Challenges & Solutions
The main challenge was keeping the design true to Japanese culture while making it appealing to a modern audience. By testing different color palettes, fonts, and layouts—and taking inspiration from traditional Japanese artwork—we found a balance that worked.
The main challenge was keeping the design true to Japanese culture while making it appealing to a modern audience. By testing different color palettes, fonts, and layouts—and taking inspiration from traditional Japanese artwork—we found a balance that worked.
My Role
Brand Identity Designer (as part of design team)
Brand Identity Designer (as part of design team)
Results & Impact
The new brand identity was warmly received by the client and customers. Seasonal promotions and other materials helped the restaurant stand out and highlight its authentic style.
The new brand identity was warmly received by the client and customers. Seasonal promotions and other materials helped the restaurant stand out and highlight its authentic style.
As part of the design team, I contributed to refining the brand identity, designing the logo, and creating seasonal promotional materials for a Japanese izakaya restaurant in NYC. Through in-depth discussions with the client, we explored how the brand’s visual language could embody the restaurant’s atmosphere and vision. The client emphasized their desire to bring an authentic izakaya experience to New York, which guided our creative direction. We developed a visual style that embraces authenticity by combining the expressive strokes of Japanese brush calligraphy with the timeless elegance of Ukiyo-e art—seamlessly blending traditional aesthetics with a modern sensibility.
