; Shakespeare
Shakespeare is Keeping Fishing Fun, Easy, and Skill Advancing: A Legacy Brand Refresh
Shakespeare has been a cornerstone of family fishing experiences for over a century, but as market dynamics evolved, its brand began to lose relevance. Pure Fishing recognized this challenge and sought a transformation to modernize Shakespeare's identity without losing its heritage.what we did
Customer Research
Market Research
CMF / Lifestyle Trends Research
Brand Strategy
Marketing Strategy
Visual Brand Strategy
Brand Messaging Strategy
User / Customer Personas
Brand Design Systems
Brand Communications Strategy
Brand Guidelines
Promotional Design
Retail Packaging Design
Visual Retail Merchandising
Digital Design Assets
Brand Stewardship
Creative Art Direction
Visual Brand Language
Color, Material, Finish, and Pattern
Product Line Expansion
Awards


BOLTGROUP was engaged to develop a product and brand strategy that would reinvigorate the brand, attract new audiences, and ensure its longevity in a competitive market.


Challenge
Pure Fishing faced the challenge of balancing Shakespeare’s storied heritage with the need to appeal to today’s consumers. The fishing gear market is crowded, necessitating a clear differentiation strategy.

Solution
To address Shakespeare’s challenges, BOLTGROUP developed a comprehensive brand revitalization strategy that honored the brand’s heritage while infusing it with modern relevance.
This multifaceted approach included:
- Brand Guidelines Establishment: We crafted clear and cohesive brand guidelines that articulated the Shakespeare identity, ensuring consistency across all channels and touchpoints.
- Design Toolkit Development: A versatile design toolkit was created, providing a framework for product design, packaging, and marketing materials that aligned with the refreshed brand identity.
- Target Audience Identification: We identified key demographic segments and tailored the brand’s messaging and visual language to resonate with their values and lifestyles.



- Creative CMF Strategy: We developed a forward-thinking Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) strategy that emphasized vibrant colors and textures, reinforcing the brand’s playful essence while appealing to contemporary aesthetic trends.
- New Product Development and Line Expansion: We identified opportunities for new products that cater to modern consumer needs while honoring Shakespeare’s legacy.
- Promotional and Packaging Design: Our team designed eye-catching promotional materials and packaging that communicated the brand’s playful personality, enhancing its shelf presence and consumer engagement.
This comprehensive solution not only revitalized the Shakespeare brand but also set a solid foundation for future growth and engagement.

Results
- A Unified & Modernized Brand Identity: Shakespeare’s new brand identity appeals to both existing and new consumers, merging nostalgia with modern relevance.
- Completely Revamped Product Line: BOLTGROUP created a new Visual Brand Language and translated it into a series of new product designs that are currently being rolled out.
- Enhanced Market Positioning: The transformation solidified Shakespeare’s market presence, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary appeal.
Key Takeaways
1. Heritage Reimagined
Design can respect legacy without being trapped by it. The new product design system reinforced Shakespeare’s legacy of reliability while modernizing form, color, and finish to attract today’s anglers.
2. Unified Brand Experience
Every touchpoint—from logo to packaging to product design to retail display—was aligned through a consistent Visual Brand Language (VBL).
3. Design Beyond the Logo
Color, material, finish, and pattern (CMF) became storytelling tools. By codifying a complete design system, Shakespeare gained a flexible framework that scales across product lines and media.
4. Audience Insight as Strategy
Understanding modern anglers—how they shop, what they value, and how they self-identify—guided every design decision. The result: a bridge between brand loyalists and first-time buyers.