The identity of an archive

Context
Ragù (Reti e Archivi del Gusto) is a research project that gathers handwritten cookbooks, starting from the end of WWII. The objective is to use recipes as a tool to illustrate time periods, cultures, relationships and traditions all over the world.
Ragù has been brought to us by Mila Fumini, who asked us to help her create the identity and visual narrative of the project.

Process
We started with an in-depth research of design in cooking, noticing common patterns and features. We then created a logo with reminisces of vintage lettering, combining traditional handwriting with a modern composition, from the color choice to the font definition.

Solution
We designed the logo of Ragù, a round shape suggesting the idea of something that collects and holds, and adapted its coordinated image to different media: a presentation, printed materials, banners for exhibitions and places to collect recipes’ photos, social media and promotional materials. The logo has become the starting point of a series of illustrations guiding the narrative and the evolution of the project.