Kotobuki — Visual Identity & Packaging System
Visual Identity, Custom Illustration
2025
Designer & Illustrator
Kotobuki
Project
Visual identity and packaging design system
Request
Create a cohesive visual identity that deeply reflects the local heritage of Gifu Prefecture.
Incorporate a stylized, artistic depiction of Gifu Castle as a core visual asset.
Integrate a custom brand crest or logo that references traditional Japanese iconography while remaining clean and modern.
Ensure the layouts are highly adaptable for fast-casual packaging, including boxes, wrapping paper, and stickers.
Design Concept
Pattern Design & Visual Motifs
To give the branding tangible depth, I developed a dual-pattern system rooted in traditional Japanese textiles (Chiyogami) but modernized for clean print application:
The Monogram Pattern (Deep Indigo): Isolates the geometric brand crest into an interlocking, high-contrast lattice layout. This was created for primary brand touchpoints like wrapping papers and box backdrops, immediately reinforcing the visual identity.
The Scenic Pattern (Sky Blue): Combines the custom Gifu Castle illustration, the core emblem, and floating sakura elements into an open, fluid layout. This variation was designed to bring a lighter, storytelling element to larger surfaces, like shopping bags and interior menu linings.
Brand Colour Palette & Cultural Significance
The color scheme was intentionally selected to bridge the gap between historical Gifu identity and an inviting, modern street-food aesthetic:
Deep Indigo Blue (#3F2A7F): Represents the twilight sky over Mt. Kinka and anchors the brand with a sense of quality and historical tradition.
Sunlight Gold (#FED93D): Inspired by the glowing illumination of Gifu Castle at night and the bright energy of fast-casual dining environments.
Sakura Pink (#FF88AA): Adds a vibrant, contemporary pop of flavor and directly connects the brand imagery to spring seasonality.
Off-Black & Slate (#292B30 / #6F9DD6): Provides clean, highly readable grounding tones for modern typography, menu details, and digital layouts.
Design Execution & Scalability
The overall visual strategy successfully establishes a functional bridge between regional heritage and contemporary street-food culture. The atmospheric illustration of Gifu Castle resting beneath a dramatic full moon provides a distinct, memorable centerpiece for large formats like menus and storefront assets.
Meanwhile, the accompanying crest utilizes precise vector geometry optimized for sharp reproduction across dual-tone packaging scales. This intentional separation guarantees that the visual system retains its impact—whether scaled up on a large menu board or isolated onto small physical container stickers and shop cards.