My Graphic Design Journey

Overview Creating a logo is more than just designing something that looks good—it’s about capturing a brand’s essence, story, and personality in a single mark. This latest logo attempt for Kaya’s Table was developed using Adobe Illustrator’s Generate Vector (Beta) feature , allowing me to explore a clean and scalable vector-based concept inspired by the culinary roots of the restaurant. Concept Behind the Design For this iteration, I focused on the core elements of Afro-Caribbean American cuisine —hospitality, tradition, and the art of cooking. The logo includes: ✅ A cooking pot with a glass lid – Representing slow-cooked, rich flavors that are deeply rooted in Caribbean and African cooking traditions. ✅ A knife and spoon – Essential tools of any chef, symbolizing precision and craftsmanship in food preparation. ✅ Minimalist, bold shapes – To ensure the logo is recognizable and scalable , whether on menus, signage, or branding materials. Using Adobe Illustrator’s Generate ...

Overview Branding is all about storytelling, and typography is a huge part of that. For Kaya’s Table, an Afro-Caribbean American fusion restaurant, I wanted to capture the warmth, cultural richness, and modern sophistication of the dining experience through the perfect typeface pairing. The goal? A look that feels inviting, elegant, and infused with heritage —just like the restaurant itself. Choosing the Right Fonts I landed on two distinct yet complementary typefaces: Playfair Display and Montserrat . Here’s why they work: Playfair Display (For Logo & Headings)  This high-contrast serif is bold, timeless, and has a handcrafted feel that immediately brings elegance and heritage into the brand. There’s something about those refined, slightly exaggerated serifs that remind me of vintage Caribbean signage and old-world printmaking. It’s classy without being stiff—exactly the kind of first impression I want Kaya’s Table to make. Montserrat (For Menus & Body Text) To bal...

Introduction Creativity is an evolving process, often starting with structured learning before transforming into something uniquely personal. As part of my creative journey, I revisited the Shadow Draw app, a tool I first discovered in January 2024. Initially, I used it as a way to clear my mind and focus on the simple act of drawing. The structured exercises eliminated the pressure of deciding what to sketch, allowing me to immerse myself in the flow of following lines. What began as a means of relaxation soon became a foundational step in my artistic growth, leading me to explore the intersection of line art, movement, and symbolism. Finding Flow in Line Art Shadow Draw’s “Women in Motion: Line Art Warm-ups” resonated with me deeply. The minimalist approach to figure drawing, focusing solely on contour and gesture, reminded me of the expressive power of movement. Each pose—whether a dancer reaching, a figure curled in rest, or a poised stance—captured emotion without unnecessary d...

Introduction As part of my coursework in the  Fundamentals of Branding  class at Keiser University, I’ve been exploring creativity through Regina Pacelli’s book,  Whole Lotta Creativity Going On.  This week, I’m working through  Exercise 18 , which asks me to think of two to three people I consider exceptionally creative and explain why they stand out to me. At first, I wasn’t sure who to choose. I’m still new to studying design and creativity—I only recently began this journey as a 40+ single mom of four. But when I really thought about it, the most creative people I know aren’t famous artists or designers. They’re my two oldest daughters, with whom I’ve lost touch, and an artist I’m still getting to know through social media, Banksy. But as I reflected, I realized something else: creativity has been a part of my life all along. Even though I never considered myself a serious artist, I’ve always found ways to express myself—through drawing, braiding, and even t...

  Introduction As part of my  Fundamentals of Branding  course, I’ve been exploring visual identity concepts for an Afro-Caribbean American fusion restaurant. This exercise challenged me to  translate the restaurant’s cultural essence into visual elements , using different shapes, typography, and symbolism to capture the warmth, heritage, and vibrancy of the dining experience. Concept Development In these thumbnail sketches, I experimented with a variety of  logos, wordmarks, and symbols  that reflect the restaurant’s identity. Key themes that emerged include: ✅  Organic & Natural Elements  – Palm trees, waves, and the sun symbolize tropical warmth and the connection to nature. ✅  Culinary & Cultural Icons  – Cooking pots, plates, and cutlery reflect the food-focused experience, while chairs and tables reinforce the communal aspect of dining. ✅  Handwritten & Serif Typography  – Different lettering styles were ...

  Introduction For my latest creativity exercise, I tackled  Exercise 17: Snap Solutions  from Regina Pacelli’s book  Whole Lotta Creativity Going On . The challenge? Imagine you and a friend are stranded in a rented boat during the off-season, with no oars and a ten-foot waterfall ahead. Oh, and to make things more difficult—your friend panics easily, is the only one who can swim, and won’t stop babbling about impending doom. With 20 minutes before disaster, what do you do? This exercise pushed me to think quickly, strategize under pressure, and come up with creative solutions that could mean the difference between safety and a terrifying plunge. My First Instincts My initial thoughts went straight to the obvious: Find something to use as an oar.  Branches, loose items in the boat—anything that could help us steer toward the riverbanks. Swim for shore.  The river is only 60 feet wide, and we’re both wearing life jackets. Since I personally know how to swim...