Branding / Photography / Editorial and Layout Design
Vikings on the Vine
Designing a Bold Identity Where Heritage Meets Modern Elegance
Vikings on the Vine — Portland State University’s Alumni Wine Club — blends PSU’s Viking heritage with wine culture, creating a bold, sophisticated brand that invites alumni to explore camaraderie and discovery. The logo combines Viking strength with modern design and grape motifs. A rich, earthy palette and refined typography, paired with vineyard imagery, evoke adventure and elegance. This cohesive identity reflects exploration, inclusivity, and connection while celebrating PSU alumni’s adventurous spirit.
The original Vikings on the Vine logo had heart, but needed a more refined, intentional identity to grow with the program. I explored two distinct directions—one rooted in playful typography, the other in bold, icon-forward marks. In the end, we landed on a final logo that honors the spirit of the original but feels elevated, cohesive, and ready for the next chapter. It’s the same voice, just all grown up.
Wine bottles I photographed to use for promotional materials
Everything about the Vikings on the Vine identity was inspired by the vineyard itself — from the lush rows of grapes to the sense of place and tradition. I custom-tailored the logo by turning the dot of the “i” into a grape and transforming the swash of the “V” into a vine leaf, merging illustration and typography to create a logo that feels rooted, playful, and cohesive. The result is a system where every element ties back to the land and the experience of the wine.
As the creative lead, I reimagined our wine club materials to feel more thoughtful and immersive — not just a shipment, but an experience. I led the strategy and design of a new brochure booklet featuring tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and a seasonal recipe, turning each delivery into something members could savor from start to finish.
Elements from the logo were thoughtfully woven throughout the brochure—used as background textures and design accents across the spreads—to create a cohesive, elevated look that tied the whole experience together.
For this digital ad, I photographed the wine bottles myself — many of the wineries don’t have large marketing budgets, so creating high-quality visuals in-house gave us the freedom to present their wines in the best possible light. It was about making every bottle feel premium, no matter the budget behind it.
For the first annual winemakers’ event, I designed a custom passport booklet to deepen the guest experience. With spots for stamps from each winery and space for tasting notes, it became both a keepsake and an interactive guide — turning the event into a journey worth remembering.