MENU BRANDING

Ishtar

Logo Design
Menu Branding
Social Media
Illustration

Objective

Ishtar is a contemporary Iraqi chai and food restaurant in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood. Unlike traditional Iraqi restaurants, Ishtar modernizes the dining experience with a fresh take on Iraqi cuisine. Targeting a crowd aged 18-24, it combines authentic flavors with a modern atmosphere, offering a unique space in a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood.

Solution

Ishtar provides a modern dining experience that celebrates Iraqi cuisine while appealing to a younger audience. By combining traditional chai and food offerings with a contemporary environment, Ishtar introduces lesser-known tastes fresh, to South Park. The goal is to offer a unique culinary experience that resonates with modern tastes, in a space that feels fresh and inviting for our target audience.

Completed

Fall 2024

Director

Sean Bacon
Bradford Prarie

Personality

Contemporary
Eclectic
Bold

Typefaces

Kastel Voire
Boreal
Am Udine

MOODBOARD

PROCESS

Crafting an Identity

The original design has been modified by extending the lines, creating a more dynamic and fluid form. This subtle adjustment enhances the logo's elegance, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and innovation that the restaurant aims to represent. The final design reflects a sophisticated, yet approachable atmosphere, appealing to a contemporary audience while honoring its rich cultural roots.

ILLUSTRATIVE MOTIFS

Symbolism through
Line and Lore

The illustrative motifs in Ishtar blend psychedelic influences with Mesopotamian heritage, using vibrant, unconventional colors and hand-drawn elements. Stylized florals, celestial shapes, and ornamental patterns reference ancient Assyrian art while embracing fluid, modern forms. The result is a bold, surreal visual language that honors cultural identity while pushing aesthetic boundaries.

ILLUSTRATION

Illustrative
Identity

Ishtar’s illustrative identity draws from Mesopotamian motifs and botanical forms, blending cultural heritage with natural beauty. The hand-drawn sketches echo ancient artifacts and wild flora, grounding the brand in both history and earthiness. These visuals help position Ishtar as more than a restaurant—it's a cultural and sensory experience.

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