Son of a Barista is a coffee company that makes artisan coffee pods roasted in Italy. With a focus on convenience, flavor, and sustainability, they offer barista-grade espresso that brings a taste of Italy to the average coffee pod drinker.
I created a library of brand illustrations including heroes, spots, and flavor profile icons. Drawing from vintage Italian posters, I aimed to bring a sense of tradition and playfulness to the visuals, reflecting the brand’s deep ties to Italian coffee culture.
Son of a Barista’s commitment to traditional Italian roasting brought to mind the timeless, effortless quality of vintage lifestyle ads—especially those from classic Italian beverage brands. We leaned into those references (and occasionally parodied them) to capture that same spirit in the brand illustrations.
Despite it's caffeine content, I see drinking coffee as a fundamentally relaxing experience, so I wanted to bring that laid-back feeling to the illustration - balancing a high-design aesthetic with moments of visual humor and warmth.
I also illustrated a series of rich, expressive micro illustrations to highlight the nutty, fruity, spicy, and sweet flavor notes of the coffee and teas on offer. These pushed beyond the muted tones of the core system, embracing a more lush, luxurious palette to celebrate each profile.
