Totara Design is a one-man carpentry venture launching in Melbourne late 2018. Totara is a native New Zealand hard wood where Tama, the maker, originates from. He uses locally sourced and recycled materials for his designs.
Tama wanted a design that paid homage to his NZ roots and reflected the native and local ethos of his work. The logo needed to work in two parts. One as a whole, and the other as a simplified stamp that could be applied to his work. The illustrative element of the logo design is of the Totara tree. The minimalist typography represents his modern designs.
To assist Tama with promotional media, we set up a small photography space in his workshop. As he has no budget or resources for professional photography, I helped him to create a consistent backdrop. We also discussed the advantages of natural lighting in regards to the aesthetic of his products. Also props such as indoor plants to give the pieces context and perspective.