Project Overview

Nam Nam, a Vietnamese spring roll startup, approached me to create a visual identity that would reflect their commitment to authentic cuisine and celebrate their cultural heritage. The primary challenge was to design a logo and visual system that would resonate with customers seeking genuine Vietnamese flavors while standing out in the competitive food market.

Objectives

  • Create a distinctive logo that incorporates Vietnamese cultural elements
  • Develop a visual identity that communicates authenticity and tradition
  • Design a cohesive brand system adaptable across various touchpoints

The Logo Design Process

Conceptualization

I began by researching Vietnamese culture, focusing on iconic symbols and traditional elements. The non la, or "leaf hat," emerged as a powerful symbol of Vietnamese heritage, perfectly aligning with Nam Nam's vision.

Logo Development

I crafted a round badge logo featuring a stylized representation of the non la. This circular design not only echoed the shape of spring rolls but also created a seal of authenticity for the brand. The simplicity of the badge ensured versatility across various applications.

Color Palette

I chose a color palette inspired by Vietnamese cuisine and culture:

  • Deep green: Representing fresh herbs and vegetables
  • Warm yellow: Evoking the color of crispy spring roll wrappers
  • Rich brown: Reflecting the earthy tones of traditional non la hats

Typography

I developed a custom typeface for the "Nam Nam" wordmark, featuring subtle curves reminiscent of Vietnamese calligraphy. This bespoke font added a unique touch to the brand's visual identity.

Visual Identity Extension

I extended the visual identity to create a cohesive brand experience:

  • Packaging: Eco-friendly containers featuring the logo and patterns inspired by traditional Vietnamese textiles

Conclusion

The creation of Nam Nam's visual identity successfully captured the essence of authentic Vietnamese cuisine while creating a modern and appealing brand. By centering the design around the iconic non la, I established a strong connection to Vietnamese heritage, helping Nam Nam stand out in the competitive food market and resonate with customers seeking genuine culinary experiences.

Project Overview

Nam Nam, a Vietnamese spring roll startup, needed a visual identity that reflected authentic cuisine and cultural roots while standing out on shelves and in digital channels.

Objectives

  • Create a distinctive logo rooted in Vietnamese cultural cues.  
  • Communicate authenticity and tradition without feeling dated.  
  • Build a visual system that can scale across packaging and other brand touchpoints.

Logo Design

Concept

Research quickly surfaced the nón lá (leaf hat) as an iconic symbol of Vietnamese life. It became the core of the brand concept: a shorthand for place, culture, and everyday craft.

Form and palette

  • A round badge built around a stylized nón lá echoes both the hat and the shape of a roll or plate.  
  • Colors draw from food and landscape:  
    • Deep greens for herbs and freshness.  
    • Warm yellows for crisp wrappers and street food energy.  
    • Earthy browns referencing traditional materials.

Typography

A custom “Nam Nam” wordmark uses soft curves and rhythm inspired by Vietnamese calligraphic forms, giving the logo a voice that feels both personal and contemporary.

Visual Identity Extension

The system extends into:

  • Packaging – Eco‑friendly containers with the badge mark and textile‑inspired patterns.  
  • Print and digital layouts – Simple, bold compositions that keep focus on the food, using the badge as a consistent anchor.

Conclusion

The Nam Nam identity balances a clear link to Vietnamese heritage with a clean, modern presentation.

Centering the nón lá in a simple badge gives the brand an immediately recognizable symbol of origin and care, helping it connect with customers looking for real Vietnamese flavors in a crowded prepared‑foods market.