When creating my BFA Thesis Exhibition, I knew I wanted to do something that I felt confident in, but also something that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I decided to create a restaurant named after and based around my mother, and her upbringing in the Deep South.
This project really pushed me out of my comfort zone knowing that I would have an actual exhibition, but also creating something that was a bit more serious and minimal. I'm used to creating things with so many components that having something simple and minimal, actually was a bit challenging.
I feel my strongest suite is branding, and I have a lot of knowledge about restaurants (I've worked in restaurants since I was 17!). My mom always talked about wanting her own restaurant or wine bar, so I wanted to show her, her dream come to life. I designed every aspect of Carmela's, the coasters, menus, gift cards, and even the Reserved sign on the table.
