> 2012 / identity & interiors / Umami Mart

Identity and interiors for Japanese popup shop in Oakland, California.

Produced in little time and on a super low shoestring budget I designed their new visual identity & universe - and a store inspired by a mix between Japanese Shinto religion and Scandinavia design. The new logo is a kamon - a crest which every family in Japan has, and therefore the Umami Mart family needed their own too. The crest features a sprout - a symbol for new growth and a green future.

Umami Mart is a Japanese food blog & webshop importing speciality & luxurious Japanese kitchen & barware, and is a new addition to the Popuphood initiative in Oakland (outside San Francisco) - giving stores 6 months free rent in dead areas of town to invoke new life and growth and hopefully allow the new shop owners to sign a long term store lease after the test period.

The store is a space in constant movement, taking shape after events, culinary lectures or everyday shopping. As of August 2012 the store is not 100% done yet - more furniture & store items will be designed and built later during the fall. The final result could not have been possible without immense help from friends & family. You know who you are!!!

http://www.umamimart.com/shop/

Photos by American photographer Erin Gleeson