The Washboard

Passion Project

Client: The Washboard Laundromat & Donut Shope

Location: Tupper Lake, New York

Project: Logo, Menu, Loyalty Cards, Tote Bags

Client Background:

Growing up in Tupper Lake, New York, The Washboard Laundromat & Donut Shoppe has always been a familiar spot—a self-service laundromat that also happens to serve up fresh, homemade donuts. With a history dating back to 1990, the business wanted a retro brand refresh to match its unique charm. This project was all about bringing in playful, vintage-inspired branding that reflects its roots while creating a cohesive and recognizable business identity for signage, marketing, and merchandise.

The Washboard Menu Design

Project Goals:

• Create a custom logo design that integrates both laundromat services and the donut shop. • Design a fun, memorable brand mascot that reflects the business’s nostalgic charm.

• Develop supporting branded marketing materials, including loyalty cards, a diner-style menu, and a custom tote bag for laundry essentials.

• Ensure the branding is versatile for use across social media, storefront signage, merchandise, and promotional materials.

Tagline Decision:

After exploring different tagline options, we landed on: “Laundry day just got sweeter.” This tagline perfectly captures the dual-purpose nature of The Washboard—a place where customers can take care of laundry while enjoying fresh, homemade donuts. The phrase is fun, engaging, and memorable, reinforcing the idea that The Washboard transforms a routine chore into a treat. It complements the retro diner aesthetic and helps position the business as a unique, must-visit spot in Tupper Lake.

The Washboard Loyalty Card Design

Color Selection:

The color palette was carefully chosen to reinforce the retro diner aesthetic while maintaining a clean and professional look:

• Light Blue & White: Represent clean laundry, freshness, and reliability, reinforcing the laundromat’s core service.

• Red: Chosen for its bold, vintage appeal, reminiscent of classic 1950s diners, neon signage, and nostalgic American branding.

Outcome:

The final brand identity features a custom logo design with a walking washing machine mascot carrying a freshly baked donut, seamlessly combining the business’s two core services. The bold typography takes inspiration from retro diner signage, reinforcing the brand’s nostalgic, welcoming personality. From the custom character illustration to the playful yet professional brand elements, every aspect of the design was carefully crafted to make laundry day feel like less of a chore and more of a treat.

The Washboard Tote Bag Design

Beyond the logo design, the brand identity package included:  

Custom Loyalty Cards – Encouraging repeat customers with exclusive rewards for donut and laundry purchases.

Branded Tote Bags – Designed for carrying laundry supplies in style, offering a reusable, eco-friendly solution.

Diner-Style Menu Design – Showcasing their fresh, homemade donuts in a fun, vintage-inspired layout that enhances the customer experience.

With a memorable brand identity, professional design, and strategic marketing assets, The Washboard is now positioned as a must-visit laundromat and bakery in Tupper Lake. Because let’s be honest—fresh donuts make everything better!