Umami Kid: Branding an Anime-Inspired Japanese Comfort Food Experience
The Challenge
Umami Kid, a startup Japanese restaurant and izakaya in Saint John, New Brunswick, needed a brand identity that would capture their unique concept: authentic ramen and Japanese comfort food served in an anime-themed space with a cute, welcoming aesthetic. The goal was to honor traditional cuisine while embracing playful anime culture in a way that felt inviting to all.
The Solution
I created a comprehensive brand identity that balances authenticity with playfulness. The visual system combines the warmth of Japanese comfort food with the charm of anime culture through custom illustrations, a carefully curated color palette, and typography that feels both cute and credible.
What I Delivered
- Complete brand identity system: logo, colors, typography, and guidelines
- Custom anime-inspired illustration library
- Extensive print collateral: menus, packaging, promotional materials, signage
- Social media templates and digital assets
- Environmental graphics complementing their manga wall art
The Result
A memorable brand with strong visual presence across all touchpoints. The cute, anime-inspired aesthetic creates an inviting atmosphere while quality execution ensures Umami Kid is recognized as a serious destination for authentic Japanese comfort food.
