got accepted into @Contra Labs as a product designer

nice reminder that taste still matters

Congrats!

The concept that didnt make it through the selection process but majority of the brand language, imagery and the visual identity system were adopted and harmonized with the selected one to create one unity and expand the entire design system.

The logo features a modern, intelligent logomark built around a three-phased star symbolizing curiosity, signal throught the noise, and transformation. Constructed from sharp vertical lines with varying stroke weights, it creates a subtle optical illusion that reflects the brand’s core idea of clarity emerging from complexity. The three phases are conceptually tied to the brand name - Ctrl, Shift, and the final outcome: taste. This is paired with a confident, taste-led wordmark blending script and serif typography to spark intrigue and character.

The overall identity is editorial, bold, and creative-first slightly irreverent yet refined. It is opinionated rather than instructional, community-driven and culture-forward, designed to feel like a living platform rather than a one-off campaign. 

The visual system combines pitch-black foundations with shades of grey, accented by subtle color tints, glowy gradients, grainy 3D elements, visual distortions, and futuristic AI-generated imagery, creating a rich, expressive language for rooms filled with artists, technologists, and builders. You can see full project here You can see the final selected direction. Thanks for the feedback in advance, much appreciate your support.

wow, the visual identity is absolutely flawless. this work is fire! 🔥