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Matchbox, spiral notebook with illustrations, and yellow keychain on a wood table

We partnered with The Surf Lodge to create a cohesive brand experience across both digital and physical touchpoints.

As a world-class summer destination for NYC visitors and global travelers alike, the property needed visuals that captured its full spectrum — from laid-back beach days to high-energy nights. Inspired by their clean, minimalist, and highly recognizable logo, we extended that visual language across the entire brand ecosystem.

The core challenge was balancing dual identities within a single, unified system. The brand needed to embody a relaxed, sun-soaked surf lifestyle — think wide-brimmed hats, oversized sunglasses, and a slow coastal pace — while also capturing the “work hard, play hard” energy that defines The Surf Lodge’s nightlife and cultural relevance. This had to translate seamlessly across digital platforms and on-site guest experiences.

Project developed at Craft & Root.

Project Objective

  • Brand Operations

Services

  • Digital Experiences
  • Physical Brand Touchpoints
  • Implementation & Rollout

Project Outcomes

  • Created a Mechanism for Operations
  • Tailored Visuals for Cultural Resonance
  • Accelerated Growth
Grid of Surf Lodge branded photos: viewfinder, Montauk map, cap, surfboards, and building exterior

The result was a cohesive, multi-sensory brand experience that reflected both the relaxed sophistication and vibrant energy of Montauk.

Every touchpoint — from digital interactions to in-hand materials — reinforced The Surf Lodge’s identity, creating a seamless guest journey that felt both elevated and distinctly personal.

The Surf Lodge branded coaster with a vintage swimmer photo, on a table
The Surf Lodge postcard, front and back, on a couch
The Surf Lodge branded toy viewfinder with reel beside it
Image of the Surf Lodge building with a beautiful red retro convertible with a surfboard in the back seat in front of it.
Shirt on a surfboard.
The Surf Lodge notepad, key cards, and matchbox on a blue background
Surf Lodge print materials on a bed.
Surf Lodge print materials on a blue background.
Surf Lodge key chain float with "Stay Salty" printed on it in a script font.
Surf Lodge yellow key chain float hanging on a door handle as a welcome gift.
Match book with Surf Lodge branding on it.
Typographic treatment on yellow that says "Drift, Surf, Repeat."

A custom watercolor illustration system was created to introduce a playful, seasonal storytelling layer — reinforcing the brand’s relaxed, sun-washed, coastal identity.

It began with an area map, and was so well received, the style was applied across other physical collateral like menu designs for a limited-edition feeling.

Grid of illustrations and photos: bicycle, beach tug of war, surfboards, RV, patterned shorts, and restaurant interior
Spiral notebook with illustrated icons on a wood table in sunlight
Three hotel key cards with room number and Aloha branding on fabric
Grid of watercolor illustrations: tartine, oyster with lemon, fish, lobster, and cows
Hands holding a lobster roll with pea shoot garnish
The Surf Lodge snacks menu on a blue background
Surf Lodge food menus on a yellow background.
Top-down photograph of meals on white plates that are sitting on white, wooden tables.

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