ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Paprika Design's Visual Identity for Café Notman Blends History and Modernity

architecture-design · 2026-08-26

Paprika Design has unveiled a sophisticated visual identity for Café Notman, located within Montreal's McCord Stewart Museum. The design integrates archival portraits by the café's namesake, photographer William Notman, directly into brand collateral, adding a playful historical layer. The palette of warm terracotta and charcoal black grounds the design, while bold typography creates a compelling contrast. The identity extends to physical touchpoints, including coasters and menus, with a tactile cream paper stock and matte finishes. The logo mimics a historic Sherbrooke Street neon sign, linking the space to Montreal's heritage. The layout employs a strict grid, high typographic tension, and extreme size contrasts, pairing contemporary grotesque type with classical layouts. This systematic approach ensures clean visual hierarchy and structural interest across all applications. The project demonstrates high graphic design standards, making history accessible and creating a welcoming space for museum visitors.

Key facts

  • Paprika Design created the visual identity for Café Notman in Montreal.
  • Café Notman is located inside the McCord Stewart Museum.
  • The design integrates archival portraits by photographer William Notman.
  • The palette uses warm terracotta and charcoal black.
  • The logo mimics a historic Sherbrooke Street neon sign.
  • The identity includes coasters, menus, and signage.
  • The design uses a strict grid and extreme size contrasts.
  • Tactile cream paper stock and matte finishes are used.

Entities

Artists

  • William Notman

Institutions

  • Paprika Design
  • McCord Stewart Museum

Locations

  • Montreal
  • Canada
  • Sherbrooke Street

Sources