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Vibrant direction for Open Table that makes food look (almost) too good to eat

Based in Chicago, Other Studio was founded by art director and multi-disciplinary graphic designer Eileen Tjan and works across design and branding work for clients across artsy print publications and branding for organisations like AIGA to some great work for a sex toy brand.

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Via Creative Boom submission. All images courtesy of the artist.

Via Creative Boom submission. All images courtesy of the artist.

Now, though, we’re shining a spotlight on its fantastic work for online restaurant-reservation service, OpenTable. The resulting photography and art direction are so striking it looks like that of a high-end editorial spread—all bright colours, fashion-mag inspired layouts and a sheen that makes everything look so delicious we’re practically drooling and simultaneously way too good to eat.

Working with photographer Alex Wallbaum, prop stylist Dom Cordilla, food stylist Jillian McCann and florist Rose Hoffeld; the team Other Studio was briefed to concept, art direct, produce shoot and retouch more than 30 images that would help define a new distinct, vibrant direction for OpenTable.

The imagery is used to differentiate the platform’s new series of restaurant categories. “The photographic art direction provided moments of delight and defined a unique visual experience, separating OpenTable from competitors,” says the studio.

“The introduction of these restaurant categories allowed for a new type of discovery on Opentable.com. Audiences could easily find a curated list of the best bars in a city or most romantic spots for a date. Other’s approach to creating a concept forward image supported a wide variety of restaurant categories and scenes.

It's charming to see the crude sketches below that outline what finally became such confident, slick imagery that would work as well on a gallery wall than on a restaurant app.

Vibrant still life arrangement of fast food items including hot dogs, burgers, onion rings and drinks arranged on a bright yellow background with red and blue checkered props
Pattern of individual cakes and cupcakes topped with cherries and chocolate arranged on white plates against a pink background
Colourful cocktails and drinks arranged on a lilac background with decorative sequins, including a tall glass with a pink umbrella and straw, fresh citrus slices and glassware in varying heights
Person in red sweater holding a white plate of sushi rolls with ginger and wasabi at a vibrant red table setting with wine glasses and appetisers
A crispy onion ring splashing into a swirl of creamy white sauce against a bright yellow background
Arrangement of glasses and bottles containing red wine at various levels against a pale yellow background, with a red flower stem placed among them
Two hands with red nail polish and bronze skin tone reach toward a plate of omelette with red tomatoes and green herbs against a pink background, surrounded by flowers, strawberries and a cupcake
Hands holding slices of yellow layer cake with pink frosting and floral decoration against a purple background, showcasing OpenTable's vibrant art direction by Other Studio
Elaborate Valentine's Day tablescape against a red background, featuring gold and pink place settings, white pillar candles, champagne glasses, pink flowers and macarons
Bright, colourful food styling featuring a sandwich with a smiling face, fries, and a drink arranged on a red tray against a vibrant orange and yellow background
Styled celebration scene with champagne bottle, pink cake, gift boxes and legs in purple socks against lavender background
Grid of twelve cocktails and drinks arranged on a yellow background, featuring colourful garnishes including fruits, flowers and berries
Multiple slices of pepperoni pizza on red and white checked paper against a bright yellow background, with hands holding forks and reaching across the scene, scattered with basil leaves and tomato slices
Person in white shirt arranging stacked white plates and tableware on a pale blue surface for OpenTable campaign photography
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