Project Info

Gala Gala is an arcade and cocktail bar in Lisbon. The name is a blend of the classic arcade game Galaga and the word "Gala", which in Portuguese conveys pomp, ostentation and grandeur. The goal was to create a space that would set the tone for Lisbon's nightlife, successfully bringing together two seemingly separate worlds: arcade machines and Michelin-starred dining, with signature food and cocktails. The identity had to represent that dichotomy, as well as the idea that things are not always what they seem. This led to the concept of a logo where the "G" and the "A" are exactly the same character. The typeface was then built around the idea of the pixel, combined with arches, a defining architectural feature of the space. The project was featured on Brand New, Behance, and others.

What I did
Branding, Art Direction

Credits

Strategy & naming: Kitchenette
Graphic design: Miguel Dias
Photography: João Luís
Motion: Estudio 408

Gala Gala arcade and cocktail bar interior in Lisbon with arcade machines and brand logo overlay, designed by Miguel Dias
Gala Gala arcade and cocktail bar interior in Lisbon with arcade machines and brand logo overlay, designed by Miguel Dias
Gala Gala arcade and cocktail bar interior in Lisbon with arcade machines and brand logo overlay, designed by Miguel Dias

Project
Gala Gala is an arcade and cocktail bar in Lisbon. The name is a blend of the classic arcade game Galaga and the word "Gala", which in Portuguese conveys pomp, ostentation and grandeur. The goal was to create a space that would set the tone for Lisbon's nightlife, successfully bringing together two seemingly separate worlds: arcade machines and Michelin-starred dining, with signature food and cocktails. The identity had to represent that dichotomy, as well as the idea that things are not always what they seem. This led to the concept of a logo where the "G" and the "A" are exactly the same character. The typeface was then built around the idea of the pixel, combined with arches, a defining architectural feature of the space. The project was featured on Brand New, Behance, and others.

What I did
Branding, Art Direction

Credits
Strategy & naming: Kitchenette
Graphic design: Miguel Dias
Photography: João Luís
Motion: Estudio 408

Gala Gala branded popcorn box and arcade joystick controller
Gala Gala branded cocktail on a table with brand stickers and coasters
Pac-Man arcade machine in Gala Gala bar in Lisbon
Gala Gala business cards displayed on arcade machine screen
Gala Gala branded menu in red and yellow with cocktail and food listings
Gala Gala bar interior with arched stone ceiling, colourful lighting and bar counter in Lisbon
Gala Gala brand stickers and business cards with holographic finish on a wooden surface
Gala Gala event poster for Catch Johnnie on yellow background
Gala Gala branded food photography showing a loaded hot dog on patterned paper
Gala Gala brand identity displayed on a smartphone screen on wooden surface
Gala Gala branded social media post with cocktail photography on black background
Bartender wearing Gala Gala branded black t-shirt holding a cocktail
Gala Gala bar interior overview showing mezzanine level with arches and colourful seating in Lisbon
Gala Gala fine dining dish on a black plate
Gala Gala arcade and cocktail bar exterior facade with brand signage in Lisbon
Gala Gala digital billboard displaying brand posters and event announcements