Circle & Square
In 2021, Circle & Square came to Villager as Oxford, Mississippi’s first microbrewery. We developed the brand from the ground up and have remained involved as the brewery has grown.
In 2021, Circle & Square came to Villager as Oxford, Mississippi’s first microbrewery. We developed the brand from the ground up and have remained involved as the brewery has grown.
Oxford, Miss.
2021 - Present
Inspiration
Circle & Square occupies a former train depot in the center of Oxford. The identity draws from the building’s railroad history while connecting it to the city’s particular cultural lineage.
Rounded typography references Eric Gill’s lettering for the London Underground, a subtle connection to Oxford’s English namesake. Railroad-inspired swallowtails become a recurring graphic device, while German beer-hall blackletter introduces a sharper, more traditional counterpoint.
The result is a visual language that sits somewhere between railway signage, European brewing culture, and Oxford’s own history.
The identity was designed as a system rather than a single mark. Typography, ribbons, symbols, and color combine in different configurations across the brewery’s growing range of beers.
The approach gives each can its own character while maintaining a recognizable family across the lineup.
Rounded typography references Eric Gill’s lettering for the London Underground, a subtle connection to Oxford’s English namesake. Railroad-inspired swallowtails become a recurring graphic device, while German beer-hall blackletter introduces a sharper, more traditional counterpoint.
The result is a visual language that sits somewhere between railway signage, European brewing culture, and Oxford’s own history.
The identity was designed as a system rather than a single mark. Typography, ribbons, symbols, and color combine in different configurations across the brewery’s growing range of beers.
The approach gives each can its own character while maintaining a recognizable family across the lineup.
Merchandise
The brand has extended well beyond the taproom, with more than 50 merchandise SKUs spanning apparel, objects, and printed goods.
The demand has been gratifyingly difficult to keep up with.
The demand has been gratifyingly difficult to keep up with.
A mascot
The university has no mascot since retiring their old one in the early aughts. It did, however, have a rule against beer on campus—unless, of course, that beer happened to be in a red cup.
We designed a mascot for the town: Sparky, named for a legendary former Dean of Students. What began as a local character quickly became something much bigger, embraced by the community with enthusiasm.
We designed a mascot for the town: Sparky, named for a legendary former Dean of Students. What began as a local character quickly became something much bigger, embraced by the community with enthusiasm.
▞▞▞