Designer Statement

Food is necessary for survival, a cultural staple, and is defined by religions, borders, heritage, and personal taste. We are, inherently, what we eat. Food says much about who we are as people. The evolution of taste is directly related to the evolution of the human species. Throughout the history of man, food and taste have been centered around the tools and techniques used for consumption. Modern society has applied science to modify our food for shelf life, therefore sacrificing nutrition for monetary gains.
This sacrifice of nutrition has inspired me to create a restaurant concept centered around healthy fast food that is consumed with your hands. Often, I am frustrated with fast food chains when I need to grab a meal on the go, but my only choices give me no hope of a healthy option. I know that time is of the essence in this age, but I don’t feel that one’s health should be sacrificed for it. The name, Modern Monkey, is based on the notion of the evolution of man as well as our evolution of taste. While we keep progressing as a human race, I feel that the way we eat needs to regress back to the basics of nutrition.
Also, sustainability interests me, therefore my materials and restaurant plan are all environmentally conscious. I don’t understand why people don’t see the importance of keeping our planet healthy and productive for future generations. This is what inspired me to make this restaurant all about sustainability, not only environmental sustainability, but also investing in the power of community and the local farms. From the building design down to the cups and napkins, this restaurant is all about renewability of our biggest asset, nature.
My process consisted of a large research component focusing on current trends in cuisine and restaurant design, culinary experimentation, and lots of sketching. I also applied my knowledge of design to develop the exterior design of the restaurant as well as the branding and materials.


Please leave feedback if you feel that I am missing something.

Proofs at Richardson's

So I went today to check my proofs at Richardson's Printing and they look great!!! I am SO relieved! The colors are a little bit darker since the surface underneath is not white but it didn't bother me at all and gave it a lil more of the healthy/ organic feel that I wanted while still keeping this very modern design. I plan on picking them up on Thursday or Friday so I am very excited that things are coming together! one less stress on my mind... now back to work

To paint, or not to paint

So Megan made the suggestion of possibly painting the wall behind my display to make my project pop a bit more and to hide some of the imperfections that are on the wall. So here is what the original plan was without it painted and what it would kind of look like with it painted... please give me some feedback on this.

Mel's Final Critique

Overall, there was not much to critique about the project. Everything is pretty much ready for production and will be started this weekend. I think that you are in a great spot 2 weeks before the show opens and things will go smoothly. Nice job, Mel! :)

Progress

Still making progress on my menu board... I plan to have this finalized by Sunday and the files to Richardsons by Monday, March 26. Any and all critique would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Menu Board

So this is what I have so far for my menu board. As of right now it will be printed onto three 4 feet by 2 feet boards hung on the walls of the gallery, as if someone was to walk up and order. Please let me know if you have any suggestions and critique. Thanks!

Final Color Palette

So here is the final color palette that I am working in. I chose a larger palette so that I would have many options.