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.
Logo & Label Design
Branding Workshops
Website Development
Social Media Management
SEO/Content Creation
Photography
Google, Facebook, IG Ad Management
Safi Vodka
photography portfolio
Outlandish
photography portfolio
Can Design for The Bitter Housewife
design portfolio
Bottle Design for Summit Distilling Co.
design portfolio
Batanga Tequila
photography 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
Gin Farallon Website
portfolio
Founded by Karen Locke
WOMAN-FOUNDED & OWNED
OUR CLIENTS
AWARDS, PRESS & TESTIMONIALS
People's Choice - Voted BEST BRANDING/DESIGN EXPERT by readers of Spirited magazine. Summer 2019.
FIRST PLACE - Hermes Creative Awards for Interactive Media | Social Media | 136. Instagram
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.
RECENT BLOGS
Marketing, design, and creative tips for running your craft spirits business.
On May 9, 2022
Launch Your Spirits with a Mobile-First Strategy
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Not everyone out in public who is looking at their phone is on a dating app. They may be researching a...
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On April 18, 2022
How To: SEO and Google Search Ranking for Distilleries
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Are customers finding your distillery’s website when they search for your spirits on Google? If your website is not optimized for...
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On April 4, 2022
Our Craft Spirits Won a Medal! Now What?
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
adjustment should be prepared to update it somewhat quickly. Featuring an award from more than five years prior could look dated...
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On March 17, 2022
There Are More Women in Distilling Than You May Think!
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
The earliest recorded sour mash whiskey recipe was crafted by a woman. In fact, Catherine Spears Frye Carpenter supported her family...
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On March 4, 2022
Why Celebrate International Women’s Day?
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Craft spirits play a key role in celebrating many holidays. But, occasionally, it may be hard to figure out how a...
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On March 2, 2022
Use Data to Map Your Craft Spirits Distribution
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Go where the demand is! That’s easier said than done for many craft spirits brands. Small distilleries have to be picky...
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On February 28, 2022
Ideas for Marketing Your Products Locally
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Local pride acts as a strong force when it comes to spirits marketing. People feel a bond to the distillery down...
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On February 21, 2022
Build a Distillery Tour that Markets Your Spirits for You
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Every time a customer walks into your distillery looking for a tour, it’s an opportunity to sell more spirits. Anyone who...
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On February 14, 2022
How To Get More Reviews for Your Distillery & Why
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
“You’ve gotta check out this awesome distillery!” That’s what you want people to say when they recommend your distillery to friends...
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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...
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.
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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.