The AO Fish Market design draws its inspiration from traditional Japanese illustrations, characterized by bold primary color palettes and geometric elements. This influence is seamlessly integrated into the brand's identity, creating a unique and contemporary aesthetic that sets it apart from other market brands.
The brand's name, "AO," is derived from the Japanese character for "blue," further emphasizing its connection to the sea and its offerings. The design process began with sketches based on Japanese characters and geometric principles, which were then brought to life using Adobe tools such as Illustrator and Photoshop. The result is a full set of new typefaces, packaging, and exterior environmental imagery.
The project includes a wide range of executions, from packaging materials and signage to brochures and exterior elements. The packaging material, made from cotton paper, has diverse specifications for each item, adding to the brand's unique identity.
One of the key challenges faced during the design process was balancing the ideal design quality with economic limits. Despite being a non-client project, it was essential to maintain a sense of reality and affordability. The result is a design that not only meets aesthetic standards but also caters to practical needs.
The AO Fish Market project started in December 2015 and was completed in February 2016 in New York City. It was awarded the Silver A' Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design Award in 2017, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.
In conclusion, the AO Fish Market design is a unique and innovative approach to seafood shopping. It successfully combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design principles, creating a brand identity that is both visually appealing and trustworthy. With its focus on quality and service, it sets a new standard for seafood markets.
Project Designers: JungWon Audrey Choe
Image Credits: JungWon Audrey Choe
Project Team Members: Audrey JungWon Choe
Project Name: AO FISH MARKET
Project Client: JungWon Audrey Choe