Logo and Wordmark for Tout Suite Cafe | Designed by Field of Study: A branding and graphic design consultancy | Houston TX | Jennifer Blanco & John Earles

Fig. 1 Logo and wordmark

Based on the French idiom “tout de suite”, meaning right away, Tout Suite is a spot to socialized or study with a cup of coffee or a dessert. The casual cafe located in a former automotive shop in Houston’s developing East of Downtown (EADO) neighborhood was seeking an identity which could combine their inspirations with the area’s post industrial history.

Scope of work
  • Logo & visual identity
  • Packaging
  • Signage
  • Merchandise
Coffee Cup and Packaging for Tout Suite Cafe | Designed by Field of Study: A branding and graphic design consultancy | Houston TX | Jennifer Blanco & John Earles

We wanted to create an identity which not only encapsulated “Paris bistro on-the-go” but gave a nod to the area’s, and Houston’s history. The East of Downtown neighborhood— despite being right next to downtown Houston— had largely resisted change and remained a sleepy shell populated by defunct machine and automotive shops. Tout Suite was an exciting addition, providing a desired amenity and reusing a building with plenty of timeworn character.

Houston’s downtown also has a rich history of art-deco inspiration and architecture which seemed to be a perfect bridge on which to join the cafe’s roots and French inspirations.

Machined yet delicate, we crafted a logo of bold geometric patterns, a monogrammed crest, and typography evocative of the days when “to travel” meant globe-trotting rather than commuting. The strong diagonals, which reduce to left and right facing arrows in the sub mark, convey motion and direction and mimic the monogram’s shape.

Postcard Design for Tout Suite Cafe | Designed by Field of Study: A branding and graphic design consultancy | Houston TX | Jennifer Blanco & John Earles
T Shirt Design for Tout Suite Cafe | Designed by Field of Study: A branding and graphic design consultancy | Houston TX | Jennifer Blanco & John Earles
T Shirt Design for Tout Suite Cafe | Designed by Field of Study: A branding and graphic design consultancy | Houston TX | Jennifer Blanco & John Earles
Postcard Design Detail for Tout Suite Cafe | Designed by Field of Study: A branding and graphic design consultancy | Houston TX | Jennifer Blanco & John Earles