Mei Mei (2019) is a visual identity concept for a cafe. I developed Mei Mei, a cafe that is dedicated to serving high quality espresso and well-crafted Asian pastries. The concept is a nod to my own mixed-race roots and a blend of my Italian father’s dedication to traditional espresso with my Singaporean mother’s love of Chinese desserts. “Mei mei” is a mandarin word meaning “little sister” in English.

The identity consists of a logo, a primary and secondary typeface, a colour palette, and additional graphic elements. Background research included detailed inquiries into the history and variety of visual symbols in Chinese culture and into the aesthetic components of Asian American identity. I also drew inspiration from the visual identities of Asian American businesses and drew inspiration from the signs, posters, and banners of Chinatowns in Vancouver and San Francisco. I wanted the branding for Mei Mei to remind the viewer of traditional elements of Chinese visual culture while still being bright, modern, and fun. 
Contribution
Concept
Design