Modern Standard

Great coffee for everyone

Everyday mainstream, or small, high-craft independent? Modern Standard set out to do both: marrying the precision of speciality brewing with modern, efficient, large scale production. We developed a proposition, name and identity to define a new standard for everyone’s cup.

Brand identity
Writing
Packaging
Social
Brand articulation
Art direction
Campaign

A simple monogram borrows from the idea of a kite-mark – a benchmark of quality on a large scale. Patterns and shapes are inspired by the logo’s geometries; from the angle of the M, to the small bar it balances on (affectionately known as the ‘ingot’).

Founded in 2015, Modern Standard started life as a roastery, supplying great coffee at scale to likeminded businesses. Just five years later, they opened their Bruntsfield café doors to serve the good people (and pooches!) of Edinburgh with the best croissants and cappuccinos in town whilst continuing to roast from their base in Fife.

Something More Modern Standard Application7

Knowledge for all via useful facts in a simple short form. Breaking down the secret mystical art of great coffee, one cup at a time.

Through our long-standing relationship with Modern Standard, we were entrusted to help champion the causes they care about. In true commitment to the cause, for International Women's Day, Modern Standard's 'M' monogram flips, proudly displaying a 'W' alongside language that champions gender equality. Their special edition coffee – Pachamama (meaning ‘Mother Earth’) – raised money for Women’s Aid, helping to end domestic violence against women and children.

A set of illustrated portraits were commissioned for the ‘Modern Women’ series – a collection of stories showcasing the trail-blazing women doing it their way.

To celebrate Pride month with the purpose and joy it deserves, this deliciously vibrant campaign is inspired by the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Progress flag and is firmly rooted in Modern Standard’s core belief: that great coffee is for everyone – absolutely everyone. Colourful, welcoming, playful, and an idea the whole community could get behind.

Taking meaningful action to raise awareness, and funds, via the world they know best: coffee. A lively, special edition Pride coffee blend celebrates the diverse process methods and growing regions from across the world, with profits from each sale going to Switchboard – a national LGBT+ helpline.