Black Birch

11/08/2025

Recent work combining paper handcraft, Photoshop, editing in Premier, and some fittingly appropriate artificial intelligence.

10/28/2024

These postcards are hitting mailboxes all over the country this week. Long time client, Indigo Ink, gave the directive to show off their new foil capabilities with the only caveat being that it should "feel like autumn."

Everything else is Pumpkin Spice this time of year... why not ink, too?

Concept, design, copywriting, and pre-press production by Black Birch.
Print and finishing by INDIGO INK DIGITAL PRINTING, INC.

11/09/2023

Amazing exhibit right now at Artechouse DC. NASA imagery from the Webb telescope combined with code and design.

10/23/2023

Today's the last day to sign up for the IndigoEdge: White Ink webinar and get samples delivered to your door prior to the discussion. This is going to be a good one... Special guest Illustrator Dailen Ogden we'll be discussing her work and use of digital white ink.

Just a friendly reminder to sign up (if you haven't already) and join us for IndigoEdge: White Ink, our LIVE (and totally FREE) webinar.

IndigoEdge: White Ink
Thursday, November 2
Noon–1pm EST
via Zoom (send an email to: order(at)indigoinkprint (dot)com for the link to attend)

Register by Monday 10/23 to receive a sample packet

We'll be discussing some of the exciting ways to use White Ink—including detailed instruction on how to set up your files—all from the comfort of your desk. We'll also be conducting an in depth discussion with Dailen Ogden, a versatile artist who has incorporated white ink into some of her work (including the piece featured in this post). Dailen will walk us through her thought process on file setup and explain how she achieved certain effects using White Ink.

To register, simply send us an email at order(at)indigoinkprint (dot)com expressing your interest (include your postal address if you'd like the sample kit) and we'll reply with the Zoom link the day before the class. We can't wait to talk to you!

10/23/2023

Hallowed Ground has a fantastic feature in the Baltimore Sun today. We love seeing the building momentum for this special place!

https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/howard/howard-magazine/bs-mg-ho-hallowed-ground-20231023-34vz57c5svbntkjsdwbfsris6i-story.html?fbclid=IwAR34cSHNAGRy9GoKXMGnViIqKW4diovH-VW6mVTXkSv2akQYalZB8uFdpr4

Hallowed Ground, which opened in a former Oella church in June, sells plants and planting accessories like pots and trowels; as well as jewelry, candles and other items with botanical themes.

10/23/2023

New work in the wild... Lost Ark's new product launch has just been featured on WJZ. We worked on the new label system featuring custom illustration, spot foil, and ghosted bevel edge tamper. Available now at at the distillery or look for Dockside by Lost Ark at your favorite spirits shop.

https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/video/wheres-miana-checking-out-lost-ark-distilling-company-in-columbia/

06/19/2023

We're in the early stages of a new branding project for an amazing new boutique/garden shop in historic Ellicott City/Oella, MD. Hallowed Ground will be having its Grand Opening this Thursday (6/22), and based on some early sneak peeks, the vibes are incredible. Stay tuned for more...

Excited to roll out our new logotype and tagline, designed and conceptualized by . It’s been great to work with a talented friend and neighbor whose creativity and fresh perspective have long inspired me. It was clear from the start that he understood our ethos and aesthetic vision. We have more in the works too, so stay tuned…

05/04/2023

A day of design inspiration at Poster House in Manhattan. Fuse, Emigre, Japanese Post-war collection and the Black Panthers exhibit… all put in a blender in my head and ready for my next project.

03/10/2023

Addys!

08/28/2022

For nearly six years we have been giving our all to make the best spirits and provide the best experiences we know how. We are so grateful for every single person that has supported us- we are all family! Rum is our passion and it’s our goal to make something that everyone can enjoy. Rum for the rum nerds, rum for the newcomers, and rum for everyone in between. We also want to spread a message of love, unity, and inclusion in everything we do. We mean it when we say that you are ALL family! So please join us as we launch a new initiative- “Rum for Everyone”. Help us spread the rum love by using the hashtag and we will repost you! We are all stronger together! Cheers, y’all! ❤️💪🏻🍍

06/03/2022

Over the course of the past year, the Black Birch team (in conjunction with Firebox Marketing) has developed a holistic brand approach for Colorado-based startup Hydrologie Wellness.

Not only concerned with market presence, the IV infusion company sought to educate prospects on the benefits of medically-trained, practitioner-grade therapies (over more retail-based "salon" experiences). Extensive preliminary research exposed oversaturation of the company's initial name, leading Black Birch to propose the new moniker, "Hydrologie," along with a brand narrative focused on "Pure Elevation": a clinical, science-based approach to elevating mind, body, and beauty (at the foot of the Rockies).

Brand deliverables include:
- Naming, logo suite, and brand guidelines
- Print collateral
- Digital assets
- Environmental graphics, signage, banners
- Storefront/clinical space renderings
- Apparel
- Icon Library
- Art direction & custom photo library

06/01/2022

With events coming back, creating a unique brand experience has never been more crucial in making a prospect feel as though their effort to attend is worthwhile. "If I'm risking my health in a lingering pandemic, it better be worth it."

In partnership with Rebel Haiku, Black Birch concepted, art directed, and implemented the BTS: FORGED Anniversary event at 868 Estate Vineyards for BTS (a mission-based software development enterprise). The campaign focused on the concept of “anti-fragile” ­— a strength from not merely withstanding a shock but actually improving because of it. Extending the concept into a blacksmithing metaphor, the messaging and visual language focused on celebrating a decade forged through service, combat, tenacity, and opportunity.

Campaign highlights included:
-”Forged” anniversary logomarks and graphics applied throughout print collateral, digital, animation, and onsite media

-Coordination of onsite blacksmithing demos by the History Channel's Forged in Fire personalities

-A VIP Mailer featuring a leather-bound case with recessed tray insert, custom cast challenge coin, and branded steel knife