
Branding Love Letters
By Pilgrimage Design

Branding Love LettersMay 14, 2023

#12 - Kerrington's Heart, A Love Letter - Graphic Designer Danielle Meadows-Stinnett
Kerrington's Heart is a Kentucky-based non-profit and graphic designer Danielle Meadows-Stinnett's favourite brand. Danielle loves superheroes. But the heroes she's met through this locally-rooted organisation don't wear capes. They are children experiencing congenital heart defects, their families and their caregivers. This is the story of an early-career branding assignment that became a mission, a cause and a community.
Danielle's website: www.lexoctane.com
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/12-kerrington
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#11 - AFM Safecoat, A Love Letter - Healthy Building Expert Andy Pace
AFM Safecoat is an American building products line and healthy building expert Andy Pace's favourite brand. Andy knew something needed to change in the construction industry when three of his colleagues on a job were rushed to hospital with breathing problems. That was thirty years ago, when the word 'green' was simply a colour. He found a small company called AFM that was ahead of the curve, pioneering non-toxic materials for healthier people and environments. And he has never looked back.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/11-afm-safecoat
Andy's website: www.thegreendesigncenter.com
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#10 - Franco Manca, A Love Letter - Media Producer Thomas Thorogood
Franco Manca is a British pizza chain and media producer Thomas Thorogood's favourite brand. When he was at university, this pizzeria hosted some of Thomas' happiest memories and most creative conversations. He keeps returning, deliberately seeking out Franco Mancas across the UK. Whether it's in Cambridge, Edinburgh or Brighton, stepping through their doors always feels like a homecoming.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/10-franco-manca
Speak Life website: www.speaklife.org.uk
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#9 - Annie's, A Love Letter - Strategy Consultant Kathy Guzmán Galloway
Annie's is an American organic food company and strategy consultant Kathy Guzmán Galloway's favourite brand. Among the brash primary colours of the central aisle, Annie's softer tones always stood out to Kathy. As a mum, she also appreciated that their products didn't sacrifice health in pursuit of convenience. This is a story of brand distinctiveness, bunnies and macaroni cheese.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/9-annie
Kathy's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kathygalloway
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#8 - J.Lo, A Love Letter - Future Of Work Expert Connie Steele
Jennifer Lopez is an American singer, actress, dancer, businesswoman and Connie Steele's favourite brand. Connie, who is a future of work expert, believes that J.Lo has lots to teach us about personal branding in the modern world. She unpacks how J.Lo's fundamental strength is her breadth, with a career-long refusal to be pigeonholed into one category.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/8-jlo
Connie's website: www.conniewsteele.com
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#7 - Netflix, A Love Letter - Marketing CEO Usman Sheikh
Netflix is an American subscription streaming service and marketing CEO Usman Sheikh's favourite brand. Usman has been with Netflix from the DVD rental days of the early 2000s all the way up to the present. It's the company's boldness that compels him: a brand unafraid to step into the unknown, leading the way and disrupting the status quo. And, he believes, it all comes back to good storytelling.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/7-netflix
Usman's website: www.webworxlabs.com
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#6 - Riverford, A Love Letter - Entrepreneur Chantal Gagnon
Riverford is a British vegetable box delivery company and entrepreneur Chantal Gagnon's favourite brand. Chantal's been 'living life on the veg' ever since she tasted her first Riverford produce in a London pub. According to her, vegetable delivery day is like Christmas, Riverford's visuals look pulled straight from the ground and customer service doesn't get better than the time she complained about some cucumbers.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/6-riverford
Chantal's website: www.socolo.co.uk
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#5 - Green Beaver, A Love Letter - Entrepreneur Cathy Nesbitt
Green Beaver is a Canadian personal care company and entrepreneur Cathy Nesbitt's favourite brand. Old Green Beaver boxes helped Cathy grow her worm business (yes, you read that correctly) and ever since, she's been an admirer of the brand. Green Beaver are doing something different, she says, in an industry dominated by animal cruelty and unpronounceable chemicals. This love letter flies the flag for smaller, greener business.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/5-green-beaver
Cathy's worm website: www.cathyscomposters.com
Cathy's laughter yoga website: www.cathysclub.com
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#4 - TrustedHousesitters, A Love Letter - Travel Bloggers Aaron and Brianna Shade
TrustedHousesitters is an international pet sitting network and travel bloggers Aaron and Brianna Shade's favourite brand. Cats, cats and more cats. That's been the appeal of TrustedHousesitters for today's guests, who have used the platform to travel the world while not paying a thing for accommodation. I hear how this brand has enabled a lifestyle of global adventure, the feline way.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/4-trustedhousesitters
Brianna and Aaron's website: www.bigtinyworld.com
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#3 - Ben & Jerry's, A Love Letter - Marketing Expert Alma Derricks
Ben & Jerry's is an American ice cream manufacturer and marketing expert Alma Derricks' favourite brand. It all goes back to the summer she was sixteen. That's when Alma first tasted Ben & Jerry's (specifically, Cherry Garcia flavour) and became a lifelong fan. Alma explains that what started as a teenage crush has matured into a deep respect for a deliciously homespun brand that has stayed true to its beliefs, no matter what.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/3-ben-jerry
Alma's website: www.rev.la
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#2 - Instant Pot, A Love Letter - Food Blogger Amy Lawrence
Instant Pot is a range of Canadian multicookers and food blogger Amy Lawrence's favourite brand. Amy fondly remembers time in the kitchen with her grandmother, but always feared pressure cookers. It was a trip to India that started her journey with Instant Pot, which has revolutionised the way she cooks. Because, as Amy says, fast doesn't always mean unhealthy.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/2-instant-pot
Amy's website: www.gourmetdoneskinny.com
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

#1 - Chanel, A Love Letter - Writer Ruth Yunker
Chanel is a French luxury fashion house and writer Ruth Yunker's favourite brand. Ruth was given a bottle of Chanel No. 5 on her fourteenth birthday and has never looked back. In the following years, it has been the striking life of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel and the enduring elegance of the brand that has kept her interested. And, as we discover, it all goes back to Ruth's mother.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: www.pilgrimage.design/1-chanel
Ruth's website: www.ruthyunker.com
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.

Introducing... Branding Love Letters
What is this podcast?
Candid conversations about brands, exploring the emotions they evoke and the journeys they take us on. In each episode, released on the fourteenth of the month, a guest picks their favourite brand. Sam Thorogood (graphic designer, founder of Pilgrimage Design and your host) then invites them to unpack why it means so much, leading to surprisingly personal stories. Spanning multinational tech companies and local coffee shops, this fun and relaxed podcast is a celebration of the branding that informs, impacts and inspires us.
Podcast artwork created with the help of Canva AI
AI policy: www.pilgrimage.design/ai-policy
Who am I?
I’m Sam Thorogood: a bilingual (English/French) graphic designer on a mission to empower and equip.
Nothing brings me more joy than encouraging, empowering and equipping those around me. It’s why I love graphic design. Each day, I have the privilege of collaboratively creating visual solutions. Enter Pilgrimage Design.
Final thing (I promise)!
Every other Tuesday, I share succinct advice on how to integrate design techniques and philosophy into your brand. Encouraging, empowering... and totally free. Welcome to the journey towards better branding.