Brand Development / Analysis

Taking the Initiative

During our first team meeting, interns were asked to share initial thoughts on the studio’s direction and internship timeline. I proposed redeveloping Bloodbath Studio’s branding system to improve cohesion across its logo, visual language, and digital presence.

This initiative became a central thread throughout my internship, informing design decisions across branding, promotion, and long-term strategy.

Logo Design, Iteration and Application

Brand Intent

Align visually with other fashion-film production houses

Function as an accessible digital hub for fashion films and collaborators

Speak to an underground, politically conscious fashion audience

Balance experimental energy with professional credibility

Reflect collaboration with local designers, performers, and musicians     

Initial Exploration

I began by exploring the letterforms “B” and “S,” using Illustrator as a rapid ideation tool to test compositions and visual weight.

Early feedback favored a serif-based logo developed by the other intern due to its classic yet edgy simplicity, as well as its potential for adaptation across different shows.

Iteration and Expansion

Building on this direction, I explored angular and fluid forms that referenced both the name “Bloodbath” and the studio’s commitment to nonconformity and inclusivity. These explorations balanced sharpness with movement, reflecting the studio’s ability to be both resourceful and exact.

I also tested combined logo systems to provide flexibility across branding applications.  

Ultimately, we moved forward with an abstract that expanded on the studio’s initial concept, capturing a fluid quality while retaining sharp serif details.

Creating a Flexible Visual Language: The Pitch Deck

Developed collaboratively with the marketing team, the pitch deck served as a funding tool for METANOIA. While the marketing team led copywriting, the design team translated tone and intent into a cohesive visual language.

A key challenge was designing for a show that had not yet occurred. This constraint required us to establish a strong aesthetic foundation that could guide future promotional and print materials as the event approached.    

Looking at the past:

Reviewing the 2023 Veneration deck revealed a balance between sleek photography and scrapbook-like image arrangements, a visual tension that felt both editorial and personal that I wanted to bring into our pitch deck.

Moving forward:

We transitioned the deck to Canva for real-time collaboration and video integration. I developed a grid system in InDesign and adapted it to Canva’s constraints, designing complex pages externally for greater control.

Modular Illustrations for In-House Merch Printing

Merchandise was introduced later in the internship under tight production constraints.

Given Bloodbath Studio’s emphasis on locality and artist autonomy, all pieces were designed for in-house, DIY screen printing.

I created a modular illustration system that allowed team members flexibility in placement and combination, offering creative agency while maintaining visual cohesion.

Due to timeline limitations the collection was not produced, but the system remains viable for future development.

Capturing Audiences: Promotional Material

Promotional materials were designed for both print and digital platforms, requiring adaptation beyond format to include changes in contrast, hierarchy, and composition.

Posters emphasized contributor names over titles, with broad location details clarified through QR codes to encourage interaction.

Event announcement stories highlighting designers, artists, and key information. Follow-up stories revealing additional programming and performers at a separate location on the final show date.

Future Impact: Website Strategy

Early in my brand analysis, I identified the website as a critical area for improvement. Despite limited web design experience at the time, I developed a presentation outlining necessary changes and their alignment with the studio’s mission.

Key Observations

What works
The dark theme reinforces brand identity and frames essential content effectively.
Where it falls short
Inconsistent backgrounds, typography, and contrast create accessibility barriers and disrupt user flow. Navigation lacks clarity, and several pages repeat or fragment information unnecessarily.
Why it matters
For a studio centered on inclusivity, particularly for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, accessibility barriers contradict stated values and limit participation in digital creative spaces.

Given time constraints, I designed a one-page Figma mockup to support the show’s immediate needs while offering a foundation for future development if my concerns are taken into account.

The First Step in the Industry: Takeaways

Initiative as a Design Skill

Advocating for brand redevelopment taught me that initiative is as critical as execution, especially within small teams where my voice and experience carries more weight.    
Constraints Shape Language

Designing under unknown outcomes, limited timelines, and production constraints sharpened my ability to build flexible systems rather than fixed outcomes.    
Accessibility is Not Optional

This project further clarified that accessibility is inseparable from inclusivity. A brand cannot claim care without addressing who is excluded by its design choices.