Coffee Culture: Marketing

I’m adding a new sub-series to the Coffee Culture series. So far most of the paintings have centered on people and the life style that coffee culture has impacted such as baristas, café performers, patrons and soon roasters. Another aspect of coffee culture I would like to examine is marketing. Let’s face it, Starbucks as some of the best marketing in the world considering their coffee isn’t the best but they are an easy example. The company and marketing that sparked my interest in starting this sub-series is Kicking Horse Coffee located in Invermere, BC.

A friend of mine brought back a pound of Kick Ass, Kicking Horse’s deep dark flavored coffee, perfect to start your day. It’s a certified organic shade grown coffee that is farmer friendly and has a legend to promote the brand.

The Legend:

"In the summer of 1858 James Hector set out to discover the Kicking Horse Valley.
His expedition took him through some of the most beautiful and rugged country in
the West. During a river crossing, James Hector was kicked by one of the pack
horses. In fact, he was kicked so hard that the others in the expedition mistook
him for dead. As they began to bring out the shovels to bury poor old James,
they noticed his eye twitch! The legend says that it was a stiff cup of Kick Ass
Coffee that brought him back to life!"

There has to be a coffee painting in there someplace! I just know it. Later this year you'll see it painted in Kick Ass Coffee!

In this sub-series I will be taking a look at this company, Starbucks and many others like Jousting Penguin Coffee Roasters with their Rockhopper Espresso for inspiration and great stories to illustrate.