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I designed a full-page print advertisement for Mercado, a café and kitchen known for its vibrant menu and welcoming atmosphere. The ad appeared in the Montclair Film Guide Book to reach a community of film lovers and locals during the Montclair Film Festival. The goal was to drive awareness of Mercado’s extended dinner hours and invite festival attendees to experience the restaurant after screenings.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This project was an opportunity to translate Mercado’s warm, modern brand identity into a printed format that would stand out in a publication full of event listings and sponsor promotions. I wanted the ad to feel elevated yet approachable, reflecting the restaurant’s vibe: fresh, community-focused, and a little playful while staying clean and sophisticated.

Research & Context
I studied the visual style of the film guide book and found most ads were either cluttered or too corporate. My goal was to make Mercado’s presence feel fresh and elevated while staying true to the restaurant’s warm, community-driven brand.

Brand Alignment
I built on Mercado’s identity with clean typography, conversational copy, and an approachable tone that matches its social media and in-person vibe.

Copywriting & Headline
The headline “Dinner Just Got Better.” captures attention quickly, while the supporting line “Extended hours, same Mercado vibes. See you for dinner!” makes the call to action friendly and personal.

Typography & Layout
A type-driven, minimal layout ensures the ad feels sophisticated while standing out among busy festival pages. Essential details (address, phone, website, Instagram) are clear and easy to scan.