Backslappers

Introduction

I have recently been working with an exciting new Newcastle-based DJ to help develop his branding for recent disco-style music events across the northeast called Backslappers. The name was inspired by the involuntary urge to slap the back of the DJ when an unbelievable tune is dropped.

The Brief

The original brief for Backslappers was to develop a new brand identity and an illustration style that ties all the events together. The design had to be fun and energetic, and disco needed to be at the heart of it. On top of the brand identity, the client also wanted all the DJs he works with recreated in a cartoon style.

The Process

To start with, I worked on the logo design, and for this, I came up with something which had quite a fun and cartoony style to match what I had in mind for the illustration style for the DJs. I originally designed the logo in a combination style but adapted it to work as an emblem. For the illustration style, I not only wanted to create the characters in a cartoony style, but I also wanted to bring other elements to life as well (literally), creating characters out of speakers, disco balls and decks.

Once the overall branding was complete, I was tasked with laying out the design for their upcoming event, which involved designing posters, business cards and social creatives.