Bringing the appeal of physical books into the modern world.

I created a logo mark, colour palette, and bold typefaces that would elevate the brand across the web and in the physical world. The golden thread throughout the visual identity is the tangible quality of the assets as opposed to a highly digital look. To infuse the feeling of print books into the brand, I made use of (paper) textures, handwritten notes, muted tones, and organic shapes.

The brand icon is inspired by botanical illustrations of flowers but expressed in a slightly abstract way. Through its highly symmetrical nature it’s reminiscent of images from the Rorschach test. This encourages creative interpretation and gives the icon a macabre touch. Ultimately, Hommage feels like walking into a magical antique bookshop. Why flowers? Because they symbolise growing (through learning) as much as the need for nurturing (of the mind).  

Most book stores opt for an elegant serif type to express a sense of heritage. I did the opposite. Since the other design elements are rather antique-inspired, the word mark can be more casual and friendly to provide a modern contrast.

With Hommage being entirely inspired by the experience of reading physical books, focusing on feelings was of upmost importance. From visiting their social media to browsing the online shop to attending in-store events, the entire experience would need to be well thought-out. So I started imagining what Hommage could do to win over fans if they were an actually-out-in-the-real-world brand. Here’s the rundown: Business cards that allow people to share their new discovery with friends, branded tote bags that become daily companions on shopping trips, stickers that strengthen brand awareness and beautify laptops, and of course an online home that holds the entire Hommage universe.

Building out a website for Hommage further prompted me to think about how I could communicate the brand to a digital-first audience. Hommage couldn’t just be another e-commerce store. I wanted to bring together all of its different aspects on one easy-to-navigate platform.

Guided by the principles of good UX design, the homepage lets visitors discover all products in organised categories. The site also has a search function and a membership portal, including wishlist and cart, to facilitate shopping. But that’s not the only focus. A big part of the homepage is telling the brand’s story. Helping people understand what the brand is all about means that Hommage isn’t just viewed as a product-selling shop but a brand on a bigger mission.