Little Rock, AR

° F

Handle Barbershop

Our Role

Art Direction
Brand Identity
Illustration
Logo and ID Systems
Typographic Design
Wayfinding and Signage

Handle is a bespoke barbershop in downtown Little Rock that was created with a deep respect for the history and craft of barbering.

Our Objective

Design the Sharpest Looking Barbershop in Little Rock

GET Global Attention along the way

Handle Barbershop, the vision of a well-traveled proprietor, was inspired by a deep appreciation for the rich history and craft of barbering, with a mission to carry that tradition forward. Nestled in a spacious, hip environment along the Main Street stretch of downtown Little Rock, the shop faced the challenge of making a modest budget meet a grand vision. To ensure the brand identity matched the unique space, outside consultation was essential.

Our Solution

Results

We crafted a brand identity steeped in tradition, drawing inspiration from 1800s-style wooden letterpress type. The mantra, "Classic Cuts and Shaves, in the Heart of Downtown Little Rock," perfectly tied together the weathered wooden floors and the bright, natural light pouring through the street-facing windows. This design approach instantly made Handle Barbershop a community hotspot, establishing it as the go-to destination for a full-service, traditional barbershop experience in downtown Little Rock.

Our efforts included logo and badge design, custom type development, and a collaborative community effort. Notably, Redgie Adams contributed his craftsmanship to the exterior blade projection signage, restored parlor pole, and window decal treatments, which showcased the additional design assets we developed. Handle's aesthetic was driven by a commitment to high-end, custom craftsmanship, evident in every aspect of the patron's experience—from the inviting space to the exceptional service.

The result was a timeless brand identity that captured the proprietor's vision for nostalgia and excellence. This start-up identity gained international design recognition and delivered an immediate return on investment, firmly establishing Handle as an elite-level barbershop with premium pricing to match.

Nº 001 — Handle Barbershop Logo Lockup

The Handle Barbershop logo employs fine rules for shadow-play, crafting a barber’s parlor pole that subtly alludes to the letter "H," honoring the heritage of vintage typography.

Nº 002 — Classic Color Palette

A minimal yet high-contrast Americana color palette defines the classic visual voice of the brand, resonating with timeless elegance.

Cohesive Branded Color Palette for Handle Barbershop in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Nº 003 — Handle Barbershop Overview

Situated in a first-floor suite, Handle barbershop is outfitted with all the premium fixtures one anticipates in a masculine establishment.

Interior Design of Handle Barbershop in Little Rock, AR

Nº 004 — Handle Barbershop Wedge Sign

Custom signage, designed to anchor the corner of the shop, featureing a prominent blade motif on its exterior.

Nº 005 — Logo & Logotype

In specific instances, the logotype is utilized instead of the full logo lockup to maintain brand clarity and simplicity.

Nº 004 — Handle Barbershop Wedge Sign

Custom signage, designed to anchor the corner of the shop, featureing a prominent blade motif on its exterior.

Nº 005 — Logo & Logotype

In specific instances, the logotype is utilized instead of the full logo lockup to maintain brand clarity and simplicity.

Custom signage design and sign install for Handle Barbershop in Little Rock, Arkansas. Sign by Adams Sign.

Nº 006 — Alain "Pachi" Ravelo

Alain "Pachi" Ravelo is a distinguished barber whose gentlemanly demeanor has become synonymous with the Handle Barbershop brand.

Nº 007 — Window Graphics

Integrating digital type with custom Victorian-inspired barbershop lettering, the window graphics blend historical and modern design.

Victorian-inspired window detail graphic design and branding with illustrated raven, for Handle Barbershop in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Nº 008 — Window Graphics in Application

Vinyl decal applications welcome patrons and engage passersby along Little Rock’s Main Street, enhancing the shop’s street presence.

Victorian-inspired window detail window design install and branding with illustrated raven, for Handle Barbershop in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Nº 009 — Handle "H" Sub-Brand Mark

Designed for additional merchandise and general collateral, this brand mark is meant to pair with parent brand marks.

Nº 010 — One The Edge Sub-Brand Mark

Situated on the edge of Sixth and Main in Little Rock, the address provided the opportunity to make a text play on the concept of a sharpened edge.

Nº 011 — Handle Sans Custom Lettering

With nearly a quarter of the English alphabet represented in the logotype, we expanded the set to include remaining glyphs for use as the primary headline typeface.

Handle Sans, vintage custom lettering, and type glyphs for Handle Barbershop in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Nº 012 — Look/Feel Good (Digital)

This slogan serves as both a mantra and a promise—elegantly crafted into a sub-brand mark that encapsulates the barbershop's ethos right at the front door.

Nº 013 — Look/Feel Good (Signage)

Strategically placed at the entryway, this emblem acts as a continuous reminder of the Handle brand promise, fostering a positive customer experience.

Nº 012 — Look/Feel Good (Digital)

This slogan serves as both a mantra and a promise—elegantly crafted into a sub-brand mark that encapsulates the barbershop's ethos right at the front door.

Nº 013 — Look/Feel Good (Signage)

Strategically placed at the entryway, this emblem acts as a continuous reminder of the Handle brand promise, fostering a positive customer experience.

Look and Feel Good typographic lockup with barber shears, graphic design lockup for Handle Barbershop in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Look and Feel Good typographic lockup with barber shears, graphic design lockup for Handle Barbershop in Little Rock, Arkansas—installed on front door glass.

Client........Handle Barbershop
Photography...Sage Duke

.........Unbound Collective

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