I set out to challenge myself: Could I create a dynamic and engaging brand? I enrolled in Brand Identity: Creating an Image at the School of Visual Arts to explore this. The class project involved designing a hotel brand with touchpoints, including a logo, stationery, posters, key cards, packaging, and promotional items. Drawing on my experiences as a world traveler who often prioritized the destination over accommodations, I envisioned The Eclectic Hotel, a vibrant haven for lovers of art, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy in New York’s Soho district. The Belley restaurant reflected my Haitian heritage with a unique French and Caribbean-inspired vegan cuisine menu.

The Eclectic’s visual identity exuded boldness and optimism, mirroring the spirit of its guests. Hand-lettering elements added a personal, creative flair. At the same time, a vibrant color palette reflected the imaginative and daring nature of its brand ethos. From posters to welcome books, every design detail reinforced the hotel’s mission to inspire and engage its community of travelers. Words played an equally vital role, with cheeky and bold copy becoming the brand’s voice, inviting guests into a world where creativity and wanderlust take center stage.

Belley’s branding complemented The Eclectic but stood out because of its personality. It is named after Jean-Baptiste Belley, a historical figure tied to the Haitian Revolution. Visitors to both spaces became part of a community at the vanguard of innovation and artistic expression. Together, The Eclectic and The Belley offered a unique, immersive experience where creativity and culture flourished, inspiring guests to connect, create, and explore in profound ways. STUDENT PROJECT