Ben Connolly
Creative Director · Founder
In their own words
There was definitely a solid brand world, story or feel, but their visual expression was a little chaotic.
The horse alone sums it up well, a symbol of hard work (workhorse) but also freedom and spirit.
A lot of the colour choices were informed by Weld’s blank garments and hats themselves.
The measurement for whether an era-inspired reference would work or not is if we placed the present brand back in that time, would that reference make sense?
We’re choosing to invest in ourselves.
On a personal level, I’ve grown a lot. My only studio experience is the one I created.
How you interact with people matters from day one.
We explored competition and sport concepts which we could reinterpret through this unique coffee competition.
The WAC is a competition that sets itself apart from other coffee competitions.
It felt like a good choice to transport us into the sport and competition universe, without it feeling like a cliche ‘college’-style typeface.
Articles & interviews
- Angel & Anchor's Nostalgic Rebrand for WELD Merges Craft and Americana
The Brand Identity features Belfast-based studio Angel & Anchor’s rebrand for US apparel supplier WELD. The project blends machine stitching motifs with nostalgic Americana, balancing the brand’s dual personality of ‘grit and grace.’ The identity includes a custom logotype, multi-layered symbol system, and a 1970s-inspired colour palette drawn from WELD’s own garments.
- As Angel & Anchor hits double digits, Ben Connolly looks back at and sums up the last 10 years
The Brand Identity interviews Ben Connolly, Founder and Creative Director of Belfast-based studio Angel & Anchor, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Connolly reflects on the studio’s evolution from a one-man operation to a respected name in expressive, personality-driven branding, discussing key projects like Process Coffee and Guilt Trip, lessons learned, and the upcoming rebrand and new website. The conversation highlights the importance of relationships, creative growth, and supporting independent clients.
- Of coffee and ice hockey: Angel & Anchor’s retro identity for the World AeroPress Championship 2022
Belfast-based studio Angel & Anchor created a retro, ice hockey-inspired identity for the 2022 World AeroPress Championship held in Vancouver. Drawing from 1980s and 1990s Olympic aesthetics, the design features playful typography, nostalgic sports motifs, and a vibrant four-colour palette. The identity captures both Canadian culture and the event’s fun, community-driven spirit.
- Angel & Anchor’s identity for Full Circle Coffee Roasters embodies their circular brand ethos
Angel & Anchor created a sleek, minimal identity for Dublin-based Full Circle Coffee Roasters, inspired by the brand’s circular ethos and sustainability values. The design uses geometric motifs, monochrome tones, and vibrant color pops to reflect the brand’s roasts and humanist approach. The project balances Swiss-style minimalism with playful modular elements for packaging and brand applications.