SOMEKIND Studio’s chonky wordmark for OTTIMO is actually a reflection of its rich, full-bodied EVOO

Everything about OTTIMO’s design sings wonderfully about the quality of the brand’s extra virgin olive oil. It’s safe to say that the EVOO market has been feeling a bit busy lately, with new names popping up constantly. When SOMEKIND Studio set out to design a brand world for OTTIMO, they wanted the olive oil maker to stand out from the rest, and they did so by tapping into a rich brand story. “OTTIMO’s visual identity draws from the lively charm and everyday traditions of southern Italy. The design emphasises authenticity, capturing the warmth of shared meals, the joy of gathering, and the simplicity that defines Italian kitchens,” Co-founder Kristel Posen tells us. “Inspired by the olive tree – a staple of both the landscape and local culture – we wanted every element to celebrate everyday pleasures, cherished family traditions, and the thoughtful care behind crafting premium olive oil.” The hero of the identity, undoubtedly, is the chonky wordmark. Custom-designed, it steals attention with its sinuous curves and generous proportions, which were designed to reflect the full-bodied character of the olive oil itself. “The bold, flowing curves of the letters capture its richness and balance, highlighting the oil’s robust and well-rounded flavour,” says Posen. “The typeface brings a handcrafted quality to the brand, giving the wordmark a distinctive and memorable identity that feels as thoughtfully made as the product itself.” The team paired this custom design with Edition Contextual by Elias Hanzer, whose playful yet refined details create an interesting contrast with the boldness of the wordmark. The wordmark, though, isn’t just left by itself. It’s a dynamic mark that shows up differently across applications – it’s even used horizontally, and most noticeably, in a scattered, confetti-like format. This layout was chosen to introduce a sense of energy, as Posen explains. “It captures the organic nature of cooking – where ingredients are drizzled, sprinkled, or layered freely – and breaks away from the rigid, traditional designs often seen in the industry. This approach makes OTTIMO feel dynamic, inviting, and full of personality.”