Behind the Brand No. 001: The Pearl Inn Scituate
- Kristin Sturgeon
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Welcome to Behind the Brand
Over the past couple of years, I've had the privilege of working with so many incredible clients, from local businesses here on the South Shore to companies across the country. Every project has its own story, and while you've seen many of the finished logos and branding projects on Instagram, I realized I haven't shared much about what happens behind the scenes.
So, welcome to Behind the Brand.
This new series is a closer look at the people, inspiration, and creative process behind the brands I have the opportunity to design. I'll be sharing the conversations, the little details that spark ideas, and how each visual identity comes to life from concept to completion.
I'm excited to kick off the series with a recent project, The Pearl Inn Scituate. It was one of those projects where everything just clicked, and I can't wait to share the story behind it.
Meet the Client
One of my favorite parts of growing my Instagram community has been the people it's connected me with. I've had the opportunity to work with businesses all over the world, but there's something especially rewarding about collaborating with local business owners and helping bring their vision to life right here on the South Shore.
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Jodi, owner and hostess of The Pearl Inn Scituate, to create a brand identity that felt just as warm and welcoming as the inn itself.
The Vision
From our very first conversation, Jodi had a clear vision. She wanted the brand to feel timeless, coastal, and elegant while reflecting the charm of The Pearl Inn Scituate.
One thing she knew from the very beginning was that she wanted to incorporate a shell and pearl into the brand. She shared a beautiful piece of artwork featuring an oyster shell with a pearl that she loved and wanted me to use as inspiration. Combined with the relaxed, coastal elegance of the inn itself, I immediately had a few ideas in mind.
One thing I loved about this project was how quickly everything came together. We didn't spend weeks exploring dozens of different directions. The vision was clear from the beginning, which made the creative process feel incredibly natural.
Before I Started Designing...
Before I started designing, I spent time looking through photos of The Pearl Inn Scituate. The beautiful coastal décor, thoughtful details, and relaxed elegance all helped shape the direction of the design.
One detail that immediately stood out was the stunning oyster shell chandelier. Seeing that, alongside the inspiration artwork Jodi shared, confirmed that the oyster and pearl were the perfect symbols for the brand. It wasn't just a coastal icon, it became a meaningful connection between the inn, its décor, and Jodi's vision.
Jodi also wanted the color palette to stay soft, elegant, and unmistakably coastal. We chose muted coastal tones that complement the inn beautifully and create a timeless look that will feel just as beautiful years from now.
The Design
Sometimes logo projects involve exploring dozens of concepts, but this wasn't one of those projects.
The very first concept just clicked. It featured a custom oyster illustration cradling a pearl, paired with elegant typography. It captured everything we had talked about, and it was honestly love at first sight. Those are some of my favorite projects. When the vision is clear, the design has a way of falling into place.
Bringing the Brand to Life
One of my favorite parts of branding is thinking beyond just the logo itself. We wanted to create an identity that would look just as beautiful on gift bags, embroidered on towels, printed on stationery, featured on apparel, and incorporated into all of the little finishing touches throughout The Pearl Inn Scituate.
A logo isn't just something that lives on a website. It's the first impression someone has of a business, and it should carry through every touchpoint. Those thoughtful details help create a memorable guest experience and make the brand feel cohesive from the moment guests arrive.
Seeing the logo come to life on gift bags, towels, and other branded pieces is always one of my favorite parts of the process. It's where the brand truly starts to feel real.
Final Thoughts
Projects like this are such a great reminder that the best branding starts with a story. It isn't about choosing a pretty font or creating a beautiful illustration. It's about listening, finding inspiration in the details, and creating something that feels authentic to the people behind the business.
Thank you, Jodi, for trusting me with such a special piece of The Pearl Inn Scituate. It was such a fun project, and I can't wait to watch the brand continue to grow! To see the brand portfolio page click here: https://www.thesaltwaterco.com/the-pearl-inn.
And if your looking for a beautiful place to stay in Scituate, Ma you can get more information on their website here: https://www.thepearlinnscituate.com
I'm so excited to continue this Behind the Brand series and share the incredible businesses I've had the opportunity to work with. Every brand has a story, and I can't wait to bring you behind the scenes of the next one.
Thinking About Your Own Brand?
Whether you're starting a new business, refreshing an existing one, or creating something completely new, I'd love to help bring your vision to life. Every great brand starts with a conversation. If you're ready to tell your story, let's create something beautiful together. Click here to reach out.
Stay Salty,
