I chose to design a food truck for Bongos because I live near there and I love them for many reasons. First, they have great food. But more importantly, the architecture of bongos is delightful. It’s right on aurora in a spot you wouldn’t think would work for a restaurant, and, until recently the eating area was picnic tables in sand. It just has such weird and fun vibes.
Also, last time I was there I saw they had merch, which I got so excited about, but then I saw they made a terrible logo with a tribal man playing bongos that’s pretty distasteful. I really love what they did with the lettering, though, and I’ve been wishing they had sweatshirts with just the lettering and not the character.
So for designing the food truck, I immediately knew I wanted to use their new lettering. I wanted to incorporate bright colors that they have at the restaurant and evoke the colors of the Caribbean, which is the type of food Bongo’s serves. I also thought it would be fun to incorporate a plantain into the design of the truck since almost every dish there features plantains. It also contrasts nicely with the bright Caribbean teal/blue I chose for the truck and gives it a fun vibe.
I think this design is clean, simple, and modern. It’s not overcrowded with information, yet it makes a strong, memorable statement. The bright blue and the plantain will make the truck memorable as well as playful and will draw people in. The design is in keeping with Bongos’ sense of fun and adventure, as well as mystery. I think among other Seattle food trucks, it would really stand out. I would eat from this food tuck!