Have you ever come across a brand that makes you stop in your tracks and go, “Wow – how cool is this?”

As someone with an eye for those kinds of details, it happens to me all the time – but still not as much as I’d like. After all, it can be hard to get a brand just right. That’s why the process takes a lot more time and deep thought than most people realize, and if you try to rush it, you can end up with something that just doesn’t work.

But every so often, I find something great that inspires me, right here in Calgary itself. Today, I want to talk about a few local brands that have truly nailed their brand identities and left a lasting impression. From the art direction to the website design and the choices of fonts and words, here are some of my favourite Calgary brands and why I love ‘em.

What to Look for in a Great Brand

Before we dive fully into that, let’s quickly think back to what makes a brand work.

A strong brand goes beyond a clever name, a cool logo, or a catchy tagline. It's a combination of all the various elements that work together seamlessly to create a memorable, impactful identity.

When thinking about or evaluating what makes a brand “work”, look for cohesiveness, consistency, and authenticity. A proper brand should have a well-defined personality and a clear message that resonates with its target audience – one that’s said with colours and style as much as it is with words. A company’s values should be on full display, so it’s easy to see what they stand for and how they operate within their industry.

You can see these qualities in the prior work I’ve done in my portfolio, right here in the city.

Calgary Brands I’ve Worked With

NINA Aesthetics: A brand that portrays luxury + moderness while still being approachable and influenced by the structure and curves of the face.

Aisthetikos: Fun, clean, feminine energy that is redefining medical aesthetics.
Mean Marketing: A brand with nods to editorial, connections and a strong but softer feminine approach.

Interested in how these ideas would translate over to your business? Wonder no more – reach out and let’s chat! But if you’re wondering where I come up with inspiration for these authentic, engaging brand identities, here are some of my local faves.

Awesome Calgary Brand #1: Eighty-Eight Brewing Co.

First let’s raise a glass to Eighty-Eight Brewing, a local gem in Calgary's brewing scene. With their dedication to crafting exceptional beers and pushing creative boundaries, Eighty-Eight has established itself as a standout brand.

But it's not just their crisp lagers and ales that impress – they've built a brand that stays true to their message and voice. Even when they’re not specifically talking about beer, there’s never any doubt that this is a beer for anyone and everyone. You’ll come for the refreshing drinks, but you’ll stay for genuine smiles and good vibes that ooze out of this place!

What’s Great About Eighty-Eight Brewing Co's Brand

It's hard not to fall head over heels in love with this brand.

For one thing, they've mastered the art of consistency (which is to say, they have the colours and trends of 1988 fashion down to a T – always a plus), and they infuse this branding into every aspect of their business.

Then, they stick to their core message: “Beer is good, the 80s were good, so let’s combine them, and everyone can have a good time all the time.” That voice shines through, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates with beer enthusiasts and casual tasters alike. They truly support the community and you want to support them in turn (they even sponsor Calgary athletes with Olympic dreams – a nod to their name inspiration, the 1988 Calgary Olympics)!

Beyond that, it’s just plain fun. Whether it's the playfulness of their naming conventions – anyone up for a Hammer Pants ale, or a Power Glove IPA? – the thoughtfully designed packaging, or the self-aware humour, 88 Brewing Co. delivers an experience that goes far beyond the beer itself.

Awesome Calgary Brand #2: Made by Marcus

If you need to do some serious dessert research, you can’t go wrong with Made by Marcus, a small gourmet ice cream shop that has taken Calgary by storm. Combining the charm of an old-fashioned ice cream parlour with a modern twist, the shop uses only the highest-quality ingredients to create some truly incredible custom flavors. As they say, “This is no ordinary ice cream shop” – it’s a brand that exudes a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern trends, exactly what you’d want from a local sweet shop.

What’s Great About Made by Marcus's Brand

This boutique parlour has mastered the art of balancing tradition with innovation.

Their brand captures the nostalgic essence of an old ice cream shop while embracing the clean designs of the modern world. Even their logo, with its combination of hand type and playful curves, feels equal parts trustworthy and experimental, though you may not even realize it at first.

The clean and simple website layout enhances the visual impact, allowing the mouthwatering photography and carefully chosen fonts to take center stage. While their expertise is quite clearly ice cream, it would appear they also have a professional designer behind the scenes – someone who has created a compelling brand that satisfies the taste buds, attracts the eye, and sets bellies rumbling with a sudden desire for another dessert.

Awesome Calgary Brand #3: Milk Jar Candle Co.

No list like this would be complete without shining a light on Milk Jar Candle Co., a Calgary-based company that not only creates custom candles but also spreads compassion through its philanthropic efforts. With over $236,000 raised for humanitarian causes and non-profits since 2016, they have shown that their brand goes beyond products – it's a force for good.

But that's not all that sets them apart. Milk Jar Candle Co. takes the ancient technology of “wicks in wax” and gives it a whole new life for the modern age, and it’s obvious that they have a whole lot of fun while doing so.

What’s Great About Milk Jar Candle Co.'s Brand

Milk Jar Candle Co. stands out not only for their incredible products (plant-based? Phthalate-free? Amazing smells? Sign me up!) but also for the incredible humans who make said products. Their commitment to inclusivity in employment and community makes them a brand to admire, especially because you know it’s real – it’s something that has been a part of their identity from the beginning when founder Holly Singer wanted to raise just $500 in the first year of the company’s existence. Now, they donate $1 from every candle back to the community, and they have given nearly a quarter-million dollars to different programs.

Aside from that, their entire team is young and full of passion for their work – and the branding and website reflect this energy perfectly. Their illustrations are fun, their photography is full of people laughing and grinning, and even their product names are lighthearted.

To sum it all up? It’s a perfect balance between work and play – showing their values and commitments on one side, and their business approach on the other. Every visitor and customer gets a glimpse into this personality, and it’s hard to leave without joining them on their journey.

Creating Your Own Amazing Calgary Brand

These brands serve as shining examples of the power of effective brand identity…and hopefully inspire you to think a little deeper about elevating your brand to match the market. But if the thought of doing so feels overwhelming, that’s okay! That’s what I’m here for. I know how much work it can be, but it’s kind of my thing—part of my brand identity, you know?

When you’re ready to get started, all you have to do is tell me your thoughts and let me know where you’re at in your branding journey. Together, we can create a brand that stands out, resonates with your audience, tells your full story, and earns you a spot on a future “Best Brands of Calgary” list!