Karen founded High-Proof Creative, an award-winning branding and marketing agency for the craft beverage industry in 2018. She is author of “High-Proof PDX: A Spirited Guide to Portland’s Craft Distilling Scene” and has been a food and drink writer, and worked at marketing agencies for nearly 10 years prior to launching High-Proof Creative. Karen has been published by GQ magazine, Bon Appétit, Sip Northwest, and more. Karen joined the Women’s Distillery Guild as a board member in 2018, and currently serves on the board of the Portland Culinary Alliance. She is also member of the Women of the Vine & Spirits, American Distilling Institute, and American Craft Spirits Association.
WE SPECIALIZE IN CRAFT BEVERAGE
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
In addition to the services below we also offer consulting and training in marketing and TTB label approval.
RECENT WORK
We work with clients nationwide, and outside of the U.S., too!
Safi Vodka
photography portfolio
Can Design for The Bitter Housewife
design portfolio
Bottle Design for Summit Distilling Co.
design portfolio
Batanga Tequila
photography portfolio
Label for County Seat Spirits
design portfolio
Label & Illustration for New Deal Distillery
design portfolio
Logo for Liba Spirits
design portfolio
Photography for Headwind Vodka
photography portfolio
Label Re-Design for Alpine Distilling
design portfolio
Packaging Design for The Bitter Housewife
design portfolio
Founded by Karen Locke
WOMAN-FOUNDED & OWNED
AWARDS & PRESS
People's Choice - BEST BRANDING/DESIGN EXPERT. Summer 2019.
Spirited magazine
Strange Times, Stay Creative: Eccentric Cocktails. Category: WEIRD - 1st Place for photography with Polara Studio.
Vega Awards
Marketing Gold Winner: Best Website - Gin Farallon from the John Barleycorn Awards, 2019.
John Barleycorn Awards
"This New Portland-Made Database Helps People Find Women and Non-Binary Distillers Across the Country," - November 2021.
eater
FIRST PLACE - Hermes Creative Awards for Interactive Media | Social Media | 136. Instagram
Hermes Creative Award 2
Founder Karen Locke was featured in a Q&A in Sip magazine, "Locke in Success with High-Proof Creative," December 2021.
Sip
LOGOS & LABELS
Creative Packaging Solutions
We’re a creative agency specializing in branding and packaging for the craft beverage industry. There are plenty of alcohol branding companies out there, but we’re full-service with a background in the beverage industry. Learn more about brand strategy and design for your product.
OUR CLIENTS
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RECENT BLOGS
Marketing, design, and creative tips for running your craft spirits business.
On January 19, 2022
How to Navigate Social Media Laws for Craft Spirits Brands
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
That latest TikTok dance trend may seem like a fun way to market your distillery and its craft spirits. But it’s...
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On October 20, 2021
Checklist for a New Product Launch from An Alcohol Marketing Agency
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
You spent a lot of time and energy bringing your product to fruition. But once crafted and bottled, that spirit has...
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On October 10, 2021
Women In Distilling: Ali and Sam Blatteis of Home Base Spirits
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
The road to whiskey for Ali and Sam Blatteis took a lot of interesting turns. When they finally arrived, they were...
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On September 7, 2021
Case Study: Increased Sales Through Ad Campaigns with High-Proof Creative
- Posted by Karen
How we increased sales through ad campaigns for our client, Bull in China.
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On June 30, 2021
Tips for Working with an Alcohol Branding and Marketing Agency
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
After spending years developing your product, at some point, you need to spread the word about those spirits. That means honing...
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On June 30, 2021
Re-Opening Your Distillery Tasting Room? Don’t Forget to Update Your Digital Presence
- Posted by Karen
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I would hear friends say,” I read in the news that the alcohol industry is booming!” Sure,...
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On April 6, 2021
How To Build A Competitive Beverage Marketing Strategy
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Every distilled spirits brand competes for space on retailer shelves. Even niche beverages crafted with select ingredients and unique flavor profiles...
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On February 24, 2021
How To Effectively but Carefully Handle Customer Emails Obtained Through Online Sales
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
In 2020, we had plenty of conversations with clients about distillery marketing and design. Coming in second for most discussed topic...
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On January 22, 2021
How to Incorporate E-commerce into your Distillery’s Marketing Plan
- Posted by High-Proof Creative
In 2020, we learned that consumers are open to buying nearly anything online — including liquor. For so long, distilleries and...
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On January 18, 2021
Women in Distilling: Lee Hedgmon
- Posted by High-Proof Creative
Lee Hedgmon, a distiller at Freeland Spirits, greets me warmly. She’s wearing a mask but I can tell from her eyes...
Read MoreCLIENTS
U.S. and Worldwide
We’re a drink branding company and creative agency with clients all over the U.S., and worldwide. We work remotely or from our office in downtown Portland.
Lets Talk
We’re a full-service craft spirits marketing, and branding agency. Let’s talk about your website, design, SEO, content, and social media needs.
Phone
Schedule a Call
karen@highproofcreative.com
Address
1017 SW Morrison Street #316
Portland, Oregon 97205
We might be based in Portland, Oregon, but we serve clients around the globe from Singapore to Dubai and California to Kentucky and everything in between.
