Brand Tone

Authentic, Community-Focused, and Passionate

Brand Values

• •Support for Local Artists
• •Craftsmanship and Quality
• •Montana Heritage
• •Cooperation and Shared Success

Best Practices

• •Always Lead with the "Why": Start with the passion and the story behind the art. Whether it's the artist's inspiration or the cooperative's mission, this emotional connection is key.
• •Use "We" and "Our Artists": Employ collaborative and inclusive language to reinforce the cooperative, community-focused nature of the brand. Phrases like "our artists," "we believe," and "join us" create a sense of shared identity.
• •Spotlight the Maker: Whenever possible, name the artist who created the piece. This reinforces the values of authenticity and supporting local creators, moving beyond being a simple retail shop to being a true gallery.
• •Emphasize "Local" and "Handmade": Consistently use keywords like "local," "handmade," "artist-made," "Montana," and "Missoula" to ground the brand in its specific identity and differentiate it from mass-produced competitors.
• •Keep it Genuine and Approachable: Avoid overly corporate or sterile language. The tone should feel like you're talking to one of the artists in the shop knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly. Let the love for the craft shine through in every post, description, and email.

Social Perception

The Artists' Shop is perceived very positively as a cornerstone of the local Missoula arts community. Customers and visitors see it as a premier destination for authentic, high-quality local art. It is valued for being staffed by the artists, which provides a more knowledgeable and personal shopping experience. It is recognized as a supportive platform for regional artists, carrying the work of over 70 craftspeople and giving them a physical and online retail presence. Tourism and arts organizations consistently feature the shop as a key cultural spot in downtown Missoula, reinforcing its importance to the city's identity.

Copy Examples

• •From the earth of Montana to your home. ✨ This stunning ceramic vase was handcrafted by our member artist, [Artist Name], who finds inspiration in the winding rivers of the Big Sky state. Every piece in our gallery isn't just an object; it's a story. Come see the collection in person this week. #MadeInMontana #MissoulaArts #HandmadeCeramics #ShopLocal
• •Art from the Heart of Montana. Discover one-of-a-kind treasures, handcrafted by the 70+ local artists who own and operate our cooperative gallery. #FineCraftOfMontana
• •Join us for First Friday! This month, we're thrilled to feature the incredible woodwork of [Guest Artist]. Meet the makers, connect with your community, and experience the passion that drives Missoula's art scene. We believe art makes life more fun—come celebrate with us! #FirstFridayMissoula #LocalArt
• •New Arrivals: Freshly-made art from your favorite Montana makers.
• •Hand-forged with passion and precision by artist [Artist Name]. This silver necklace captures the delicate strength of Montana's wild poppies. As a cooperative, every purchase you make directly supports the artist and our mission to keep local craft thriving. Wear a piece of Montana.