lava lagoon
Imagine a tiki bar and grill in the Midwest, radiating tropical charm. As a logo and brand visual identity designer, I immersed myself in this passion project to use my lettering and illustrative skills to create a meaningful brand that opens the doors to a nostalgic tropical experience.
This branding visual system aims to merge mid-century Hawaiian allure with a modern touch as it invites people to a unique dining escape. From concept to final, this is how I brought Lava Lagoon to life.
DELIVERABLES
Logo Design
Visual Identity
Illustration
Apparel Design
Menu Design
A UNIQUE EsCAPE
Inspiration and Exploration
My journey began with an immersive dive into vintage mid-century Hawaiian style. My inspiration board was a canvas filled with vibrant 60s Hawaiian art and vintage ads, setting the tone for the project.
Plenty of sketching led to a refined logo that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Lava Lagoon as well as brand illustrations.
A Tropical Oasis in Unexpected Places
The spark that ignited Lava Lagoon's creation was the void of a tropical escape in the Midwest. Many can shyearning for a getaway even where oceans are miles away. This was always the original inspiration for any Tiki bar in America and Lava Lagoon is no exception. I saw an opportunity to encapsulate that original passion and allure of the tropics in every visual element. Lava Lagoon is a tropical time capsule for those seeking an extraordinary dining experience as many did decades ago.
brand illustrations
application
Visuals that encapsulate the experience
Lava Lagoon emerged as a collection of brand visual elements that speak to the potential of this Tiki bar's ambiance. The logo—the flow of hand lettering and illustration—became the face of the brand. I carefully chose colors inspired by earth, lava, and water as well as a 60s retro vibe, and let it also flow into patterns inspired by Polynesian art. The visual system includes primary and secondary marks, typography, textures, and illustrations—a complete brand narrative ready for integration into menus, interior signage, and decor.
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