Proposal for Dartmoor Whisky

By Robert Boyd, Founder of BOYD Creative

Introduction

Hi there — I’m Robert, founder of BOYD Creative, a new branding studio based in Newton Abbot. If you’re reading this, I’ll take it as a good sign that you’re at least a little curious about what a partnership with a studio like mine could mean for Dartmoor Whisky.

Let me briefly explain why I’ve put this proposal together and what you could expect from it.

After years working in branding and graphic design, I’ve recently launched BOYD Creative to focus on elevating ambitious brands in the South West. As a new studio, I’m in the process of building a strong portfolio, and I’m specifically looking to collaborate with brands I genuinely admire — brands that represent the spirit and identity of our region. Dartmoor Whisky is one of those brands.

So, this proposal is a bit of a leap — a way to show you what I could bring to the table. And since I’m the one reaching out (and I fully appreciate that you're an established business), any potential fees would reflect that. For now, let me walk you through some initial thoughts and ideas.

Overview

This proposal is a snapshot of how I’d look to evolve and elevate elements of your brand. Please note — these are outside observations, not assumptions about your goals or business. They're rooted in design thinking, aesthetic analysis, and brand strategy.

  1. Branding Services

Logo
Your current logo certainly fits the brand, but I think there’s room for refinement. The horse (Dartmoor Pony?) is a great symbol, but the detailing feels a bit loose — some overlapping elements could be cleaned up, and the structure would benefit from more geometric balance.

Also, the logo’s use in inverted formats (white on dark) causes the horse’s face to lose definition. That’s a common issue but one worth solving.

My suggestion:
Let’s look at ways to infuse more Dartmoor storytelling into the identity. While the pony is iconic, drawing inspiration from the region’s heritage — like its Celtic roots — could help build a deeper emotional connection. There’s a rich aesthetic overlap between Celtic design and whisky branding, offering a powerful visual language to explore.

Typography
Typography can say a lot — and for Dartmoor Whisky, I’d suggest drawing from the area’s industrial past. Think: the Granite Railway, moorland markers, stone inscriptions. That engraved, chiseled lettering style has real presence and authenticity. It could become a signature part of your brand’s visual tone.

Pairing the two
Combining a Celtic-inspired mark with a rugged, granite-style typeface could create a brand identity that’s unmistakably Dartmoor — yet instantly resonant with whisky drinkers. This kind of specificity is what sets brands apart.

  1. Packaging & Labelling

Your current label is strong — but I see untapped potential to bring more of your brand's personality forward.

For example, I’ve created a label concept that draws on the Celtic aesthetic and incorporates elements of local history. The lower half of the label references a mill stone — subtly nodding to the granite heritage. This is just one idea, but it shows how local stories can add richness and uniqueness to your packaging.

A distinctive label, paired with professional studio photography, could dramatically elevate how your bottles are perceived online, in-store, and in marketing materials.

  1. Additional Services Offered

Once a refreshed brand identity is in place, we can help support across a range of areas:

  • Brand Design

  • Website Design & Development

  • Social Media Management

  • Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Advertising

  • Packaging & Labelling

  • Campaigns & Promotional Materials

  • Editorial & Print Collateral

Conclusion

Thanks so much for taking the time to read through this proposal. I hope it gives you a sense of what working with BOYD Creative might look like — and how I could help take Dartmoor Whisky’s brand presence to the next level.

If you’re interested in discussing further, I’d love to arrange a meeting — happy to come by the distillery or wherever’s convenient. Just drop me a message and we’ll take it from there.

Thanks again,
Robert Boyd
Founder, BOYD Creative