Usolye is a distinguished salt brand hailing from Totma, offering a unique way to experience the Russian North through the rich culinary traditions that date back to the 15th century. This heritage brand’s design aesthetic is deeply rooted in the traditional salt-boiling process, reflecting the time-honored techniques that have been passed down for centuries. After boiling, salt traces form distinctive, textured patterns, which are then artistically reimagined to embody symbols iconic to the Russian North, such as landscapes, fauna, and cultural motifs. These visual elements celebrate the natural wealth and historical significance of the Totma region, where salt production has been an essential economic and cultural practice for hundreds of years.

The brand name, Usolye, is derived from the administrative center of Totma, a place historically significant for its flourishing salt industry that began in the 15th century. Usolye translates to “place of salt,” evoking both the region’s storied past and the community that thrived due to the salt trade. This cultural identity is further embedded in the brand’s typographic design, where the concept of salt boiling is visually represented. Careful adjustments to kerning in the typography create subtle “salt traces” or “spots,” reminiscent of the patterns left in a pan after the salt has boiled away.

The color scheme, limited to black and white, carries symbolic meaning: black represents the cast-iron pans traditionally used in salt production, while white signifies the purity and raw simplicity of the salt itself. This monochromatic palette extends to the brand’s photography, which is toned with a black-and-white filter and a textured grain effect to further enhance the authenticity and evoke a sense of nostalgia. Through this thoughtful combination of elements, Usolye offers an immersive journey into the heart of the Russian North, allowing one to connect with the region’s historical essence and the rich heritage that continues to inspire today.