Sankt Maria
Apothecary

Studio Vinea created a unique feline wellness brand that honors centuries-old herbal knowledge, offering organic supplements to eco-conscious cat owners who value holistic care for their pets.

Sankt Maria Apothecary is a personal project with the intention to explore AI collaboration for brand design and dig deep into eco-conscious premium packaging solutions.

Design Elements

  • Concept Development

  • Logos & Visual ID

  • Packaging Design

  • Digital Compositing

AI Exploration

  • ChatGPT

  • Midjourney

  • Firefly

Process Notes

  • We used ChatGPT to develop the brand concept and crafted a plausible product line through an extensive, detailed discussion with an individually programmed bot, far beyond simple prompting.

  • For the visuals, we experimented extensively with MidJourney, finding it to be a powerful tool for ideation, though it still involves a lot of trial and error to achieve the right results.
    We used illustrations for the packaging and photography backgrounds.

  • To bring the concept to life, we combined these AI-generated visuals with traditional tools. We used established mock-ups for realistic packaging designs and created all graphic elements—logos, typography, and branding details—in Adobe Illustrator and matched them in photoshop, the industry standard graphic programs from Adobe.

The ideas behind the project

“The idea for Sankt Maria Apothecary has been on my mind for quite a while—a wellness brand inspired by the monastery near my hometown.

Simultaneously, as I delved deeper into the pet industry, I noticed a gap: there wasn’t a true wellness brand for pet supplements, despite the fact that the majority of pet owners, especially cat owners, are millennial women who value holistic care and premium aesthetics.

This project also became an opportunity for us to explore the creative potential of AI. The result is a hybrid of AI innovation and traditional design, capturing the essence of a modern wellness brand rooted in heritage.”

– MAREN ODENTHAL, STUDIO VINEA, FOUNDER & DESIGNER

Visual Identity

The branding for Sankt Maria Apothecary blends tradition and elegance. A serif typeface with playful variations evokes sophistication and a handwritten charm, while the black-and-white palette emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and embraces eco-conscious production.

Serene photography, the graceful cat illustration, and hand-drawn herb visuals highlight the apothecary roots, while handmade paper adds a tactile, traditional touch to the packaging.

Materials

Handmade Paper
· Sustainably Sourced Fibers
· Biodegradable and Compostable
· Low-Energy Production
· Plastic-Free
· Tactile and Premium Appeal

Amber Glass
· 100% Recyclable
· UV Protection
· Reusable
· Non-Toxic and Chemical-Free
· High Consumer Perception

Black Kraft Paper
· Recycled and FSC Certified
· Biodegradable and Compostable
· Soy Ink-Compatible
· Minimal Resource Use, Lightweight
· Aesthetic and Durable

Bioplastics
· Made from Renewable Resources
· Biodegradable and Compostable
· Lower Carbon Emissions
· Recyclability in Mono-Material Systems
· Aligns with Consumer Demand for Sustainability

Printed with Soy Ink
· Made from Renewable Resources
· Low Environmental Impact
· Vibrant and High-Quality Printing
· Compatible with Recycled and Biodegradable Materials
· Consumer-Friendly and Eco-Conscious Branding

Brand Experience

The Sankt Maria Apothecary brand experience embraces subtlety, calm, and intention. Owned and inspired by the nuns of Riddagshausen Monastery, it reflects a dedication to centuries-old herbal knowledge and quiet care.

A serene, minimalist social media presence offers an escape: herb gardens in soft light, moments of gardening and stillness, and gentle companionship with the monastery cats.

Quarterly herb gardening workshops take place at the monastery, inviting a small, exclusive audience to connect with the nuns’ healing traditions.

For those unable to travel, the workshops also extend beyond the monastery—hosted in intimate spaces like boutique studios, garden centers, or private homes. Limited spaces ensure that each gathering remains personal and purposeful.

Thoughtful placement in boutique pet stores, wellness spas, and holistic centers ensures the brand feels like a quiet discovery—rooted in history and shared in whispers.

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