OTHERSIDE

FRESNO, CA

Malai Ice Cream is a premium ice cream brand known for its unique flavors inspired by South Asian ingredients and culinary traditions. Founded by Pooja Bavishi, the brand emphasizes the use of natural ingredients and handcrafted flavors. Malai Ice Cream has been aiming to appeal to a diverse and adventurous palate, celebrating the rich and vibrant flavors of South Asia since 2015.

Project Type
Brand Identity, Package Design, Print Collateral, Signage

Year & Studio
2024 | LFNCO

Otherside

MY ROLE

As graphic designer for Malai, I design a full spectrum of digital and physical media to elevate the brand’s presence. I craft engaging digital content, from static social graphics to animated GIFs and newsletter layouts, ensuring each piece reflects Malai’s playful and colorful identity. On the packaging front, I explore new color variations on existing packaging for new flavors and develop fresh designs for new collections.

My work also extends into environmental and in-store graphics. I design signage such as entrance decals, A-frame and wall graphics, and custom installations in new locations—ensuring every visual element feels cohesive with Malai’s vibrant aesthetic and enhances the customer experience.

MALAI PHILLY

Malai opened its third location in Philadelphia in Spring 2025. I developed graphic assets and signage designed to complement and enhance the space.

I refreshed the poster series originally created for their DC location to perfectly suit Philly’s vibe. Additionally, I crafted custom signage—decals framing the entrance and a panel for the top of the pint freezer. For opening day, I designed a playful ice-cream-scoop-in-a-cup graphic that was used on stickers.

MALAI COOKBOOK

Malai released its cookbook, Malai: Frozen Desserts Inspired by South Asian Flavors, in April 2025. The book features recipes for some of the brand’s most beloved ice cream flavors, frozen treats, baked goods, and more.

I joined the project in its final stages, offering feedback on the page layouts. I also contributed design concepts for the cover and spine, helped revamp the back cover, and created the end papers, adapting motifs from Malai’s mandala logo into a tasteful repeating pattern.

MALAI DC

Malai opened their second location in Washington DC in Spring of 2024. To enhance the vibrant space, I designed four large-scale posters featuring the brand’s product lineup and visionary founder. With bold typography, bright colors, and striking photographs, they create an engaging visual story that brings the space to life.