Ibou Karim –– Brand Identity

Ibrahim Karim, popularly known as Ibou Karim, is a Senegalese photographer based in Germany, known for his masterful ability to capture authentic stories through his lens. Born in a small town in Senegal, Ibou’s early life was shaped by the simplicity of community and the vibrancy of culture. His journey into photography began with a borrowed camera and a self-taught determination that evolved into formal training in visual storytelling at a renowned German institution. 

To transform Ibou Karim’s visual identity into a powerful extension of his artistry, bridging his cultural heritage and contemporary vision. This brand identity will celebrate his unique journey from a small village in Senegal to establishing himself as a renowned photographer worldwide. 

An important aspect of Ibou’s life is where he grew up—his hometown and his African heritage. After careful research and discussions, it was decided that the foundation of his visual identity would draw inspiration from the mud huts of his hometown. The traditional architectural style of these huts is incorporated into the logotype ‘KARIM’, where the imperfect lines and rugged edges reflect the handcrafted textures of his roots. This design direction extends into the visual storytelling seen throughout Ibou’s body of work. The images used in his work are intentionally presented with irregular edges and this subtle but impactful detail echoes the organic, imperfect beauty of the mud huts that inspired the visual identity. The color palette, consisting of a warm earthy brown and deep blue, bridges Ibou’s past and present. The brown symbolizes the clay tones of Senegal’s mud huts and the grounded simplicity of his early life, while the blue reflect Ibou’s contemporary perspective and professionalism as a photographer on a global stage.