Pappas

Project still in progress

Rooted in the story of the Pappas family, who lived on the Greek island of Ikaria for generations before bringing their traditions to Toronto, this passion project is an ongoing exploration of how design can bridge past and present.

The visual identity draws directly from the family's archives—scans of old photographs, postcards, ticket stubs, and stamps are woven together with hand-drawn elements to tell a layered, deeply personal narrative. At its heart, a crest-like emblem features three symbols: a turtle, a dove, and a fish—each representing aspects of Ikarian culture, longevity, and connection to the land and sea. Alongside it, the restaurant’s name appears in an expressive, hand-drawn typeface, emphasizing the warmth and intimacy of a family-run space.

Inside, Pappas mirrors the communal spirit of Ikaria. Guests dine at shared tables, store their personal wine bottles for future visits, and feel immersed in a space filled with nods to the Pappas family—framed photographs, heirlooms, and history-rich ephemera. The menu, inspired by generations of family recipes, completes the experience, offering a taste of Ikaria’s tradition in a new cultural landscape.

Still in development, Pappas continues to evolve as a passion project, with the next phase focusing on translating its rich storytelling into the digital space. Through Super 8 videography and a commitment to its analogue aesthetic, the goal is to extend the warmth and nostalgia of its physical brand world into an equally immersive online experience.

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Unearthing History, Crafting Identity

To bring the Pappas identity to life, I sourced archival materials through a mix of deep research and hands-on experimentation. I spent time digging through antique stores, uncovering Greek ephemera that carried the patina of time—old tickets, stamps, and postcards that echoed the journey of generations. I also worked directly with the Pappas family, sifting through their personal archives to weave their history into the brand. To add another layer of depth, I created cyanotypes using sourced Greek prints, infusing the visuals with a handmade, organic quality. The result is a brand that doesn’t just tell a story—it feels alive, maintaining the warmth, history, and spirit of the Pappas family.

Next Steps

With the in-restaurant experience fully designed and the archival elements carefully sourced, the physical brand world of Pappas is complete. The next phase is translating this rich, tactile storytelling into the digital space. By incorporating Super 8 videography and maintaining the brand’s analogue aesthetic, the goal is to ensure that Pappas’ digital presence feels just as warm, nostalgic, and immersive as its physical counterpart.

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