DANTE HOT SAUCE
This project centered on developing a bold, narrative-driven brand identity for Dante Hot Sauce, a premium line of small-batch hot sauces known for their vibrant flavor and handcrafted quality. From the beginning, I set out to create a visual system that balanced intensity with sophistication. A brand that would not only stand out on the shelf but also tell a compelling story.
The logo became the heart of the identity, anchored by a stylized pepper icon that doubles as the brand’s mascot. Inspired by a side profile of Dante himself, the icon features a beard that morphs into flame-like shapes, symbolizing heat, flavor, and character all at once. This fusion of human and elemental design reinforces the fiery essence of the product while adding personality and storytelling potential.
The accompanying wordmark was carefully refined to strike a balance between authenticity and elegance. I explored a range of typefaces and letterform treatments to find a style that felt approachable yet elevated, mirroring the artisanal quality of the sauce itself.
Color played a key role in reinforcing the brand’s sensory appeal. The palette leans into bright, natural hues—selected to evoke ripeness, freshness, and a touch of heat. Informed by food photography and packaging trends, the colors were chosen not just for impact but to support the product’s story of quality ingredients and bold flavor.
To bring it all together on the shelf, I designed a distinctive label system with unique shapes and intricate graphic elements that set the tone for the brand. These labels function as the face of the product; conveying boldness, craftsmanship, and attention to detail at first glance.
From icon development to typography, color strategy, and label design, every element of the Dante Hot Sauce brand was crafted to feel cohesive, memorable, and deeply rooted in its narrative
PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY
For the product photography portion of the Dante Hot Sauce project, the goal was to visually communicate the vibrancy, freshness, and unique flavor profiles of each sauce through carefully curated still-life setups. Each composition was designed to highlight the key ingredients and brand personality using bold color palettes, dynamic lighting, and intentional props that evoke a premium and lively culinary experience.
APPLICATIONS
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Stock
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Stock
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
This project is a conceptual design created for portfolio purposes and is not affiliated with any real organization or client.
