Design student's rebrand work gives Rome store a fresh look

What started as a simple business redesign class project in 2023 has blossomed into a large-scale rebrand of Rome Bakery and Market. Known off-handedly to locals as “the Rome store,” the business has operated at the corner of Sand Road and Mount Baker Highway since 1925.

The assignment was to choose a local business whose branding hasn’t been touched in some time and give it a refresh. Many of the design ideas in the rebrand assignment don’t leave the classroom, but some do.

“I typically assign random local companies to students so they can go on-site and research themselves,” said WWU Professor of Design Brittany Schade. Schade had driven by the Rome store dozens of times on the way to Mount Baker and thought it might be fun to assign as a hidden gem.

Recent graphic design graduate Grace Matson liked Rome because it was a small local business, and she wanted to visit her chosen business to get a feel for it. Matson’s brand refresh found the sweet spot between rustic country and friendly energy.

Matson played with the idea of working with the Rome store to implement the new designs, so Schade helped coach her through the transaction and plan.  

“I had only ever really done design work for class up until that point,” said Matson.

Working with a real-world client had Matson managing communication with Rome store owner Andrea Rowe, keeping on top of deadlines while attending class, and learning how to fairly price her work.

Matson continues to do small projects and updates for Rome. You can now see Matson’s brand throughout the store in print matter, social media, and signage.

Chris Casquilho covers Western’s College of Fine and Performing Arts for University Communications. Email him story ideas at chris.casquilho@wwu.edu.