The Early Bird Diner is a beloved independent restaurant in the heart of London, Ontario, known for its inventive comfort food and strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, their kitchen prepares everything to order — from hand-picked produce to in-house cured, smoked, ground, and pressed meats. Every dish reflects a passion for real food, made right.
If you ever find yourself in the area, it’s well worth stopping in — the food is honest, the atmosphere is warm, and the coffee’s always hot.
I was brought on to develop a full visual identity system for the diner, including logo design, menus, signage, printed materials, and a custom-built website. At the heart of the brand is The Early Bird — a cheeky illustrated mascot I created to embody the diner’s personality: early-rising, hard-working, a little scrappy, and full of charm.
The illustration style leans into hand-drawn textures and vintage diner nostalgia, with a modern twist. Typography, colour, and layout were all chosen to reflect the balance of playful and polished — just like the food and the team behind it. Whether you’re looking at the menu, scrolling the website, or grabbing a branded mug, the identity is designed to feel like the diner itself: thoughtful, approachable, and uniquely local.
VISUAL IDENTITY / DESIGN / ILLUSTRATION