Platolea is a premium olive oil, olives and herbs brand with deep roots in Greek tradition and a contemporary outlook, managed by the Karakalpakis Family Co.
CATEGORY
Logotype, Labeling, Print, Product Packaging
SKILLS
Branding, Research, Sketching, Mockup, Prototyping
TOOLS
Pen & Paper, Adobe Xd, Illustrator, Photoshop
1. Project brief
The challenge here was to develop a visual identity that could bridge the authenticity of heritage with the elegance of a modern premium product — all while standing out in a highly saturated market of olive oil brands.
2. Brand Discovery
Research focused heavily on regional iconography, traditional Greek aesthetics, and consumer expectations around artisanal food packaging. What emerged was a clear desire for clarity, elegance, and authenticity — with a twist of storytelling.
3. Creative Direction
The concept was grounded in the olive tree as a timeless symbol of life, wisdom, and resilience. The final concept featured a stylized olive tree — organic yet deliberate — with flowing lines that give it character and warmth. Muted greens and off-whites against a dark backdrop elevate the brand into a more refined space, hinting at both its premium quality and natural origins. This was a joy to craft — subtle but strong.
Brand aesthetic inspiration ~ moodboard
Below is the actual olive grove where Platolea is produced—quiet, sun-drenched land in the heart of Greece. One of these images, featuring a beautifully twisted, ancient olive tree, served as the main inspiration for the logo. Its organic curves and grounded presence captured exactly what I wanted to express visually: tradition, resilience, and a deep connection to nature.
The fields where the olive trees grow and their olives are collected
4. Logo Development
There’s something about sketching ideas that always draws me in — but what I enjoy even more is translating those early thoughts into digital mockups, often right away. I tend to work in medium to high fidelity pretty quickly, letting the concept evolve as I shape it visually. That said, I rarely share much of my drafting or process work, especially online. Some steps feel better kept close. Still, you’ll definitely get a sense of the idea’s evolution here.
Initial sketches ~ inspiration
Platolea vector / elements development
5. Visual Identity System
The visual identity for Platolea is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the brand’s heritage and contemporary aspirations.
- Color Palette: A selection of earthy tones—deep olive greens, warm terracottas, and soft neutrals—evokes the natural landscape of the olive groves and the authenticity of the Karakalpakis family’s legacy.
- Typography: The primary typeface, Calvino Grande, conveys elegance and readability, while the complementary sans-serif adds a modern touch, ensuring versatility across various mediums.
- Iconography & Illustration: Custom icons and hand-drawn illustrations of olive branches and traditional harvesting tools add a personal and artisanal feel, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
This cohesive visual system ensures that every brand touchpoint communicates the Platolea story with clarity and consistency.
6. Applications & Mockups
Translating the visual identity into tangible applications was pivotal in bringing the Platolea brand to life.
Packaging: The design extends to product packaging, where the color palette and typography are applied to labels and containers, enhancing shelf presence and brand recognition.
Print Collateral: Business cards, letterheads, and brochures utilize the visual elements to maintain brand consistency and professionalism in all communications.
Digital Presence: Social media templates and website mockups incorporate the identity system, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience across digital platforms.
6. Reflections
Looking back on the Platolea project, the process reflected a well-paced and rewarding design sprint. What went well was the clarity of vision from the outset — the client had a strong connection to the land and its legacy, which translated beautifully into the visual identity. The biggest win was capturing that essence in a clean, modern logo that still paid tribute to the organic, rooted origins of the product. The mockups and on-product visuals brought the brand to life in a way that felt both premium and personal.
What could be improved next time might be tightening the initial research phase; while inspiration eventually clicked through visual references and on-site photos, starting from a more focused direction could have saved some back-and-forth during the concept phase. Moving forward, continuing to balance storytelling with restraint — letting the product and place speak for themselves — feels like a winning formula. Overall, Platolea was a meaningful and creatively fulfilling project, and the outcome really reflects the heart behind the brand.
