StoryYelling

Handcrafted design for The Main Bar.

Feels like we have to yell at each other to be heard these days. Especially in marketing. And in some situations, getting loud is good. Planning a design for The Main Bar, it was clear that this little building—one of the oldest bars in Columbus—needed a louder voice. Sitting off the main drag, it's dwarfed by towering structures and a massive Apple banner. And most of the surrounding scene is...orderly and unimpressive. We had a reason to shout—for fun—and bring something fresh into the cityscape.

In some situations, getting loud is good.

So the final design packed a punch: playful, thick white type on a black sea, with a giant purple octopus swooping across the wall (and holding a beer). 

That's yelling.

If you wander near the wall, a micro story unfolds about a mermaid and sailor. A subtle but swell addition to the concept by Nicky Smith. It's for the curious viewer willing to look a few seconds more.

Knowing when to turn up the volume, and when to whisper is a rythmic balance. It's part of the art of storytelling. And critical to capturing audiences who might respond to different voices. 

Related work: Directly across the street, Menges Design designed interior experiences for Resource Ammirati. It's a similar story of visual storytelling, and how to make wayfinding more fun. Contact us to see it!