As a co-founder and Art Director of Studio Kurt, I had the opportunity to shape the identity of a bustling city café, complete with a Neapolitan pizza and a charming wine bar. The establishment's name, "Ula," which translates to "whirligig", served as our creative compass. Just like the playful spinning toy it was named after, we aimed to infuse the brand with a spirited character and a vibrant visual appeal.
Client
ULA
2021
Contribution
Visual identity, communication
Type design, illustrations
Team - Kurt
Roman Shtein, Jenya Shtein
Egor Shaklunov, Yana Igonina
Inspiration
For "Ula," we recognized that a standard font would not suffice in capturing the cafe's unique spirit. We needed a typeface that was as distinctive and playful as the establishment itself. With this in mind, we embarked on the meticulous process of developing a custom font tailored specifically for "Ula."
Typeface
This custom typeface served as the literal and figurative cornerstone of the brand's identity. It was not just a font; it was a visual representation of "Ula's" character, echoing the whimsy and vivacity of the café.
Through this unique typeface, we ensured that every piece of communication, from menus to signage, carried the unmistakable spirit of "Ula." It became a visual signature that set the café apart, making it instantly recognizable and memorable to its patrons.
Illustrations
Complementing the custom typeface were a set of vibrant illustrations that further enlivened the brand. These illustrations, alongside the font, became visual storytellers, conveying the café's menu offerings, its inviting ambiance, and the sheer joy that defined the "Ula" experience.
Scope of work
Work on the brand identity included the development of a corporate identity, a detailed guideline, custom font, set of illustrations, development of tone of voice and image style, and visual communication on social networks.
