business name ready to go, and they tapped us in to take things from there and build out the visual brand identity, website, merchandise, and more.


We started high-level with conversation and exploration around what the brand vibe should be. Who will stay here? (Musicians and music lovers.) What type of experience should people expect? (The comforts and conveniences of a newly-renovated house, plus the privacy and simple joys of a B&B.) What will the house stand for that is larger than itself? (Among other things: Music. Celebrating it, sharing it, and honoring the fine folks who create it.)

Simple
Inexpensive		                Luxury
Exclusive
Wacky
Irreverent		                Professional
Polished
Rustic
Low-tech		                Amenities
Comfortable
Mellow
Calming		                Bold
Energetic
Americana
Country		                Modern
Urban

The Cowboy


With all this and a few experiences of our own hanging out at the NashVilla, we started noodling around with some initial ideas for a logo and color palette that would embody the house's unique balance of Americana and modern vibes.


The concept that rose to the top was a traveling musician, representing both guests and heroes of the 'Villa. Our guitar-weilding cowboy's clean, bold style fits well with the house's modern updates while still conveying that quintessential Nashville look.

A cluttered Adobe Illustrator artboard full of slightly different variations on the cowboy logo
the NashVilla main logo
the stylized cowboy hat pulled from the NashVilla cowboy logo

"Hang Your Hat Here"


The NashVilla's tagline came to us when we were deep in the weeds of this logo design. The simplified shape of our cowboy's hat is also a musical symbol for "rest" – precisely what the NashVilla offers to all of its guests.


This is a logo packed with meaning and personality, and we got to show even more of it with this playful animation:

Complete Brand Identity


A complete brand identity is so much more than just the logo on its own, and the NashVilla asked us to go big. We created a distinct color palette inspired by the house itself, designed apparel and merchandise that fit the 'Villa's tone, and added extra flavor with custom iconography that highlights ammenities like free parking, electronic house access, a fully-stocked kitchen, etc.

#2e414d

#446475

#845c41

#b5aca1

#1c1b1e

#69753c

#7c2121

#c39d75

#ffffff

#e8e7e2

custom icons: a horse tied to a stake to represent free parking
custom icons: a key shaped like a guitar to represent easy access
custom icons: a wine glass and bowl of food to represent the stocked kitchen
custom icons: a coat rack with the cowboy's hat on it and a guitar leaning against it
custom icons: a mug of piping hot coffee to represent the coffee and wifi provided
custom icons: three luggage bags to represent checkout
The NashVilla website shown on a laptop
leather patch hats with the NashVilla logo on the patch
NashVilla business cards that read 'hang your hat here' on the back

Results


The NashVilla brand has received extremely positive reactions from guests and fans alike, and has even been featured on American Dream Network.


This is still an ongoing partnership, and we've been able to add a TON of extra love and detail to this brand. See the photos below of branded drinkware, metal signage for the main room, guest postcards, a "house rules" booklet, and more. There's still more in the works, too, so check back in with us again soon. :)

The NashVilla cowboy logo on his rearing horse
a large, inviting bedroom at the NashVilla
the NashVilla's fully-equipped bar
custom NashVilla wine glasses
a large sunroom on the back of the NashVilla
a photo of the NashVilla from the curb
NashVilla post cards
a welcome booklet that gives guests the lay of the land
a black metal sign of the NashVilla logo mounted on the wall in the house's main room
a black metal sign of the NashVilla logo mounted on the wall in the house's main room
another angle shot of the metal NashVilla sign, because we're really stoked about it
a staircase lined top-to-bottom with vinyl records
a beautiful modern bathroom and glass door shower
homey recording studios and space for working or lounging in the NashVilla basement
exterior photo of the NashVilla from the backyard
overhead photo of the NashVilla's large back yard with a fire pit, water features, and a picnic table that form the shape of a guitar
photo of a lovely couch on the house's back deck
HANG YOUR HAT HERE
another musical symbol for 'rest'

"We are beyond thrilled with our brand manager, Pen & Mug. We began this process with a home and a very blurry vision and these guys took it and hit it out of the ball park. Austin has a way of translating feelings and ideas into tangible material. He filled in the blanks and brought together the thoughts and ideas into one clear brand and mapped out the steps to get there. We continue to be “WOWED” by the team's knowledge, expertise and creativity, along with their heart and passion for this project. They show up and work until it is finished, and the outcome has been great success. Not only do we trust Pen & Mug, we believe they are a large part of the team at The Nashvilla."


Patricia Gross

Co-Owner of The NashVilla


 Ambition  

 Almanac Beer Co.  

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