Sep 1, 2023
5 mins
Logo, Rebranding, Icon
Bella Bistro Rebranding
How can we get better at naming? This post is dedicated to naming conventions, tips, and real-world examples that help you name things in a robust and flexible way.
The Art of Visual Storytelling
As graphic designers, we know that naming, branding, and visual identity are more than just aesthetic choices—they’re the soul of the experience. At Bella Bistro, every element of design is crafted to evoke emotion, tell a story, and create a lasting impression. But just like in design systems, the challenge often lies in the details: how do you name, define, and design elements that feel both authentic and timeless?
In this post, we’ll dive into the creative process behind Bella Bistro’s visual identity. How do we choose the right design language? What makes a name, a logo, or even a color palette feel just right? Let’s break it down.
Inspiration Behind the Brand
When designing for Bella Bistro, we drew inspiration from a blend of rustic charm and modern minimalism. Think sun-soaked European cafés, handwritten menus on chalkboards, and the comforting warmth of natural textures. But beyond mood boards and aesthetics, the goal was clear: to create a brand that feels like a cozy invitation, not just a place to eat.
Naming conventions played a huge role. Just like naming layers in a Figma file, the names of menu items, typography styles, and even color swatches needed to be intuitive yet memorable. Words weren’t just labels—they became part of the story. Instead of generic names like “red” or “bold font,” we leaned into evocative language: Tuscan Terracotta for our earthy palette, Olive Grove for deep greens, and Bistro Serif for fonts with a hint of vintage elegance.
Design Principles That Shape Bella Bistro
So, what makes a good design for a brand like Bella Bistro? It’s not just about making things “look pretty.” It’s about creating consistency, meaning, and flexibility. Here’s how we approached it:
Logical Structure: Like a well-organized design file, every visual element at Bella Bistro has a purpose. Our logo isn’t just a logo—it’s adaptable and works seamlessly on menus, signage, and digital platforms.
Authentic Storytelling: The typography, color palettes, and iconography are carefully chosen to reflect Bella Bistro’s personality: warm, inviting, and artisanal. We avoided trends that might feel dated and focused on timeless design choices.
Attention to Detail: Consistency is key in everything, from menu layouts to social media posts. To ensure this, we developed a design system with scalable components—icon sets, grid systems, and style guides—to ensure the brand feels cohesive across all touchpoints.
Meaningful Naming: Instead of using generic terms like “Header 1” or “Primary Color,” we named styles after experiences that reflect the brand—Espresso Bold for strong typographic hierarchy or Sunset Gold for accent highlights. This not only keeps the team aligned but also reinforces the brand’s narrative in every detail.
Final Thoughts
Designing for Bella Bistro wasn’t just about visuals—it was about crafting an experience. Every color, font, and layout choice was made with intention, ensuring that when someone walks into Bella Bistro (or scrolls through its social media), they feel the story we’ve told through design.
Because at the end of the day, good design isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
