Nouveau + Poutine
For this project I was tasked with designing a food truck wrap, and other merchandise to go with it. It started with me and my peers each drawing a random design style and food from a cup. When I pulled the paper from the cup I saw I had Art Nouveau and poutine. Though I had studied the art movement previously, I was unfamiliar with the particular food. It was time to start researching and brainstorming ideas.
I started by making a moodboard, mind-mapping, making a matrix, and finding other food trucks who served this cuisine. This process took a while but it is well worth it to have a solid foundation going into the actual design. Once the groundwork was done I started sketching wordmarks, icons, and logos. I also chose a name for the business (which was one of the hardest parts). I decided to go with Piquant Poutine because this food has strong roots in Quebec and “piquant” is derived from the French language meaning flavorful. I also wrote down and sketched ideas I had about other elements that might go well next to the logo on the food truck.
Once I narrowed down my favorite logo ideas, it was time to computer generate them. I started by simply presenting them in black and white, because if it doesn’t translate without color added it’s not a good enough logo design. After deliberating with my peers and choosing the best, I added color to it. I then began designing a wrap for the truck, tshirt, and menu to all create a cohesive look for the company. After designing, redesigning, deliberating, deliberating more...I finally came up with the finished product you see above. I decided that I wanted to stay true to the Art Nouveau with the organic pattern elements, and illustrated woman in a beautiful gown. I also kept it simple enough so that the truck and menu were readable and not overwhelming. Finding the balance between the ornate style given to me and trying to somewhat modernize it proved to be a challenge, but in the end I think it paid off!
I learned so much through this process. I think it pushed my limits because I usually go with more simplistic designs and this was far more ornate and busy. It showed me that I am capable of doing the unexpected and I actually had fun doing it. I enjoy projects where I get to be part of not only a design but the entire concept behind it. This project also continued to reinforce the importance of good research and planning. I’m happy with how it all turned out. Also...I really want to try poutine.
