AQUELA KOMBUCHA — is a kombucha brand based in Porto. In mid-2019, I designed the architecture and interior of its Taproom and Brewery. From January 2020 to January 2023, I took on the role of Creative Director, shaping the brand’s identity, values, and visual direction while overseeing communication and content production—visual, graphic, and written. Beyond branding and design, I was responsible for web design, label design, photoshoot direction and production, network management, window dressing, and event and merchandising design. I also worked on partnerships and collaborations, helping to expand the brand’s reach. Here, I highlight just a selection of the many projects I developed during these three years.
Interior design of the taproom space and brewery.
LABEL DESIGN AND PHOTOSHOOT ART DIRECTION
Label design for AK HARD and art direction for the launch campaign photoshoot, photographed by Filipa Alves.
Label design for the bottles of the brand's permanent edition, along with casting and art direction for the photoshoot photographed by studio loq.
MERCHANDISING DESIGN FOCUSED ON SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Re-Tote Bag concept centers around reusing second-hand tote bags, with screen-printed textiles that reference the brand. I was responsible for the original idea, graphic design, production, and photoshoot direction, with photography by Studio Loq. The profits from the sales were donated to a charitable organization.
The AK Cap concept involved creating reused and solidarity caps, produced in partnership with the social project and brand (re)veste. Each cap is unique, sourced from dead stock, and artistically reworked by young people and adults with disabilities and/or mental illness.
COMMUNICATION, GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN, AND CONTENT CREATION.
Website – I designed the layout and visual structure, wrote the copy, and produced some of the graphic elements.
Social Media Manager – Content creation, community engagement, growth strategy, and trend spotting.
Newsletter Management – I created a quarterly magazine to connect with the community and share brand news. It also featured content on collaborations and internal initiatives such as playlists, recipes, and horoscopes. This was the main communication channel, but I also developed other ways to engage with subscribers throughout the months. I was the writer and editor during my three years with the brand.
CUSTOM DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
SPATIAL DESIGN — Matterpieces Brand Launch — Factory of Stories Exhibition — Transcribe Exhibition
SET DESIGN — Aperitif Set Styling — Assembly Scenography
INSTALLATION — Metallic Air Pocket Installation 2.0 — Metallic Air Pocket Installation 1.0
ARCHITECTURE — Nave Multipurpose Space — Bóca House — Duque Apartment — Mmutt Pop-up Store
OBJECTS — Column 2.0 — Viana Marble Bookcase — Block Chair — Column 1.0 — Flat Jewellery Displays — Iris Lamp
OTHERS — Aquela Kombucha