How we envisioned, and created a forwarding-moving visual identity for Group Z Collective, a multidisciplinary collective of DJs, Designers, and Analysts - By blending geometric shapes, vibrant orange-and-black palettes, and modular design systems, we created a scalable identity that supported 5 successful events in 7 months and expanded the collective’s network by 40%.

The client, a seasoned organizer of Japanese pop-culture events, sought to launch Group Z Collective — a multidisciplinary collective uniting DJs, music producers, designers, and analysts — to expand beyond their niche audience into broader, non-Japanese markets.

The challenge was twofold: craft a brand identity that reflected the collective’s bold, forward-moving ethos while accommodating the diverse personalities of its members, and position Group Z as a dynamic force in Jakarta’s competitive event scene. Existing local designs leaned heavily on anime aesthetics, so the identity needed to feel fresh, experimental, and inclusive to attract both creatives and analytical minds. Here’s how we achieved success:

Creation of Logo and Modular System - Designed a geometric “Z” icon with intersecting lines, symbolizing interconnected talents. Expanded this into shapes (triangles, hexagons) representing members’ unique roles.

Member-Centric Design - Each member received a geometric shape (e.g., DJs = soundwave triangles, analysts = data-driven hexagons), fostering individuality within unity.

AI-Generated Image Direction - While image direction needs to be quick, we took advantage of Visual Electric, which allowed it to generate our desired image direction - bold, diverse, forward-moving.

As the Brand Identity Designer, I collaborated on concept development and execution, translating the client’s vision of "planning to the last letter Z" into a cohesive visual system.

Research on Current Audiences - To kickstart the project, we first analyzed Jakarta’s event trends, identifying a gap for designs blending Japanese precision with global experimentalism.

Exploration on Identity Values - Coined Group Z Collective to symbolize meticulous planning (“to the last letter”) and unity. Brand pillars included collaboration, innovation, and diversity.

Wordplay Elements - Pitched a vibrant orange and black palette— orange for energy, black for boldness—paired with angular typography to mirror the collective’s edgy, forward-moving spirit.

From the project executed above, here are the following outcomes:

Success on Events and International Outreach - Throughout the span of 5 months, we have successfully launched and supported for more than 7 events in Indonesia, with international outreach to countries such as Malaysia and Japan.

Increased on Social Buzz and Insights - Increase of recommendations or partnerships on local and international-scaled events, such as Comic Frontier, Indonesia Comic Con, expanding the collective's network further.

Further Partnership on Design and Marketing - This allows for us to potentially expand Group Z Collective's identity further, as time goes where members of the collective will be added.

With the points of measured success mentioned above, here are the valuable insights that we have gained from the project:

Cultural Hybrids - Mixing Japanese and Jakarta aesthetics required balancing simplicity with Jakarta’s preference for vibrancy. This allows for a blend of different cultures together through different design perspectives.

Future-Proofing of Assets - Designing scalable assets upfront let the client onboard new members seamlessly post-launch. This also allows flexibility for the brand to be expressed further, with the seamless availability of design elements.

Adapting Speed and Quality - While this is a blend of human-made conceptual design and AI, this allows for us to adapt into faster workflows, without the compromise of losing quality, due to the hybrid approach of the work.

Group Z Collective’s identity became a rallying point for Jakarta’s creative-analytic hybrid community. By treating diversity as a design asset, the brand now stands as a symbol of innovation—proving that DJs, designers, and data whisperers can thrive under one bold, orange-and-black banner.