BE CREATIVE. BE UNIQUE. BE YOUR BRAND.
An outdated website for a staple restaurant of a small town gets a facelift to demonstrate the sophistication and delicious food of its Italian roots
THE CLIENT
THE BRIEF
THE PROJECT
PASSION PROJECT
The project gave the chance to merge print and motion design into a unified storytelling experience. The redesigned cover and cinematic trailer not only elevate the novel visually but also reflect its underlying grit, suspense, and emotional depth by turning this hidden gem into something that feels ready for the screen.
- UX/UI
- UX REPORT
- WEBSITE REDESIGN
01 | Laying the Foundation Stage
Moodboard
Moodboard for Valentino’s full website redesign
Requirements: revamp a local restaurant’s website by transforming it from a basic, outdated design into a sophisticated and appetizing design
Mood/Tone: The redesigned Valentino’s website embraces an elegant, inviting mood with a sophisticated, warm, and authentically Italian tone that reflects the restaurant’s rich heritage and elevated dining experience.
WHY A MOODBOARD?
Moodboards help me center that visual energy and inspiration in one place, guiding the creative direction of the entire project. Research can get overwhelming until something like this is created for quick access.
02 | Unleashing the Creative Chaos Stage
Sketching
1st Sketch: Inspired by my visual research, updating old designs into modern ones felt both fun and natural. My main priority was ensuring that photography took center stage, especially images that captured the essence of Italian cuisine.
Circles quickly became a dominant design element, not only because they evoke warmth and invitation but also because they tie directly to the restaurant’s signature dish: pizza.
2nd Sketch: This sketch was where colors and fonts became the foundation for the final design. I had already committed to circular elements, but as I added slogans and outlined key sections for the homepage, the full vision started taking shape. From there, I let my pencil take over, imagining all the possibilities. Designing for delicious Italian food and pizza? Not a hard choice!
03 | From Chaos to Clarity Stage
Information Architecture
The updated design highlights the restaurant’s commitment to staying current in today’s digital landscape while reinforcing trust in its reputation for quality cuisine and impeccable service.
Target Audience: Cater to local residents, food enthusiasts, and tourists. Each group drawn to Valentino’s upscale atmosphere, authentic Italian flavors, and long-standing reputation for quality.
Brand Personality: Embodies Valentino's physical location’s sophisticated identity and its status as a premier dining destination, while emphasizing authenticity through its celebration of Italian heritage and traditional flavors.
Wireframe: After completing a full UX analysis and report of the website, I was ready to rebuild its foundation through wireframing. This process allowed me to organize and prioritize key elements into a design that reflected the restaurant’s sophisticated interior while strengthening its online presence to attract more clients through delivery services.
WHY SHARE THE "UGLY" DRAFTS OF THE PROCESS?
Design is a process of exploration, not instant perfection.
Each draft is a different way of solving a visual problem I worked through. These early stages leave more room for creativity and refinement, making sure the final design is not just visually appealing but intentional and strategic. And believe it or not, these are only a handful of selected drafts (the countless others have been buried deep in my files).
04 | UX ANALYSE: Understanding What Works and What Doesn't
The Breakdown
For a more in-depth look at the complete UX report detailing the redesign of Valentino’s website, click the link below to view the full PDF flip-through:
05 | The Grand Reveal Stage
Bringing Concepts to Life
The main goal of this redesign was to transform an outdated website into a modern, sophisticated digital presence that reflects Valentino’s longtime history as a local staple in Reedley, CA. With over 50 years of tradition, authentic Italian flavors, and a beautifully designed interior, the restaurant deserved an online experience that matched what customers enjoy in person. Throughout my visual research and early sketches, I focused on bringing warmth, authenticity, and appetite appeal to the forefront. Circular elements quickly became part of the visual language, not only because they feel inviting, but also because they tie directly to the restaurant’s signature dish: pizza. From colors and fonts to photography, every choice was made to celebrate Italian heritage while still feeling upscale and welcoming to locals, food lovers, and tourists alike.
Beyond just refreshing the visuals, I wanted to strengthen Valentino’s digital presence in a way that fits today’s fast-paced, online-first dining habits. After completing a full UX analysis, I rebuilt the site’s foundation through wireframing, prioritizing clarity, efficiency, and consistency with the brand. This helped me organize key information in a way that feels intuitive while still showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and exceptional service. Overall, the design goals centered on improving usability, highlighting the restaurant’s mouthwatering dishes, and supporting modern needs like delivery services—all while preserving the authentic, high-end personality that makes Valentino’s a premier Italian dining destination.
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