Black Bird Bookstore + Cafe is a community bookstore and cafe located in the Outer Sunset District of San Francisco, CA. The bookstore is known for its carefully chosen collection of books for both adults and children, covering a diverse range of subjects including fiction, poetry, science, cooking, and more. They emphasize titles that promote diverse voices and perspectives. You'll find a focus on books relating to San Francisco and California. The bookstore's mission focuses on elevating diverse voices, supporting small makers, investing in the local community, and creating a healthy and sustainable environment for its employees.
Client: Black Bird Bookstore + Cafe
Role: Designer
Studio: Chen Design Associates
Development: Kimberly Low + Katherine Hoffman
Creative Services:
Brand Refresh
Art Direction
Website Design
Inspired by San Francisco's Ocean Beach, the bookstore weaves together the raw, expansive beauty of the coastal landscape with a calming, literary atmosphere. Natural, muted tones dominate, reflecting the sandy dunes, driftwood, and varying shades of the ocean. Think sandy beiges, weathered grays, and the sunset’s warmth.
Old Logo
New Logo
The Black Bird logo needed a refresh in order to increase scalability. Our client wanted to be able to apply their logo across different platforms and applications especially since the bookstore was expanding to include a cafe. We stuck with a more deeper and warmer palette to contrast light atmosphere of the bookstore and included handwritten lettering which paired well with the friendly and inviting brand.
When redesigning the bookstore’s website, the primary goal was to shift the focus from a purely in-store experience to an online store as well. There was a need for an online presence that would cater to the community to help bring awareness to upcoming events that were going on at the bookstore. This involved prominently featuring an events calendar, allowing users to easily browse and RSVP for book readings, author signings, workshops, and themed discussions. The redesigned site includes a dedicated community page, a monthly newsletter, and profiles of local authors and artists, fostering a sense of belonging among the bookstore's patrons.
