How illustration can help elevate your hospitality brand

September 4, 2024
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While logos, typography, and colour schemes are often the focus of brand identity, illustration is an incredibly powerful, yet sometimes overlooked element that can bring a brand to life in ways that other identity elements can not. 

Custom illustrations not only enhance the visual appeal of your business but they can also tell a story that resonates with guests, making your hospitality brand memorable and distinctive. Here's how...

Thumbnail illustration by Silvia Tack

Stand out from the crowd

In a crowded market, standing out is a must. Custom illustrations give your brand a unique identity that is authentically yours. Whether it's hand-drawn icons, whimsical characters, or intricate patterns, illustrations can be tailored to perfectly reflect the ethos and personality of your establishment. 

Unlike generic stock images, custom illustrations are one-of-a-kind, ensuring that your brand has a look and feel that no one else can replicate.

Illustration of a bird riding a frog for Fauna Café.
For Fauna Café we commissioned Redmer Hoekstra to create a series of illustrations dipicting a fantasy world where all types of creatures interact with each other in surreal ways. 
Enhanced storytelling

Here at Dennis we believe that every hospitality brand has a story, and illustrations are a powerful way to tell it. Whether it’s conveying the rich history of a hotel, the culinary journey of a restaurant, or the cultural influences behind a bar’s cocktail menu, illustrations can bring these narratives to life in a visually engaging way. 

At Dennis Studio, we often commission top illustrators to craft bespoke artwork that complements and enhances your brand story, making it more relatable and engaging for your guests.

Illustration of knives and forks applied to a restaurant menu.
For Tragaluz restaurant we delved into the archives of Javier Mariscal, the well known illustrator, who created the original identity in 1990.
Strengthen emotional connections with customers

Illustrations have the unique ability to evoke emotions and create a sense of warmth and familiarity. A well-considered illustration can make guests feel welcomed, entertained, and even nostalgic. By incorporating illustrations into your branding, you can build stronger emotional connections with your guests, turning their visit into a memorable experience that they’ll want to revisit and share with others.

Illustration by Kelly Knaga for Les Filles Café.
For Les Filles Café we commissioned Kelly Knaga to create abstract illustrations that represent a mixture of nature & well-being.
Bring spaces to life

In hospitality, the environment is a key part of the experience. Illustrations can be used to transform spaces, creating immersive environments that reflect your brand’s identity. From illustrated murals in hotel lobbies to custom artwork in restaurant windows, these creative elements contribute to the overall ambiance, making your space more inviting and cohesive. They can also serve as conversation starters, adding to the unique character of your establishment.

Illustration applied to the windows of Llop restaurant.
For LLOP, meaning 'wolf' in Catalan, we worked with Gwendal Le Bec to create a series of illustrated wolves enjoying doing various activities that take place in the space.
Improve marketing and communications

Illustrations are not just for physical spaces; they can also improve your digital presence and marketing efforts. Illustrated elements can make your website more engaging, your social media content more shareable, and your marketing campaigns more memorable. Whether it’s a quirky illustration for an Instagram post or an elegant graphic for an email newsletter, these visual elements help your brand stand out online and in print, driving greater engagement and brand recognition.

Ready to see how custom illustrations can elevate your hospitality brand? Get in touch with us to find out more...

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Want to work with a branding & design studio that's really passionate about hospitality? Then what are you waiting for? Get in touch, we'd love to discuss your next project!

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