Brand & Strategy
2023 - 2024
Concept
Nestled in the city center of ’s-Hertogenbosch, Restaurant Nevel operates with a profound connection to nature. Every dish they create celebrates local ingredients, sourced from nearby entrepreneurs and prepared with care, artistry, and respect. Their approach to food is thoughtful and intentional, creating not just meals but experiences.
Inside the restaurant, the centerpiece is a large table showcasing these local products — a visual reminder of their philosophy. And in a refreshing twist, they pair their dishes not with wine but with carefully selected beers, adding a unique dimension to their dining experience.
The logo is rooted in the idea of growth. A blooming flower — a symbol of the restaurant at its peak. But no flower blooms without a planted seed. This journey, from seed to full bloom, mirrors the growth of the restaurant’s owners.
To capture this story, we developed a short yet meaningful animation, bringing their journey to life.
Nature inspired every aspect of the design, including the colors. Green and orange — complementary hues — were chosen to reflect growth and blossoming. Together, they evoke a sense of vitality, warmth, and life, perfectly aligned with Nevel’s identity.
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For typography, I leaned toward organic shapes that feel effortless and inviting. Clash Display emerged as the ideal choice, offering a natural balance to the refined yet approachable aesthetic of the logo.
Photoshoot
With the restaurant still under construction, we turned our focus to the people, the craft, and the ingredients at the heart of Nevel’s story. It was essential to have the visual identity ready ahead of the opening to create buzz both online and offline. The photoshoot, brought to life by my talented friend Evita Copier, became the glue holding the entire identity together. Her authentic, captivating images perfectly captured the vision, adding warmth and humanity to the brand.
Website
Designing the website was a process of careful experimentation. By waiting for all the assets to come together, I had the freedom to create layouts that felt authentic to Nevel’s essence.
Each page was designed with purpose, telling its own part of the story while maintaining a cohesive narrative. The balance of imagery, color, and typography was thoughtfully crafted, guided by UX best practices to ensure it was as functional as it was beautiful.
The visual identity wouldn’t be complete without an offline presence. Within the restaurant, we kept the printed materials minimal—designed to complement, not compete with, the atmosphere. These subtle details enhance the mood, supporting the story told by the passionate people who bring it all to life.
Restaurant Nevel has blossomed into something extraordinary. With its innovative concept and thoughtful execution, it has sparked a social buzz that exceeded all expectations. From seed to blossom.
Studio Mals created a cute stop-motion animation for the 1 year anniversary. I had fun playing around with sounddesign.