PROJECT

Nati Republic

The Goal

Nati Republic came to us requesting to create a world for their new Nati-style restaurant with a twist. It was a space that was transforming from one restaurant to another, so we had to build the brand in parallel with the space’s interior artwork. Our process spanned 4 weeks, going from research related to Kannadiga culture and motifs relevant to the subculture of Nati food enthusiasts. To anyone from Bangalore, you know how serious your mama gets about his favourite military-style Nati hotel. So our goal was to not just please the casual Nati food lover, but even make the most proud military-style fan acknowledge Nati Republic as the real deal.

branding
packaging
illustration
art direction
strategy
content production
social media management
performance marketing

The Story of Nati Republic, in stencil letters over a black and white photo of a woman grinding at a stone.

In the heart of Karnataka, where flavors are bold, traditions run deep, and every meal is a celebration, Nati Republic was born. Inspired by the essence of Nati cuisine, we set out to create a space where the authentic flavors of Karnataka thrive—a place where locals and food lovers alike can experience the rich, rustic taste of home-cooked delicacies.

At Nati Republic, we believe food should be uncomplicated, hearty, and true to its origins. Our dishes are crafted using age-old recipes passed down through generations, using locally sourced ingredients, hand-ground spices, and traditional cooking techniques that define the essence of Kannada comfort food.

The Challenge

The process of design was running in parallel to the mural artwork process in the physical space. This meant it was critical we knock down a real look and feel for the brand that the artist could follow through. This was both nerve-racking and exciting, as delaying the artist meant real cost consequences and further delays to opening the restaurant, but in the end we were able to give the artist enough material to pump out the first few murals, and once we saw what he was doing it became easier for us to create the rest of the branding collaterals. We were almost complementing each other’s process. What could have been devastating to the project actually came in clutch.

The Nati Republic palette: black 111110, green 0D5648, yellow FFDD15, red EC1C24, white FFFCEE.

The Nati Republic typefaces: Monkstead Round as the primary type, Akshar as the secondary.

Poster on green: Get ready for some real Nati heat, with the rooster, beside a strip of spice drawings, the Nati way, bold, flavorful, authentic.

A black and white photo of a woman cooking, pinned over a red Nati Republic menu strip, with a speech bubble: Fulll halli shailee, namma nagaradalli.

A green Nati Republic apron laid flat beside a rolling pin.

The Nati Republic circle badge: the rooster, Estd 2025, Bengaluru India.

Beer glasses clinking, with speech bubbles: Hell yeah, Let's go, Cheers, Nati holi jothe ondu peg.

A hand setting down a Nati Republic beer glass, with a speech bubble: Ondh thogo maga.

We made them social

Social post: Rules of Ragi Mudde, before you eat, know this.

Social post: Halli shaille nagarakke bande biothu.

Social post: a Nati Republic beer glass, Nati holi jothe ondu peg.

Social post: Real strength comes from real food.

A yellow glass ashtray printed with the Nati Republic circle badge, on a yellow table.

The Outcome

We were able to complete the entire brand guideline and the social collaterals required for Nati Republic’s launch well ahead of schedule. The brand was welcomed on social media and received love for its look and feel. We created a world of comical adventure as well as appreciation towards the culture that is really running the cooking behind the scenes. In the end we were able to do exactly what the clients wanted, make an already exciting part of Nati culture get the love it deserves.