graphic design

El Rodeo Logo

El Rodeo is an authentic Mexican restaurant in Durham that has been a staple in the community since its establishment in 1989. Known for its traditional Mexican cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere, El Rodeo has built a loyal customer base over the past three decades. Despite their success and popularity, the restaurant's branding, particularly its logo, had remained unchanged since its inception. Recognizing the need to modernize its visual identity while preserving its authentic essence, the owner approached me to design a new logo that bridges tradition with contemporary aesthetics.

Role

Designer

Skills

Graphic Design
Traditional Illustration
Branding

objective

Modernize logo without compromising essence

development

Design Approach

To achieve a balance between modernity and tradition, a mixed-media approach was employed in the logo design process. This methodology allowed for the integration of various artistic elements and techniques, ensuring the final design was both unique and representative of El Rodeo's rich cultural background.

Concept Development

Research and Inspiration: The initial phase involved extensive research into traditional Mexican art, cultural symbols, and contemporary design trends. This ensured that the new logo would resonate with both the restaurant’s history and current design aesthetics.

Sketches and Ideation: Multiple concepts were sketched, focusing on elements such as traditional Mexican motifs, colors, and typography. These sketches were then refined and evaluated in collaboration with the restaurant owner to ensure alignment with their vision.

Mixed-Media Techniques

Hand-drawn Illustrations: The rider, a nod to their old logo, was hand-drawn to infuse authenticity and a personal touch into the design. This added organic touches that maintained the brand's personality and balanced the more modern touches I added later in the design process.

Digital Enhancements: I digitized the illustration using Adobe Photoshop, allowing for optimal edibility. To make it more modern, I made the rider a rich teal that contrasted nicely with the bright tangerine that the owner picked out. A western typeface was implemented to balance out the modern, bold colors.

End Product

Implementation

The new logo will be deployed across various touch-points, including:

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