Wake from death, return to life.
Approached by the team behind Devon — an international café chain with a cult following — to develop an identity for a Japanese-inspired restaurant in Sydney’s newest dining district, Darling Square.
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Challenge
Something fresh, unexpected and distinctly Japanese — while building a practical, recognisable identity system that could extend easily across locations.
Idea
The Japanese motif of transformation, and DOPA — a shortened form of ‘dopamine’ — as an allegory for the chemically transformative experience of eating good food. The idiom 起死回生 (kishi kaisei, ‘wake from death, return to life’) informed a distinct typographic style.
Craft
Manga-inspired illustration and patterns commissioned from Andrew Yee. Photography and menu art direction kept clean and minimal to give the brand elements space to breathe; a palette informed by the interior; a suite of striking contemporary signage.
Recognition
It’s Nice That · The Brand Identity · Eat Drink Design Awards.