I redesigned the brand experience for Räkan, focusing on functional improvements to menus and the creation of a rustic maritime identity.
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Brief
Räkan is a classic seafood joint in the heart of Stockholm. Initially, they approached me to unify their various menus. However, I quickly identified a significant mismatch in their visual communication, where off-putting, photo-based illustrations and inconsistent typography were hindering the guest experience.
Solution
I took a holistic approach to their brand assets. I curated their existing library, removing dated elements and replacing them with over 30 new, hand-crafted nautical illustrations. To enhance the atmosphere, I introduced a rustic typographic system that feels weathered and salty. For the menus, I focused on functional improvements such as increased contrast for readability and a monochrome illustrative style to reduce eye strain, allowing red accents to guide the guest through the selection.
Deliverables
Illustration: I crafted a library of 30+ new nautical themed illustrations.
Menu Redesign: I improved the layout with a focus on scannability and readability.
Brand Curation: I audited and cleaned up existing visual assets to ensure a high-quality brand output.
Typography: I curated a system of rustic and weathered fonts to match the restaurant's soul.