PUBLISHED On
August 18, 2025
SERVICES RENDERED
concept ideation, brand design, Custom Lettering, Branded Merch, Packaging Design
Our Objective
Black Pharaoh is a self-initiated concept exploring how a brew pub brand could blend Victorian-era typography with the mystique and symbolism of ancient Egypt. Inspired by the elaborate signage of old tattoo parlours, the project aims to reimagine Egyptian iconography through a 19th-century lens, resulting in a rich, layered, and unforgettable brand identity.
The goal was to create an immersive, old-timey brand that could stand out in a crowded craft beer scene, merging ornate Victorian letterforms and flourishes with illustrations of pharaohs, gods, scarabs, and hieroglyphics.
The challenge was to balance historical Egyptian themes with a distinctly Western typographic style in a way that felt cohesive and authentic.
The project began with a deep dive into Victorian signage, tattoo parlour typography, and decorative design systems from the late 1800s. From there, I explored references to ancient Egyptian mythology and art, sketching symbolic elements that could work harmoniously alongside flourished lettering. I developed a custom logotype supported by hand-drawn illustrations, weaving together motifs of kings, gods, and sacred animals to create a visual narrative that feels both exotic and familiar.
The result is a unique identity for Black Pharaoh: bold Victorian-inspired typography adorned with Egyptian symbols, atmospheric illustrations, and layered ornamentation. This speculative brand creates a sense of storytelling and discovery, perfect for a brew pub with a rich, transportive atmosphere
This passion project deepened my skills in combining disparate historical styles into a coherent visual system. It challenged me to experiment with decorative typography, develop illustrations that hold cultural meaning, and think strategically about how these pieces could live together in a brand environment.
Need help brining a choseive visual identity together? Branding is fun when a concept and business align.
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