GDM Coffee is a retro-inspired specialty coffee brand that blends nostalgic charm with modern energy.Drawing from the timeless warmth of vintage culture and the vibrant rhythm of city life, it offers a playful yet grounding coffee experience. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and community, Good Day Mate invites people to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simple joy of a perfectly brewed.

The overall aesthetic takes inspiration from City Pop culture — the vibrant Japanese visual style of the 1980s that represents optimism, color, and motion.This style translates perfectly into a modern Melbourne coffee scene: bright sunlight, dynamic city life, and a sense of cheerful rhythm.

The logo combines the letter “G” from “Good” with the imagery of a sun, symbolizing energy and vitality. The bold, angular shape gives it a retro yet rebellious vibe, balancing warmth and attitude — just like the brand’s spirit.

To better capture and express the overall vibe of the brand, I created a series of illustrations during the early stage of the brand design process. These visuals help convey the brand’s spirit — from the laid-back feeling of a relaxing weekend to Melbourne’s vibrant local events, and the busy weekday mornings when coffee awakens a good day.

These illustrations not only visualize the mood and lifestyle that “Good Day Mate” represents but also open up possibilities for future marketing activities. For instance, the brand could invite people to create and share their own illustrations inspired by our coffee, offering a free cup in return — building community through creativity and caffeine.