Koreanz

Koreanz

Category:

Social Media Marketing

Duration:

Two Days

Koreanz branding featuring a bold logo for Korean BBQ and comfort food. The design includes a modern font with a flame icon, traditional Korean script, and vibrant visuals of bibimbap and side dishes on a sleek black background.
Koreanz branding featuring a bold logo for Korean BBQ and comfort food. The design includes a modern font with a flame icon, traditional Korean script, and vibrant visuals of bibimbap and side dishes on a sleek black background.
Koreanz branding featuring a bold logo for Korean BBQ and comfort food. The design includes a modern font with a flame icon, traditional Korean script, and vibrant visuals of bibimbap and side dishes on a sleek black background.

Koreanz, a bustling local restaurant specializing in authentic Korean cuisine, sought to elevate its online presence through impactful social media content. I collaborated with them to create a series of high quality photos that highlighted the rich textures and vibrant flavors of their menu offerings. The goal was to present their dishes in a way that not only enticed viewers but also captured the cozy, upscale dining experience Koreanz provides at an affordable price point.

To further enhance the storytelling, an Instagram video was also created, showcasing the inviting atmosphere of the restaurant and the preparation of their mouthwatering dishes.

View the video below.


Through this project, I helped Koreanz engage their audience with content that resonated visually and emotionally, driving both interest and foot traffic.

MY APPROACH

For Koreanz, the focus was on creating visuals that would ignite cravings while emphasizing a cozy, upscale experience at an affordable price. I prioritized capturing the texture and depth of each dish to showcase the richness of the food’s flavors. Using close up angles and thoughtful composition, I highlighted details such as the crispness of grilled meats, the sheen of savory sauces, and the vibrant colors of fresh ingredients.

Given the dim lighting and bustling environment of the restaurant, I adapted by using natural elements of the setting to maintain warmth and authenticity. Strategic lighting adjustments and dynamic framing helped ensure the food looked inviting and high quality, despite the challenges.

Every shot was designed with the audience in mind; customers who appreciate both premium dining experiences and value. The result was a collection of photos that not only showcased the food’s appeal but also reflected the welcoming atmosphere and dedication to quality at Koreanz.

VISION AND INNOVATION

The vision for this project was to create visuals that captured the essence of Koreanz: a warm and inviting restaurant offering high quality dishes at an accessible price point. The imagery needed to strike the perfect balance between upscale presentation and an approachable feel, conveying the idea that exceptional food doesn’t have to come with an intimidating price tag.

Through thoughtfully composed shots, the goal was to highlight the rich textures of the food, the vibrancy of the ingredients, and the comfort of the dining experience. Each image was crafted to evoke feelings of indulgence and warmth, inviting customers to immerse themselves in the restaurant’s unique atmosphere.

This vision was central to every decision made throughout the project, ensuring that the final visuals not only looked appetizing but also resonated with the audience by reflecting the authenticity and value of Koreanz.

Koreanz platter featuring savory bulgogi in the foreground, accompanied by crispy fried chicken and sticky Yangnyeom chicken in the background. Served with pickled radish and traditional banchan, this dish highlights the rich, authentic flavors of Korean BBQ and comfort food.
Koreanz platter featuring savory bulgogi in the foreground, accompanied by crispy fried chicken and sticky Yangnyeom chicken in the background. Served with pickled radish and traditional banchan, this dish highlights the rich, authentic flavors of Korean BBQ and comfort food.
Koreanz platter featuring savory bulgogi in the foreground, accompanied by crispy fried chicken and sticky Yangnyeom chicken in the background. Served with pickled radish and traditional banchan, this dish highlights the rich, authentic flavors of Korean BBQ and comfort food.

CHALLENGES

As a creator, I faced several technical and environmental challenges during this project. I had no prior experience with food photography, which required careful attention to composition and lighting to capture the food’s texture and appeal. My equipment included an older iPhone 13 Pro Max, a less effective LED light, and an unstable tripod mount, which made achieving consistent shots more difficult. Additionally, the restaurant’s dim lighting, designed to enhance its cozy atmosphere, made it hard to balance exposure and maintain accurate color representation. Compounding these issues, I had to shoot during a busy time, navigating limited space and customer activity while capturing the best angles.

PROBLEMS

Koreanz needed a stronger visual presence to attract potential customers online. Their primary challenge was highlighting the upscale yet affordable nature of their dining experience. The warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant and the quality of their dishes were not being effectively communicated through their existing social media content. They sought imagery that showcased their food as not just delicious but also artful and high quality, enticing enough to encourage visits from both new and returning customers.

Close-up of Koreanz signature crispy fried chicken and sweet-spicy wings, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with dipping sauce and pickled radish. Showcasing authentic Korean comfort food.
Close-up of Koreanz signature crispy fried chicken and sweet-spicy wings, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with dipping sauce and pickled radish. Showcasing authentic Korean comfort food.
Close-up of Koreanz signature crispy fried chicken and sweet-spicy wings, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with dipping sauce and pickled radish. Showcasing authentic Korean comfort food.

USER CENTRIC DESIGN

The visual content was crafted with the target audience in mind; diners looking for an upscale yet affordable dining experience. By focusing on the textures, depth, and warmth of the food and restaurant atmosphere, the photography appealed to customer emotions, sparking cravings and curiosity. Every shot was designed to evoke feelings of comfort and indulgence while highlighting the unique features of Koreanz, such as the quality ingredients and communal dining experience.

USER NEEDS

The audience needed reassurance that Koreanz offered both value and quality. Through carefully composed photos that showcased the generous portion sizes, fresh ingredients, and cozy ambiance, the visual content bridged the gap between affordability and luxury. Customers scrolling through social media could immediately see the inviting environment and flavorful dishes, making it easier for them to envision themselves enjoying the experience. This content was designed to encourage engagement and drive foot traffic to the restaurant.

Close-up of Koreanz signature fried chicken and Yangnyeom chicken (sweet and spicy glazed chicken), garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with dipping sauce and pickled radish. A perfect representation of authentic Korean BBQ comfort food.
Close-up of Koreanz signature fried chicken and Yangnyeom chicken (sweet and spicy glazed chicken), garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with dipping sauce and pickled radish. A perfect representation of authentic Korean BBQ comfort food.
Close-up of Koreanz signature fried chicken and Yangnyeom chicken (sweet and spicy glazed chicken), garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with dipping sauce and pickled radish. A perfect representation of authentic Korean BBQ comfort food.