Context
Honey Badger is a restaurant in Brooklyn that focuses on wild, seasonal, foraged food. Their dishes are bold and creative, like the animal they're named after. This was a project for my branding class, where I was asked to create a visual identity that reflects the restaurant’s character and approach to food.
Challenge
The main challenge was finding a way to show the “wild” and nature-inspired side of the brand without just slapping a picture of a honey badger on it. The restaurant wanted something handmade, earthy, and bold, but still polished enough to stand out in a place like Brooklyn.
Process
At first, I explored using claws to represent the aggressive, fearless nature of the animal. I also tried mushrooms, since the restaurant talked about foraging. But both of those felt either too literal or didn’t really say “restaurant.” I eventually landed on the idea of a wooden cooking pot, something that represents handmade cooking and tradition, while also tying into nature. To connect everything visually, I chose Birra, a typeface that has a vintage-but-energetic feel, which matches the rustic, handmade tone I was aiming for. The pot icon was designed to sit comfortably alongside the typography, creating a balance between boldness and warmth without relying on literal imagery.
Final Design
The final logo features a custom pot icon next to bold, stylized typography. The colors are warm and earthy, meant to feel inviting, but with a little heat. The overall look is strong, a little wild, and rooted in craftsmanship, just like the restaurant.
