The Bean Counter; a good example of a current trend that says 'good java' is synonymous with 'good aesthetics'.

Long before Starbuck's, but made megapop-culture by said corner coffee house gone java giant, coffee has always carried a very exclusive and cultured aire to the way it is enjoyed in visual sips by partons. Almost ever barista storefront I've seen, both large and small, has a very independently tailored feel with close ties to art, music, and interior appointments. Small art galleries, music for sale, open-mic nights and great interior design are almost staples of even the most independent of coffee shops. Even those trying to play down to the "go local" crowd are stil TRYING and fashion a more indy atmosphere on purpose. Much like wine establishements, coffee has a culture to it that is more than just the drinks.

So on a recenet trip to the moderately-sized but surprisingly art and design-heavy town of Des Moines, IA I got the chance to speak to a local group of talented and fun area designers. on a walk-about after the talk I went to the office where a few of them work at Wells Fargo Financial (conveniently housing a branch of the Des Moines Museum of Modern Art!). I'm walking out and I notice a great piece of art in the form of a logo for The Bean Counter. Upon asking about the logo and the company, I find out that it's the independently operated in-house coffee shop for the company. Nice concept to have a captive supplier of the 'bean juice' for the captives.



The logo was fashioned by one of their own in-house design wizards, Craig Tassin. I'd like to draw special attnetion that Craig being an in-houser obviously has no bearing on his talent and skill, so rock on in-house designers! ;)

There will be more java + design posts here because I am fascinated at the links and attractions between sub-cultures that cause killer cross-overs.

Steve G. of the YP