De La Terre – Case Study

De La Terre is a line of cookware introduced in 2019 using innovations in ceramic materials that allow the entire range of modern cooking, storing and cleaning methods. The collection’s aesthetic derives from mid-century Danish minimalism and traditional Japanese stoneware, resulting in a line that’s both beautiful and functional.

The creative brief emphasized that the cookware is designed to encompass both traditional style and technological innovations, and is targeted to modern home chefs who value the craft and style of great meals. Visual elements and graphic direction should convey strength, simplicity, and unobtrusive beauty.

To explore directions for visual brand identity, I researched imagery that suggested the effects of heat on surfaces, of underlying structures of durability, and of various enduring processes, materials & techniques, including:

• Geometric patterns of connectedness and integration
• Weathered, seasoned appearance of stoneware
• Earthy surface textures of watercolor, patina, pocks
• Tactile impressions left by heat: glazes, enamels

As I worked to shape my investigations into a cohesive brand identity, I explored various ways of pairing an earthy textural quality with a modern, spacious geometric element to embody De La Terre’s combination of timeless aesthetics and modern performance qualities.

In the final package design, the linear background references the strength and structural integrity of materials, while the ochre color blocks reflect the natural edges of the ceramic pieces. Since specialized paper proved cost prohibitive, the tint of the Pantone ochre in the background aims to mimic the characteristics of the premium textured paper in earlier iterations. Icons highlight the versatile features of the line.

I extended elements from the packaging & branding to the product catalog and other collateral (additional collateral images to follow soon). In addition to design and production, I contributed heavily to writing and editing copy for the catalog. For pdf link to the full catalog, please click catalog image below.