uno + ichi logo

STYLE GUIDE: UNO + ICHI

VOICE

Uno + Ichi is a ceramics store at https://www.uno-ichi.com/. The site is hosted by Big Cartel, while the store itself was made in Los Angeles by Hana Ward and Joanna Lee.

The name of the brand Uno + Ichi means "one" + "one" in Spanish and Japanese, respectively. The brand was started when the two artists decided they needed a creative release from stress in their lives. Their site features a collection of ceramics for sale online, as well as in-store items in Los Angeles. Although Joanna has left Uno + Ichi recently, the designs and creations still remain iconic and strong.

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Nana Vase

INTENT

The intent that the creators of Uno + Ichi had in mind when beginning their designs was to relieve stress. Both designers struggled with stress in their lives prior to engaging in a creative outlet.

Uno + Ichi also promotes normalizing imperfection when it comes to artistic creation. Each piece is handmade; they each have their own touch and imperfections to them. However, their intent is not to mass produce hundreds of identical, perfect pots or plates-- rather, to create visually interesting ceramics that are all individually unique.

TONE

The tone of Uno + Ichi is colorful, cute, and novelty. Each piece has its own unique look to it-- lots of them have their own faces as well. There is a sense of professionalism on the website as well as with the product design. The webpage is organized, functioning, and easy to navigate. The products themselves have a professional quality to them as well. This makes for an interesting contrast in tone-- the comparison between the high standard of craftsmanship and display and the eccentric designs.

BRAND

Uno + Ichi has a very distinct style that makes it stand out as a successful brand. Their most recognizable works are little wide pots that have faces on them. Although produced in a variety of skin/hair tones and sizes, the visual style remains consistent. Anyone who has seen a ceramic from this store would recognize it solely on the basis of style.

The brand as a whole is organized and unique. Everything is handmade, so craftsmanship gives the pieces a lot of value in a very mass-produced economy. Their logo is based off of a Chinese character, "和", which can mean "harmonious or 'and'", according to their website. All these iconic stylizations that Uno + Ichi keeps consistent solidifies the store as a brand.

Bunny Plate

PERSONAS

Since Uno + Ichi has such a unique visual style to it, one might wonder what kind of consumer these products attract. Some examples of consumer personas below could be helfpul in giving a face to those who support the LA business.

Persona A

One example of a persona who might be a potential consumer at Uno + Ichi is a teacher or professor. This is Alex, a 3rd grade teacher at an elementary school in New Mexico. She found Uno + Ichi when looking for decorations to make her classroom more vibrant and interactive for students. She was pleased with the brand because of their quirky style, as well as their functional design. The website was easy to navigate, which made ordering the decorations very efficient.

The brand not only makes decorative pots and vases for display, but functional items as well, such as office accessories. Simple ceramic decorations like these would be perfect for someone looking to decorate their office or classroom. The quirky designs are also creatively inspiring for youth education as well, especially artistic education.

Persona B

A 2nd example of someone who would adapt this brand to their style is a collector. This is Ren, a businessman who frequently travels. He collects something unique from every place he visits and often sends gifts home to his family. Ren found Uno + Ichi products being sold in a local store during his visit to LA, and thought the unique craftsmanship and design were special. He later used the website to ship a vase to his home in Seattle. He was pleased that the website was easier to use, and had a greater inventory, than having to purchase the item in-person and shipping it himself.

Designs like the ones that Uno + Ichi promote are special not only because of their handmade quality, but because of their unique visual appeal. They would make a perfect souvenir or gift for almost anyone.

Persona C

Another example of someone who could be found browsing Uno + Ichi's inventory is a florist. This is Sui, a florist who lives in Osaka. She has been looking for new pots to house her best plants in for display in her shop. She came across Uno + Ichi's website, but wasn't sure if they shipped internationally. Sui used the contact option on the website using their integrated email option. She was very happy to hear back shortly and decorate her shop with her new items.

Seeing as Uno + Ichi's main focus is pottery and ceramics, this makes for a perfect object for a florist, or anyone who enjoys plants. This product would be ideal for overseas consumers as well, as the brand does offer international shipping. Although not explicit, there is a contact option for international shipping inquiries on the website.

WIREFRAME

Uno + Ichi's website layout has a unique organization to it. The color scheme is simple with a white background to highlight the colorful products. The icons, text, and images are all organized in neat grids, including the top left logo with the top heading bar. This is a wireframe depiction of what the website layout appears like.

COPYDECK

Here is a copydeck of the information on the first product of the website.
  • Title: Niñas y Chicos ~ Baby Size
  • Heading:Wheel-thrown "niña" and "chico" cups from various clay bodies.
  • Body Copy 1: Hand painted and hand sculpted facial features. Galaxy Blue glaze interior. They are one-of-a-kind and made with love, just like the people they were inspired by. Perfect for tea time, a little rosé, or espresso. They also make a great little planter. Approximately 3" wide, 2.5" mouth, 3" tall. Holds 4-6 oz of water. Microwave and food safe. Hand wash recommended. Made and painted by hand. *Please note that this item is handmade and therefore may vary slightly.
  • Body Copy 2: Please take a look at the second photo and choose the niña or chico you would like from the chart. Then select the corresponding number from the drop down menu. Is this a gift? If you would like for us to write a little card, just note in the 'Comments' section what you would like for us to write and we will include a little handwritten card in the package. Please indicate if you would like for us to take out the copy of the receipt in their package. We can send the package directly to the gift recipient if you indicate their address in the shipping instructions and name in the Comments section. We are happy to make a custom baby for you! Find the custom ninas y chicos in the shop menu! By the way... they're stackable!


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