Locklear Vineyards & Winery holds a special place in my heart as a family-owned and operated vineyard, and what makes it even more remarkable is that it happens to be one of the first Native American-owned wineries.
Discovering this fact truly captivated me!
The deep-rooted stories and heritage behind their wines, coupled with the evident pride infused into every step of the winemaking process, is simply fascinating.
Working with them has been an incredibly enjoyable experience, and I eagerly look forward to collaborating with them in the future!
A bit about Locklear Vineyards & Winery:
This family-run establishment takes great pride in offering the public exceptional and delicious muscadine wine (trust me, you have to try it!).
Boasting an impressive selection of 10 distinct labels, featuring a variety of delightful blends, they truly have something special to offer.
Being the first wholly Native American-owned winery in North Carolina, their unique heritage is an integral part of their brand and adds a meaningful dimension to their story.
They handle all aspects of wine production on their estate, from nurturing and harvesting the fruits that go into their wines, showcasing their unwavering commitment to quality.
When I think of Daryl and the Locklear brand, what truly strikes me is the rich history they embody.
Their family's dedication, hard work in tilling the soil, planting the grapes, and investing countless hours in building this remarkable brand is truly inspiring.
With recipes passed down from generations, this winery holds a sense of cultural authenticity that is truly admirable.
Collaborating with Locklear Vineyards & Winery to identify their target market, create a visual brand identity that resonates with their personality and quality, and visually narrating the Locklear story has been an immensely rewarding experience.
It's an honor to be a part of their journey and contribute to their competitive edge by effectively communicating their brand essence.

In addition to my collaboration with Locklear Vineyards & Winery, I also had the opportunity to work on their logo and illustration to enhance their brand identity.
Starting with the Locklear Original logo, my goal was to create a versatile design that could be easily scaled for various brand touchpoints. While retaining the original style and essence, I refined and modernized it to resonate better with the target market.
For the illustration, the owner and I explored different visual directions, ultimately settling on a concept that could adapt to various projects.



The illustration featured elements inspired by the Lumbee tribe of Native Americans, paying homage to their heritage.
Extensive research led me to incorporate the river and water, infusing the artwork with cultural significance.
The tear drop shape remained consistent, but the illustrations and imagery could be customized to match the different wine varieties, serving as a flexible and dynamic visual element.
My aspiration was to create a design that could evolve while preserving the brand's essence, history, and the overall magnificence that defines Locklear Winery.



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