My Graphic Design Journey

  Introduction Creativity is often about translating the intangible into something visual, audible, or tangible. In Regina Pacelli’s book,  Whole Lotta Creativity Going On ,  Exercise 20: Thought Expression  challenges us to express a thought or idea through various forms—whether words, images, or even movement. This exercise resonates deeply with my recent poetic exploration,  Whisper or Echo? , which grapples with the tension between faith, doubt, and divine communication. Whisper or Echo? Is that a whisper or just my own mind? A fleeting thought, a voice undefined? I strain to listen, I try to be still, Hoping to know what is You, what is will. They say You speak in a still, soft sound, Yet doubt and noise keep circling ’round. I reach for faith, but my hands come back bare, Am I searching wrong, or are You just there? Not in the fire, not in the storm, But in quiet places where hearts are warm. If I let go of needing a sign, Would I find You were speaking th...

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...