art direction | design | strategy

Slater

THOMAS C. SLATER COMPASSION CENTER REBRANDING

This new logo for Slater was crafted to embody tradition and local pride, aligning with Rhode Island’s rich cultural legacy and iconic brands. As the state’s first and oldest dispensary, named after Thomas C. Slater, this design will reflect Rhode Island’s heritage.

I envision a vintage-inspired logo with a type treatment that evokes the charm and familiarity of enduring brands. The goal is for Slater to be seen as a quintessential heritage brand over time, connecting with the local community through a timeless, classic look that resonates with Rhode Island’s traditions.

Beyond the logo, the rebrand aims to capture a classic, welcoming vibe with a sense of timeless community — think of it as the “Cheers” of cannabis.

This logotype keeps the all-caps serif style, similar to Georgia from the previous logo, but adds more organic forms and shapes. It’s lively and dynamic, with elements that curl and extend like smoke. The design draws some inspiration from 1970s retro fonts, blending a nostalgic vibe with a timeless feel. It strikes a balance between playful and formal, reflecting where Slater and the industry are now—moving away from an overly formal, medical look and feel.

A distinctive feature is letterform made from the integration of the letter “I” within the “R,” which subtly references Rhode Island and pays tribute to Thomas C. Slater’s contributions. Additionally, the seven-pointed star has a dual meaning: it represents a marijuana leaf and also signifies Slater’s number-one license.