Fresh From The Field: Forest Water – By MAKEBARDO

Fresh from the field

Fresh From The Field: Forest Water – By MAKEBARDO

2 months ago by Iris Kalff

Step into the forests of Appalachia with Forest Water, a sparkling craft beverage brought to life by MAKEBARDO through a visual identity rooted in resilience, heritage, and mindful consumption.

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The brief

Born in Nashville and inspired by the wild abundance of the Appalachian Mountains, Forest Water began as an exploration of wild-harvested botanicals. It has evolved into a sparkling, complex drink that bridges the gap between craft beverages and mindful consumption. The brand embraces the search for sustainable, often overlooked ingredients, making every can a tribute to the unsung heroes of the forest. Packed with bold, layered flavours and a spirit of discovery, Forest Water invites you to enjoy the whole experience—from the clarity of mountain streams to the warmth of a night under the stars.

The design response

The brand’s visual identity reflects its story, anchored by a hand-drawn pictorial mark of the American Chestnut Tree—an impactful symbol of resilience and a tribute to the native flora of the Appalachian landscape. The typographic system draws inspiration from WPA-style artwork, specifically the National Parks posters, to evoke a sense of American history and wonder. To position the brand as a timeless entity rather than a passing trend, the establishment date is included in the emblem as a conceptual anchor. The identity balances nostalgia and contemporary style by utilising a black-and-white base, combined with specific colours for each SKU to capture the character of each unique blend.