Despite its rich history across cultures, cuisines, and controversies, the bagel has remained surprisingly under-documented. A Hole History changes that with a deep, editorial dive into its journey — blending thorough research and playful design to give this iconic staple the historical spotlight it deserves.
Scope
+ Strategy + Branding + Naming + Research + Copywriting + Web Design
Identity
The bagels eclectic history inspired a style guide that mixed medias and used variable typography to create a fun and expressive story to follow.
Approach
Over time, bagels have taken on countless forms and flavors, each one adding a layer to their cultural story. Since this piece focused on uncovering the bagel’s hidden history, a page-turning design element—symbolizing the act of peeling back those layers—helped bring that concept to life.
Behind the Scenes
Define
Laying out the hole book and chapter topics after in-depth research
Immerse
Saint Viateur Bagels in Montreal, CA
Immerse
Bagel dunks were the highlight
Ideate
How many circles is too many?
Ideate
Thinking with layers in mind Apply
Printing on translucent film (took a couple of tries)
Repeat
There we go Complete
Adding googly eyes was the cherry on top