Ladybird Books
Ladybird Books is a Charleston-based independent bookstore that curates with consideration, compassion, and curiosity. Founder Summer Anderson grew up as an avid reader in a family of readers, studied English in Oxford, Mississippi, lived in New York and Los Angeles, and eventually met her husband, whose family has been booksellers for more than 100 years.
- Strategy
- Naming
- Positioning
- Values
- Brand Development
- Copywriting
- Photography
- Illustration
- Interior Design
- Curation & Styling
- Signage
- Social
Our work together encompassed comprehensive brand integration, including interior design, in-store merchandising, material selection, naming, brand identity, wayfinding, storytelling, and a packaging and collateral system.
The project began with a deep dive into contemporary and historical publishing references and drew inspiration from imprints that strike the perfect balance between simplicity and cleverness. The Ladybird mark, a figure with pleated, book-page skirt and distinctive hat, nods to Summer’s signature style.
Working closely with Summer and a team of craftspeople and contractors, we helped bring the Ladybird Books world to life. The work involved reimagining the midcentury storefront and carefully sourcing and styling every detail — from furniture and fixtures, visual merchandising and distinctive signage to curated playlists that reflect the time of day or current mood.
As Ladybird Books celebrates voice, community, and the complicated, magnificent work of being human, it also welcomes people from all walks of life hungry for expression and belonging.
Shaping the identity, interiors, and overall experience together with Summer and her team was a beautiful collaboration to create a place that reflects Charleston’s incredible creativity and spirit — a defining space for the city that continues to push culture forward.
“SDCO was my first call when I decided to open Ladybird Books — they have been on my radar for years, and I knew they were the only firm that would instantly understand what I was trying to accomplish and could take my words and transform them into the most beautiful brand and bookstore imaginable.”
- Photography
- Peter Frank Edwards
