05/28 — 2025 by abduzeedo Explore Italia Grace, a graphic novel by Keva Epale. Discover its unique illustration, branding, and character-driven story. Ever wonder how a creative project truly finds its voice? Sometimes, the initial spark leads to an entirely new direction. That's the journey of "Italia Grace," an upcoming graphic novel by Keva Epale. It's a fascinating example of how illustration, branding, and storytelling evolve. The Genesis of a Vision "Italia Grace" began as a food project. Yet, as Keva Epale started developing her first character, Fabiola, the concept expanded. Fabiola's essence demanded a richer narrative, a world of her own. This shift highlights the organic nature of creative development. It shows how characters can truly drive a project's scope. Initially, the focus leaned towards wine for an Italian theme. However, Epale, as the author and illustrator, realized this didn't align with her personal non-drinking lifestyle. The narrative needed authenticity. This led to a pivotal change: the star became hibiscus. This vibrant flower, with its natural healing properties, resonated deeply with Epale's daily life. Her personal connection to hibiscus infusions, prepared by her mother, brought a genuine touch to the story. This personal anecdote, woven into the narrative, makes the project feel incredibly human. Crafting a World Through Illustration The graphic novel centers on Fabiola's journey. She's building a world around a restaurant, a unique recipe, and a strong value proposition. This world is populated by a rich cast of characters. We meet Pearl, the best friend; Reeny, the iconic bird; Raphaël, the architect; and Sofia, "La Milanaise," a journalist and ceramic artist. Even Jinny, a violinist turned wine journalist, joins the growing support team. Each character, through Epale's illustrations, becomes a centerpiece, enjoying the food and delicacies from "Italia Grace.". The illustrations themselves are a masterclass in visual storytelling. Consider the vibrant image showcasing Fabiola with hibiscus drinks, alongside keywords like "hibiscus plays audacity." This visual instantly conveys the project's playful and bold spirit. The graphic elements, like the arrows pointing to "Paris, Milan, Dakar & More," hint at Fabiola's global journey. Branding Beyond the Obvious The branding for "Italia Grace" is subtle yet effective. The shift from wine to hibiscus is a key branding decision. It positions the project around health and natural beauty, moving away from a more common theme. This choice reflects a unique value proposition. The graphic explicitly stating "This is not Wine," reinforces this branding message. It's a clear, concise statement that sets the tone. The visual representation of the "Venue" offers a glimpse into Fabiola's restaurant. The simplistic, almost isometric illustration, with "Italia Grace" emblazoned on top, gives a clear sense of place. It's a clean, inviting design that sparks curiosity. Fabiola's Journey: A Visual Narrative The "Fabiola in 6 Objects" illustration is a clever way to introduce her character through visual metaphors. Objects like a "menu TOOLKIT," a mirror ("le passage"), and a suitcase ("La Valise") offer insights into her aspirations and journey. This visual toolkit helps readers connect with Fabiola on a deeper level. The "La Valise" illustration further emphasizes her travels, adorned with stickers from Lisbon and Los Angeles, signifying "THE DEPARTURE." "Italia Grace" is more than just a graphic novel; it's a "build-in-public experiment". Keva Epale shares the story's evolution, context, and ideas through each post. This transparency offers a unique look into the creative process. It's a testament to passion and dedication. A Journey Worth Following Keva Epale's "Italia Grace" is a compelling example of how a designer's personal experiences and evolving vision can shape a truly unique project. The vibrant illustrations and thoughtful branding create an engaging narrative. It's a reminder that the most impactful design often comes from a place of authenticity. Explore more of Keva Epale's inspiring work and the ongoing journey of "Italia Grace" on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevaepale/ Illustration artifacts Tags illustration