World-building for HIDDEN.NY
Category: Graphic Design
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Conceptual Creation
HIDDEN.NY
An Ethersoft Solutions Company
Brief
To push the boundary of what HIDDEN can achieve as a brand. In this scenario, to introduce and reinforce a new narrative in the form of a concept, as part of a world building effort for HIDDEN.
Challenge
To create a design concept for the HIDDEN brand.
Idea
As part of the world building effort for HIDDEN, the concept of HIDDEN: An Ethersoft Solutions Company was born. Taking inspiration from Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira, Bladerunner and Altered Carbon.
Concept
To embark on the world-building process for HIDDEN, with the intention of pushing the boundaries of what a lifestyle/moodboard page can achieve, the concept of HIDDEN: An Ethersoft Solutions Company was conceived. Drawing inspiration from a neo-futuristic interpretation of Japan, the execution style embraces a manga-inspired approach, immersing the audience in the journey of a protagonist.
Logo process
#01 Type creation & treatment of HIDDEN®
#02 Calligraphic brush style of HIDDEN in Kanji
#03 Type creation & treatment of Ethersoft Solutions
#04 Piecing them together to create a wordmark.
The Protagonist
The protagonist of the HIDDEN world, positioned in a way of being the enforcer for HIDDEN: An Ethersoft Solutions Company. Sketched and treated with a manga-inspired approach, this is a world where cybernetic enhancements and sub-human capabilities are common. Large corporations like Ethersoft keep a roster of sub-humans, known as enforcers to carry out tasks that are otherwise impossible to humans. These tasks often have to be carried out with lethal force, to protect and further the corporation’s interests, all while evading the law.
Sketched by hand, the protagonist character design was inspired by characters like Lucy Miller (Lucy, 2014), Takeshi Kovacs (Altered Carbon, 2018) and Lucyna Kushinada (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, 2022).
The enforcer, seasoned, calm and collected. With her steely gaze, she decides on the next course of action.
More details, with features of HIDDEN’s trademark branding.
The enforcer, in action, showcasing her cybernetic abilities to protect the Ether.
More details, with features of HIDDEN’s trademark branding.
Layout
Piecing everything together.
Usage
Exploring the potential synergy between the wordmark and artwork, various layouts were designed to enhance their mutual complementarity.
Book layout
Website landing page
