Brief
Big Popas Bistro is a playful, English-style diner tucked away in Trivandrum, known for serving up juicy steaks, loaded burgers, and classic fries. The brand had an existing identity in place, one that leaned into charm and whimsy, led by a ringmaster-like mascot and a tone that felt bold yet approachable. My role was to take that identity a step further. I worked on extending the brand’s visual language into packaging and imagery, ensuring it stayed true to its diner roots while bringing in a more modern, polished edge. The goal was to create a seamless experience that felt familiar to the brand’s audience but elevated in its execution.
A word from the founder
"Working with Akshaya was a genuinely great experience. She brought a clear vision and strong creative direction to the table while still being open to feedback and collaboration. Her approach to social media felt both thoughtful and strategic. She has a good eye for what works and how to build engagement. The energy she brought to the project made the process easy and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking to grow their brand with authenticity and style."
Objective
The goal was to align the brand’s personality, incorporating the Hero and Jester archetypes, with a deep understanding of the target audience. The packaging needed to feel authentic to the brand, maintain its place in the market, and still connect with the people it is meant for.
Approach
We set out to create a visual language that could adapt across different packaging formats while appealing to a middle to high-income audience. This audience often reaches for convenient, on-the-go meals, so the packaging had to stand out from typical fast food options. It needed to feel fun but also look like the more premium, slightly healthier choice.
I also worked closely with vendors to find the right packaging materials. Since steaks were a big part of the menu and a challenge to pack well, we looked for options that could handle heat, travel without compromising quality, and still keep the food tasting just right.
Imagery
For Big Popas, the goal was to create imagery that felt bold and indulgent, but still playful. We wanted the photos to feel like the food: rich, messy, and deeply satisfying.
I worked closely with the client to understand how we wanted people to feel when they looked at the food. The joy of getting your hands dirty with a burger or cutting into a juicy steak stuck with us, and we knew that had to come through in the visuals. Every image had to replicate the joy of eating something that just hits the spot.
