A Novel Idea

‘A Novel Idea’ is Godalming’s only charity book and record shop, located on Queen Street just off the High Street. Run mainly by volunteers, it sells pre-loved books, records and CDs, with all proceeds supporting Catalyst, a local mental health charity in Surrey.

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As the shop grew in local popularity, they approached me to create their first a brand identity, on a small budget. The brief was to capture an “old-world” bookshop feel—quaint, welcoming and full of character—using illustration to bring the space to life.

 

Inspired by historic English bookshops, I developed a mood board, colour palette and a hand-painted watercolour illustration of the shopfront. Designed to be a timeless and cost-effective brand asset, this central illustration was applied across posters, bookmarks and signage. A logo was not included, as the shop already had an existing sign.