I designed custom 12oz and 16oz Klean Kanteen thermoses in collaboration with Treeline Coffee. The goal was to create a design that reflects Treeline’s brand identity and connection to the outdoors while providing an attractive, functional product for coffee enthusiasts.
It featured my own artwork from paintings of the local landscape in Montana to bring a unique, personal touch to their brand.
Project Objectives
Develop a unique, nature-inspired design that embodies Treeline Coffee’s adventurous and sustainable ethos.
Ensure the artwork translates well onto Klean Kanteen's reusable thermoses, with attention to durability and visibility.
Strengthen brand loyalty by offering a memorable, branded product that resonates with Treeline’s outdoor-loving customer base.
Creative Direction
Theme: Outdoor adventure and environmental stewardship, aligning with Treeline’s brand.
Style: Clean, modern illustration with earthy tones; elements like mountains, trees, or natural landscapes.
Color Palette: Natural hues that complement the bottle’s material and Treeline’s branding.
Technical Requirements
Dimensions & Format: Design adapted to Klean Kanteen’s printing specifications, with consideration for wraparound elements.
File Type: Vector files (AI, EPS) for crisp quality on metal surfaces.
Added element to signify collaboration
Original Beehive Basin painting
Process
I originally intended to create digital illustrations of the paintings, thinking that they would better transfer onto Klean Kanteen’s mugs. I was very wrong— the illustrations looked childish and lost the adventurous, memorable, and outdoorsy integrity we were aiming for. The original paintings came back into play.
Illustration iteration
Branding was also something I learned a lot about. Treeline Coffee’s owners, Natalie and Deejay, gave feedback on the first rounds about how the typography of “Treeline Coffee” needed to stay consistent across everything, including mugs with hand-drawn elements. This was super important for me to hear as a newbie designer. I adjusted accordingly and Treeline’s typography remained the same.
Branding learnings
Klean Kanteen’s printing specifications were another challenge. A full print of the physical paintings was not going to work in a wraparound format, so I adjusted by removing the sky in Photoshop. The seam where the painting met was also wonky, so I trimmed away the mountain ridgeline little by little so that the millimeter height on each side matched.
Printing specifications for a wraparound design
Final Result
Treeline Coffee put in an order with Klean Kanteen for one hundred 12oz mugs and one hundred 16oz mugs.
Mug lineup for spring 2021. Please note that the bear mug in the middle is not mine.