Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to the delightfully talented Melody Hansen, graphic designer extraordinaire and our guest poster for today! I have no doubt you will enjoy her thoughts on the branding of the cafés featured in Gabriela’s post.

Have you ever noticed the font used in a window display, or perhaps the posters that may decorate the walls of a restaurant? As a graphic designer, it is only natural that my eye would be drawn to the design that surrounds us. Everything from the choice of type to the placement of an image will affect the experience in great ways. Let us take the 3 coffee shops mentioned in Gabriela’s post.

Wanda’s Pie in the Sky, for instance, is in the heart of Kensington Market and if you are a Torontonian reader or familiar with the area, you know that it is a quite unique and whimsical world of its own, if I may so myself. And so, the design that surrounds this café and pie shop is just that: whimsical.

Photos by Alyssa Bistonath

Typography is an art that plays an immense role in design and in our every-day lives. The way a letter connects to another will reflect the story it is attempting to tell. Yes, I do believe each letter – of any typeface ever created – tells a story, and the role of a designer is making sure the right story is being told for the right occasion. Through the type found in this little Kensington café, we are taken right back into our grand-mother’s kitchen with a youthful twist. The combination of the handwritten signs, the vintage posters, and the bright colors all work together to create an inspiring magical space.

Little Nicky’s, a coffee shop telling a slightly different story, creates an environment through its design choices, as well. As soon as you enter, you know you are somewhere unique.

Photo by Cory VanderPloeg

Last but certainly not least, Nadège Patisserie. You are welcomed in by the open white space, the very modern touches, and of course, by the pastries. The color focus is exactly where it should be: in the greens and reds of the macarons, the yellows and blues of the tarts, in the croissants and the pains-au-chocolat.

Photo by Dar Mustafa Photo by Dennis Marciniak

It’s evident that Nadège’s branding has been well thought out, and appeals in a way that can’t keep us away. A story of simplicity, sophistication, and refreshment in what it tells, and through the geometry (a fun reflection of the pastries and croissants if you might notice) and type choice of the logo, along with the website, everything is consistant and complete. A true successful design!