The Goal
Create a brand that feels fun, bold, and memorable, while also being structured, professional, and easy to apply across everything.
It needed to reflect both sides of the business:
- Specialty Dirty Sodas
- Flavored Popcorn
The Challenge
The founders were clear about what they wanted.
They liked the idea behind their original logo, especially the bottle cap shape, but they knew it needed to feel more polished and easier to use across different applications.
The challenge was to:
- Keep the core idea they loved
- Elevate it to feel more professional
- Create a system that works across both drinks and popcorn
Logo Evolution
Instead of starting from scratch, I used the original logo as a starting point.
The bottle cap became the anchor of the identity, while I refined the typography, structure, and overall balance.
I also simplified elements and improved legibility so the logo could scale and work across packaging, signage, and social.
Brand Direction
This bran needed to feel vibrant and welcoming, while still being intentional. We found inspiration from:
90s Pop Culture
Bold Color and Energy
A Sense of Fun and Nostalgia
Visual Identity System
Color
Typography reflects the playful, nostalgic energy of the brand, using bold script and rounded forms that stay clear and readable across formats
Typography
Typography reflects the playful, nostalgic energy of the brand, using bold script and rounded forms that stay clear and readable across formats
Art Direction
Graphic Elements
A set of illustrated characters was developed as part of the brand experience, adding personality, movement, and a sense of play. These elements extend the identity beyond the logo and create a more engaging system.
Applications
The system was designed to work across everything the business offers.
- Cups
- Popcorn packaging
- Storefront
- Social media
- Merch
The Outcome
PopStar launched with a brand that looks like it belongs at the level they’re building toward — not the level they started at. The system holds together across every touchpoint without needing a designer in the room to make decisions. And the bottle cap is still there, doing exactly what it was always supposed to do.
