Constellation Cat Cafe

SITUATION

The Constellation Cat Cafe (CCC) is a local Lansing non-profit organization. A team of 6 creatives and I partnered with this organization to provide advertising and communication expertise to give back to the community.

TASK

Requests from this client included the creation of a new, more mature look for the cafe's brand, as well as helping with strategies to acquire more donations and encourage foot traffic to the cafe. Below, you will see our solutions to these asks. I was the lead designer for the brand re-vamp, as well as the strategist for communicating the cafe's move to a new space in Lansing.

ACTION TAKEN

Led initial client meeting and documented key goals, tone, and needs

Developed a creative brief to guide team direction and align on strategy

Collaborated with a sub-team of 3 to brainstorm and refine creative + communication strategies

Designed and iterated brand identity concepts, focusing on a more mature, cohesive visual direction

Presented internal drafts to the full team for feedback and refinement

Led client presentations, gathered input, and translated feedback into actionable revisions

Crafted a social media strategy to effectively announce CCC’s move and drive engagement

Packaged all strategy, brand assets, and guidance in a designed strategy and brand guide for the client to use long after partnership

CLIENT RESULTS

New brand identity successfully implemented across CCC’s social media, café interior, signage, and merchandise

Increased engagement on social media, with more shares, comments, and community interaction following the launch

Stronger internal communication and organization, with baristas using updated materials and systems to streamline service

Donation goals consistently being met or exceeded, helping CCC continue its mission of cat rescue and adoption

Clear, confident messaging around CCC’s move, resulting in a smooth transition and continued community support

PERSONAL IMPACT

I felt driven to serve CCC because we have similar values. Beyond being a creative, humane business model for cat adoption, this local shop is also a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community in Lansing, Michigan. They consistently support the trans community on social media and within their store. They proudly sell queer art with the intent to uplift the voices of the queer community in Lansing.

Working with CCC gave me the opportunity to connect deeply with my community in Lansing. As a young creative, this was one of the first times I saw how design and storytelling can have a real, tangible impact on people (and animals!) right in my backyard. I wasn’t just building a pretend brand, I was helping an organization I truly believe in grow and thrive.