Catnip Ninja

Catnip Ninja is a Portland-based brand making organic catnip spray for playful cats and their humans. The founder came to me with just a name and a vision for something fun and distinctive that could stand out on pet store shelves. The challenge was to craft a visual identity that felt full of personality without veering into gimmick—a brand that could feel both natural and premium while still embracing its quirky edge.

Freelance Designer: Logo, Brand Identity, Illustration

MY ROLE

I explored three creative directions centered around tone, color, and personality. Each concept tested a different balance between organic textures and energetic graphics. Through iterative collaboration with the founder, we refined toward a playful direction anchored by a vibrant “catnip green” palette and expressive typography. The goal was to capture the product’s energy while maintaining clarity and shelf appeal.

The final identity gives Catnip Ninja a distinct, memorable look in a crowded pet market that is colorful, playful and full of character. The new system extends naturally across packaging, merch and digital touchpoints, creating a strong foundation for growth. The client noticed a difference in the new packaging right away, reporting the product kept selling out in stores. This project also reinforced my love for local, homegrown businesses. 

See more work.

See more work.