Get Creative Goa - Branding
The Diva Designer
Originally known as Creative Goa, this community game-changer brand made waves in the creator community of Goa in 2020 when the pandemic struck. The goal: to create a directory of creators, for creators and by creators. It aimed to allow anyone in Goa to collaborate, employ or make magic with these creators by enlisting yourself on a simple list and letting Goa know you exist as a musician, artist, graphic designer, photographer, videographer and the list goes on and on.
It started with a simple HTML website that took information from a Google form and listed the fields you filled out in the form on the website as a directory. 2020 was a tough time for everyone, especially the job industry for creators. Vince Costa; the founder of Creative Goa, found a gap in the market and reached out to his network of creators via Instagram to start a small community that would want to talk about creativity, how they struggle with hardships and what they do via Instagram Lives. Once the directory was in place, it skyrocketed and tons of creators applied to be a part of it.
By 2021, it had become a small success in Goa with 1500 odd followers and Vince was browsing on social media to make the design thinking and branding align to his sensibilities. Enter... me! Eventually, by the time I left the project, I was dealing with project management, client communications, community engagement, social media, brand strategy and design, merchandising and print media.
Objective:
To create a brand identity that is consistent, fun, vibrant and innovative. It should align with the ethos of Vince Costa and the now named Get Creative Goa.
Brand collaterals:
Logo Design
Social Media
UI Design for a new and improved website
Let's start with the Logo Design ↷
Logo Design -
Brief:
To create a logo design that is minimal, chic and young but also becomes a symbol that resonates with creativity.
Result:
The new logo for Get Creative Goa
After a lot of iterations, we finally boiled down to this rounded and sleek logo. A white (#ffffff) GC wordmark logo on a bright Byzantine Blue background (#1652E8).
An important requirement any designer thinks of is the responsiveness of the logo. The above logo is an icon + lettermark + monogram and has a wordmark variation too to help with responsiveness across different digital and print media.
What is a wordmark logo?
Most wordmark logos are a starting point for new firms with long names until they become familiar and end up being recognised by their lettermark/monogram. Example: IBM
Wordmark logo
The wordmark logo along with the icon in a mockup
What is a lettermark/monogram logo?
Letter marks or monograms are abbreviations of long names and become the norm when people are familiar enough with the brand, making it easier to pronounce or spell out. In this case, Get Creative is abbreviated to GC for brand value, brand recognition and aesthetic purposes. This would be their frequent logo.
What is a submark logo or an icon?
The icon is a visual representation of a company that is widely recognised across the world and is unique to the particular company.
In this case, however, the icon and the letter mark are the same since the main medium for portraying this was
Comprised of three horizontal lines, it serves up a playful fusion of web and culinary menus as we deal with social media marketing, e-commerce websites and branding. The lines symbolize not just website navigation but also the delightful choices you'll find on a restaurant menu.
Dark and light versions of the logo
Colour Palette:
Primary Colours -
Byzantine Blue: A rich, deep hue that evokes creativity, sophistication, and inspiration. This colour embodies the artistic spirit of Goa, reminiscent of the vibrant skies during twilight. It serves as a foundational colour for Get Creative Goa, representing the depth of creativity and innovation in the local community.
Tea Green: A soft, calming colour that symbolizes freshness and renewal. This colour reflects the lush landscapes of Goa and the nurturing aspect of creativity. It creates a sense of tranquillity and harmony, aligning with the brand's mission to foster collaboration and community among local creatives.
Sunglow: A bright, cheerful yellow that radiates positivity and energy. It embodies the vibrant and lively culture of Goa, infusing the brand with a sense of warmth and joy. This colour is meant to capture the spirit of celebration and creativity, inspiring audiences to engage and participate in creative initiatives.
Bright Pink (Crayola): An energetic and bold colour that signifies passion, enthusiasm, and creativity. This vibrant hue serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals to express themselves and embrace their unique creative journeys. It reflects the dynamic and colourful arts scene in Goa, adding a playful touch to the brand's identity.
Secondary Colours -
Vista Blue: A light and airy colour that represents clarity and open-mindedness. This shade complements the primary colours by adding a sense of calm and balance. It reflects the serene coastal views of Goa and enhances the brand's image as a welcoming and inclusive space for creative expression.
Jungle Green: A deep, natural hue that symbolizes growth, vitality, and connection to nature. This colour pays homage to the rich biodiversity of Goa and the local creative community's connection to their environment. It emphasizes sustainability and encourages a sense of responsibility towards preserving the beauty of the region.
Licorice: A bold, dark colour that adds depth and sophistication to the brand palette. It serves as a grounding colour, providing contrast to the brighter shades and enhancing readability. This colour signifies strength and resilience, aligning with the brand's commitment to supporting local creatives and fostering a thriving arts community.
White: White symbolizes purity, simplicity, and clarity. It serves as a neutral background that allows the vibrant primary and secondary colours to shine. This colour enhances the overall design by providing space and balance, making the brand visually accessible and inviting to the audience.
Social Media -
LinkedIn Banner
Instagram Story when we were reaching 4k followers
YouTube Thumbnail
Check out the rest of the designs on their Instagram page:
Website Design -
The website design for Get Creative Goa embodied a vibrant and dynamic aesthetic that reflects the spirit of the local creative community.
Featuring a clean and modern layout, the site uses a harmonious blend of the brand's signature colours to create an inviting atmosphere that draws users in to create a profile and be part of the creative community.
I aimed to create intuitive navigation, ensuring a seamless browsing experience, and allowing visitors to easily explore various sections, from showcasing local artists and upcoming events to accessing resources for creatives.
The website had engaging multimedia elements, such as images, videos, and interactive features, to enhance user interaction, while thoughtfully curated content highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Goa. The overall design not only serves as a platform for creative expression but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among artists and audiences alike.
Sub-Projects:
While these were the main collaterals at the start of the project, I became the lead designer, and brand strategist and created the wireframes for many, many sub-projects, campaigns and creative projects under it.
Check out all the design projects:
Engine
Check out the magazine design I did for Get Creative Goa's first youth-based creativity magazine called Engine. The first edition was known as 'The Mavericks'. It was a digital and a print magazine distributed across Goa.
Welcome to Engine - the magazine that celebrates creativity and self-expression! This first edition focuses on the most innovative minds in Goan creative industry. From musicians to environmentalists, we've gathered the inspiring stories of those who think outside the box and follow their passions. Check out the digital copy now and be inspired by the most creative and daring minds in Goa. Here’s to 'The Mavericks' who are revolutionizing their industries and inspiring creativity all around.
Campaigns on YouTube and Instagram
Goan Stories:
10 Shots, 1 Hour, 1 Camera
Ghost Stories
This project was the most creative 3 years of my life. I hope you will check all the projects we created together and have fun with all the content. ✨
Like this project
Posted Oct 11, 2024
This was a masterpiece. Worked for three years building a brand for a creator community, online (Instagram) and offline.
