This rebrand is grounded by the history of its subject: one of Madison’s oldest landmarks, The Governor’s Mansion Inn
Branding, Logo Design, Illustration, Copywriting
Logo alternatives. The use of a monogram and elegant serif fonts ooze history
A comfortable and stylish hotel with over 150 years of history, The Governor’s Mansion Inn required a brand identity that honored its storied past while appealing to modern guests. This Historic Landmark, once the Executive Residence of Wisconsin, has housed 17 governors and even served as the home of world-renowned violinist Ole Bull. With such a rich pedigree, the rebrand needed to reflect both the Inn’s historical significance and its luxurious ambiance.
The history and heritage of the Governor’s Mansion Inn served as the foundation for the rebranding process. A trio of logos was designed to capture the timeless elegance and old-world luxury associated with the property. These logo designs balance intricate details with classic forms, ensuring they evoke a sense of prestige while remaining versatile for modern applications.
The color palette was carefully selected to mirror the richness and warmth of the Inn’s interiors, drawing inspiration from its historic furnishings, architectural details, and timeless decor. Additionally, custom illustrations inspired by the landmark’s notable residents were created, adding a personal and narrative touch to the brand. These illustrations were then transformed into patterns and textures, further enriching the brand’s visual language and creating a cohesive identity across various applications.
The result is a sophisticated, historically-rooted brand identity that perfectly aligns with The Governor’s Mansion Inn’s legacy as a destination of comfort, style, and heritage.
Luxe analog key fobs and a revitalized entryway
The flexible color palette can be combined in many ways
Ole Bull, the violinist who once resided in the Inn
These small illustrations were inspired by the previous residents of the Inn. The badger represents the 17 governors who resided there, and the violin is in honor of Ole Bull, a world-renowned violinist. The handrawn style gives a friendly analog feel that’s reminiscent of the charming inky imperfections of old printing presses.
This is a Spec Project, and is available for licensing
At Studio Roger, we believe that design is a constant journey of growth, exploration, and refinement. Alongside our client work, we dedicate time to creating spec projects—conceptual designs crafted without a specific client or brief. These projects play a vital role in our design practice by challenging our creativity, pushing boundaries, and keeping our skills sharp in an ever-evolving industry.
Spec projects allow us to experiment with new techniques, explore bold ideas, and refine our visual storytelling abilities. They are a space for innovation and discovery, where we can reimagine possibilities and develop fresh approaches to branding, illustration, and visual identity design.
By tackling self-initiated projects, we stay connected to our passion for design and ensure our creative toolbox remains dynamic and relevant. These projects not only fuel our growth as designers but also demonstrate our versatility and ability to think outside the box, bringing a fresh perspective to every client collaboration.
At Studio Roger, we see spec projects as a testament to our dedication to craftsmanship and innovation—hallmarks of the work we bring to life for our clients.