Briefing
Ever since my childhood, I've been an avid fan of SEGA's Phantasy Star video game series. Recently, I've been playing the latest installment of the franchise – Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis. In my quest to improve my gaming skills, I turned to YouTube and began watching veteran players for some valuable tips and tricks.
One name stood out among the players – Keroppi. More than a game's player, he's also an official content creator for SEGA, dedicated to delivering daily content focused on NGS. Recognizing an exciting opportunity, we joined forces to craft a fresh and dynamic motion brand for his YouTube channel.
Logotype
Keroppi's lack of a consistent logo or brand identity was evident, with various typographies being used in each graphic asset or motion graphics card bearing his YouTuber name.
This inconsistency posed a challenge, as it hindered the establishment of a unified brand presence across his social media platforms and YouTube channel. Our first objective was to create a distinctive logo.
For the new logotype, we opted for the Xonda typography. Given Keroppi's lighthearted and straightforward style of presenting gaming tips and explanations, Xonda was an excellent typographic choice to reflect these qualities. Its curved features not only conveyed a sense of playfulness but also resonated with the game's futuristic themes.
The animation of the logotype drew inspiration from Japanese typographic animations, imbuing it with an animé-like quality reminiscent of opening sequences. This approach not only aligned with Keroppi's content but also paid homage to the aesthetics of the game itself, forging a strong visual connection with his audience.
Intro & Character Design
The intro or opening sequence plays a pivotal role in establishing a YouTuber's brand identity. Given Keroppi's passion for Japanese animé opening sequences, we embarked on the creative journey of crafting a storyboard for a concise 15-second animation. This introduction aimed to encapsulate the essence of the game – its dynamic, fast-paced action, futuristic aesthetics, and a dazzling array of visual effects and items, including weapons and accessories.
To ensure a unique and distinctive touch for the project, each character was meticulously illustrated, with Keroppi's in-game characters serving as the base reference point. While Keroppi's main character, the blue-haired girl, retained her signature look, the other characters, as well as their weapons and props, underwent careful redesign. This approach allowed us to infuse the project with a fresh and individualistic aesthetic while avoiding any direct copying of the game's original designs.
Outro
The concept behind the Outro was to provide a deliberate contrast to the fast-paced intensity of the opening sequence. While the Intro energized viewers and set the tone for the video, the Outro was designed to serve as a calming and reflective moment. It created an opportunity for viewers to absorb the information presented in the video, offering a more relaxed and contemplative atmosphere.
Again, drawing inspiration from animé closing sequences, the Outro took shape in the form of a Cinquem Sword, one of the game's distinctive weapons, carved onto the floor.
This image was set against a serene blue background, maintaining the same aesthetic as presented in the Intro. Within this tranquil backdrop, the Outro displayed essential information about Keroppi's various social media channels, ensuring a cohesive and visually engaging conclusion to the video.
Bumper
Incorporating a unique segment near the end of his videos, Keroppi initiated a "Shout Out" to acknowledge and express gratitude to his supporters. To conceptualize this section, inspiration was drawn from the Region MAG system within the game.
Region MAGs, characterized by their large spherical robot design, are distributed across different regions of the game's map. Players collaborate to feed these MAGs, thereby earning valuable power-ups. This game mechanic served as a fitting concept for this section.
While Xonda was employed as the primary display typography, Manrope was introduced to enhance readability, especially in sections with smaller-sized text and content. This typographic combination ensured that viewers could easily engage with the shout-outs and supporter recognition in Keroppi's videos.
YouTube
To complete Keroppi's channel branding, several essential graphic elements were crafted. Leveraging the new aesthetics established for the Intro as a key visual reference, we designed a head banner that prominently displayed his social media channels. Additionally, a template for video thumbnails was created, ensuring consistency and a cohesive look for all his video content. These graphic pieces not only enhanced the overall channel presentation but also reinforced Keroppi's unique visual identity, making his content easily recognizable and engaging for viewers.
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Motion & Design Direction: Miguel Baptista
Client: Keroppi
Date: 2023
Follow Keroppi in his YouTube channel.
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