A Logo That's Still Cooking After Almost 20 Years

Have you ever stumbled upon something you created ages ago and thought, "Wow, that still holds up!"? That's exactly how I feel about the logo for Naman's Catering. You know, the one that's been delighting taste buds for years—it's a true gem.

Way back when I was in the advertising/design world, I had the privilege of being the Creative Director for this logo project, collaborating with the incredibly talented Laurie Kilpatrick. Our goal was to design a logo for Alec Naman's catering company that exuded simplicity, style, hand-,made and soul, without being over the top. Alec is the Mobile, Alabama culinary genius behind the operation, and he deserved a logo that captured his essence—warm, passionate, and built to last, much like a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.

We bounced ideas around, sketching drafting paper, notebooks and even on napkins. The vision was clear: we wanted to create an icon that subtly referenced the culinary world, maybe a knife or fork, or even a whisk if we were feeling adventurous, but it needed to remain clean and timeless. No trendy gimmicks or outdated fonts, just something that conveyed, "We cater, we care, and we're really good at it."

Eventually, Laurie and I settled on a design that seamlessly integrated Alec's last name and autograph signature, Naman, into the logo. Why? Because Alec embodies Naman's Catering, the heart and soul behind it all. We aimed for his name to resonate without shouting for attention; more like a quiet acknowledgment that says, "This is us, and we're dedicated to making your event unforgettable."

And you know what? That logo is still out there, doing its thing and looking just as sharp as it did when we first put it on a business card. Almost two decades later, it feels like catching up with an old friend who hasn't aged a day, while I'm over here wondering about my own reflection. It's a humbling feeling to see your work still thriving, enhancing a business's reputation.

I won't pretend like I'm some genius who invented the wheel here. But I am proud, proud of the collaboration, proud of Laurie's exceptional design skills, and proud that Alec has a logo that has carried his vision for all these years. It serves as a reminder that great work, rooted in passion and a bit of creativity, stands the test of time.

So cheers to Naman's Catering, to Alec, and to a logo that continues to serve up style. And if you happen to be enjoying one of Alec's famous dishes while reading this, well, you're in for a real treat!