We love a bit of confidence here at We Heart, so when Anders Arhøj claimed to have “designed a new universe on a super-low shoestring budget”, we had to take a look.
In fact he was talking less creationist cosmology and more brand design, for the Umami Mart to be precise. Following their move from a web-based existence into bricks-and-mortar, Umami Mart, which sells Japanese kitchen and barware, needed a new identity. Step forward Anders, who designed a kamon (the Japanese equivalent of a family crest) using a beautifully simple shooting sprout to symbolise the company’s new beginnings and future growth.
Located in Oakland, California, the blog turned online shop’s real world existence took root thanks to a six months, free-rent initiative. Anders cites the style as a cross between Shinto and Scandinavian, and rather lovely it is. A work in progress, visitors can expect more items to be designed and fitted in the near future.
Photography, Erin Gleeson
