M’Bala
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Holly Cushing | M’Bala, Jamaica
Brand identity | website design + Development
2025
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THE CHALLENGE
M’Bala needed a brand that felt proudly Jamaican without leaning on tired visual clichés. They loved the raw energy of dancehall posters and neighborhood signage, but wanted a system that was modern, respectful, and versatile. Specifically: straight-set typography (no slanted 60s scripts), no tribal spirals or checkerboards, and a palette that could be formalised. With photography and copy in motion, the brand also had to move quickly into a launch-ready website.
THE OUTCOME
The new identity gave M’Bala a cohesive voice where there hadn’t been one before. What started as scattered references like dancehall posters on lamp posts, garden flowers, and half-formed logo ideas, was transformed into a confident system: a custom wordmark, disciplined colour palette, and adaptable graphics.
Despite a tight timeline, unedited photography, and the need to balance very different brand touchpoints (from villa signage to website UX, from guest welcome packs to a van wrap), the system flexed seamlessly.
We delivered:
A custom logo + submark
A primary and secondary colour palette with tonal shadows
Typography pairings that hold their own online and in print
Graphic elements inspired by nature and music culture
Mockups across web, social, print, merchandise, and vehicle livery
A structured website framework (homepage, rooms, outdoors, location, booking) and guidance on copy, newsletter, and booking flows
The result is a brand that feels culturally rooted, modern, and flexible—ready to grow across digital and physical touchpoints. What was once a collection of inspiration boards is now a clear, confident identity that positions M’Bala as both authentic and future-facing.
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