Art Direction
Branding
Environmental

Navy Strength is a tropical-inspired bar, restaurant and coffee/juice spot founded by Anu & Chris Elford in 2017. They decided to start two restaurants simultaneously in Seattle (along with No Anchor), partnering with chef Jeffrey Vance and trusting Forest with the branding, art direction and environmental design of both concepts. Navy Strength was awarded Best New American Cocktail Bar at the 2018 Spirited Awards (one of the industry’s most significant honors).

photographs by Luke McKinley

The design takes its cues from vintage tiki menus, Chinese restaurant paper placemats, playing cards, and references to the interior design by Atelier Drome Architecture. The menu changes bi-annually, taking inspiration from the flavors and drinking customs of a different country, paired alongside more classic tiki cocktails. Key ligne claire illustrations by Thomas Sullivan (who also assisted with design) complement this alternate universe of vibrant flavors and paradigm-resetting tastes. The wordmark was done by our friends at Mike Perry Studio.

For the coffee & juice program, a related but separate experience, we expanded the branding language for menus, the espresso machine, and other applications. Intense color is important in a town like Seattle, but it should refresh the soul and not fatigue the eyes. “We raise a glass to you for exploring this tropical world with us.”