
Granite Creek Marina
Client
Granite Creek Marina.
Category
- Branding
- Visual Identity
Deliverables
- Complete Visual Identity
- Logo Suite
- Brand Patterns
Results
The new brand visual identity has been warmly received by the Granite Creek Marina team. The cohesive design system will strengthen the marina's brand recognition and create a more memorable and engaging experience for its audience. The logo suite, illustrations, and brand pattern can be seamlessly integrated into the marina's signage, merchandise, and marketing materials, reinforcing its position as the premier destination on Priest Lake.
Project Summary
Granite Creek Marina, a historic family-owned business established in 1931, has been a cherished destination on Priest Lake for generations. The client recognized that the time was right to create a logo and visual identity that truly reflects the marina’s heritage, its place in the community, and its enduring commitment to providing unforgettable experiences.
The goal was to develop a brand that celebrates the marina's longstanding legacy and fosters a growing sense of connection among visitors and the local community. By introducing branded merchandise and cohesive visual elements, the marina aims to strengthen its identity and reinforce its role as a beloved landmark for generations to come.
The Challenge
The challenge was to create a logo and visual identity that honors Granite Creek Marina’s rich history while appealing to modern audiences. The visual identity needed to capture the essence of Granite Creek Marina—its connection to nature, its welcoming community, and its commitment to preserving the pristine environment of Priest Lake. The brand needed to feel modern yet timeless, adventurous yet serene, and appeal to a diverse audience of boaters, vacationers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The client wanted the branding to:
- Reflect the marina’s heritage as a family-owned business established in 1931.
- Celebrate its deep-rooted connection to the Priest Lake community and natural surroundings.
- Enhance the sense of belonging and connection among visitors through branded merchandise and cohesive design elements.
- Position the marina as a timeless destination that continues to create memorable experiences for future generations.
THE SOLUTION
The solution was a brand identity for a marina committed to ecological preservation and tribal access that seamlessly blends history, nature, and community. The logo, illustrations, and patterns were designed to tell the story of Granite Creek Marina’s past, present, and future. From the iconic silhouette of Chimney Rock to the hand-drawn illustrations of the gas house and Granite Creek Falls, every element was crafted to resonate with the marina’s heritage and its role as a gateway to adventure and connection.
Design Process
The creation of Granite Creek Marina’s brand identity began with a deep dive into its history, surroundings, and community. From the initial discovery call to the final delivery, every step was guided by a commitment to honoring the marina’s heritage and creating a visual identity that resonates with its audience.
Discovery and Strategy
The process began with a discovery call and strategy session, where I learned about Granite Creek Marina’s rich history, its role in the community, and the client’s vision for the brand. Established in 1931, Granite Creek Marina has been a family-owned destination for generations, and the client wanted a brand identity that reflects its legacy while fostering a sense of connection among visitors.
To ensure the new branding would stand out, I conducted competitive research, analyzing the logos and websites of other marinas on Priest Lake. This research helped identify opportunities to differentiate Granite Creek Marina while staying true to its unique identity. During the strategy call, I presented examples of competitor branding, which informed our discussions about positioning, visual style, and key differentiators. This strategic approach ensured that the final design would resonate with the marina's audience and set it apart in a competitive market.




On-Site Visit and Research
To fully understand the marina’s essence, I visited the beautiful marina on Priest Lake and Granite Creek Falls. Walking the docks, observing the natural surroundings, and experiencing the marina’s atmosphere firsthand provided invaluable inspiration. I took photos of the marina, the falls, and the iconic Chimney Rock, which would later become central elements of the design.




Sketches and Initial Concepts
Back in the studio, I began translating my observations into sketches. Using the photos as reference, I drew the marina’s key landmarks, including the gas house, Granite Creek Falls, and Chimney Rock. These sketches captured the spirit of the marina and served as the foundation for the logo and illustrations.
Digital Development
With the sketches and photos as my foundation, I transitioned into the digital phase of the project using Adobe Illustrator. This stage involved refining the shapes, typography, and overall composition to create a polished and cohesive logo. I carefully referenced the photos of Granite Creek Marina, Granite Creek Falls, and Chimney Rock to ensure the design stayed true to the marina’s identity and surroundings.
With the sketches and photos as my foundation, I transitioned into the digital phase of the project using Adobe Illustrator. This stage involved refining the shapes, typography, and overall composition to create a polished and cohesive logo. I carefully referenced the photos of Granite Creek Marina, Granite Creek Falls, and Chimney Rock to ensure the design stayed true to the marina’s identity and surroundings.
Every element was thoughtfully crafted—from the flowing lines of Granite Creek Falls to the rugged silhouette of Chimney Rock—to reflect the marina’s connection to nature and its rich history. The typography was customized to complement the iconography, with subtle details like the “r” descender mirroring the contours of the falls. The result was a logo that seamlessly blends history, nature, and community, capturing the essence of Granite Creek Marina in a timeless and memorable mark.




The Logo: A Celebration of Heritage and Nature
The Granite Creek Marina logo is a harmonious blend of history, nature, and community. Each element was carefully chosen to reflect the marina’s identity and create a lasting connection with its audience. Here’s a closer look at the key components:
- Chimney Rock: The iconic silhouette represents the marina’s scenic views and rugged surroundings.
- Granite Creek Falls: A stylized depiction of the falls ties the logo to the natural beauty of the area.
- Gas House: The illustration of this historic structure grounds the brand in its rich heritage.
- Typography: The custom lettering, with the “r” descender inspired by the falls, adds a unique and personal touch.




Bringing the Brand to Life
The new logo and visual identity were applied across a range of materials, from signage and merchandise to digital platforms. These mockups showcase how the branding enhances the marina’s presence and creates a cohesive experience for visitors.








Final Deliverables and Support
The project concluded with a comprehensive Brand Presentation and Brand Guidelines Booklet and Brand Guidelines Sheet, providing the client with everything they need to maintain consistency across all touchpoints. The guidelines include detailed instructions for logo usage, color palettes, typography, and patterns.
Additionally, I created a Goodbye Packet as a final touchpoint, offering tips and resources for implementing the new branding. My goal was to ensure the client felt confident and supported as they began using their new brand elements to connect with their community.
Additionally, I created a Goodbye Packet as a final touchpoint, offering tips and resources for implementing the new branding. My goal was to ensure the client felt confident and supported as they began using their new brand elements to connect with their community.




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