A name is more than a label—it’s a story, a promise, an experience in itself. When a cannabis client approached me with the idea of a CBD-infused soda for retail, they initially leaned toward the name “Sip!”—simple, direct, but open to exploration. My task was to push the concept further, to develop a naming and design system that would resonate on a deeper level.

I approached the project from multiple angles, each reflecting a different facet of the product’s effect. “Cann O’ Bliss” played off the phonetics of “cannabis,” framing the drink as a gateway to calm—a small indulgence that delivers relaxation in every sip. “Mind Elixir” took a more cerebral approach, using abstract Rorschach-inspired patterns to evoke introspection, clarity, and the idea of unlocking the mind. Finally, “Sip” itself became a meditation on modern life—a chaotic maze where the simplest act of slowing down to enjoy a drink could serve as a moment of escape.

Each concept was more than just a name. It was an entry point into an experience—an invitation to engage with the product beyond its ingredients, to see it as a catalyst for something more.