NXT LVL is a retro arcade gaming bar in the UK known for its vibrant atmosphere + free-to-play arcade machines, food and drinks. The existing identity relied heavily on pixel style graphics, which felt overly familiar within the retro gaming space. To give the brand a more distinctive personality, I introduced a new visual direction built around expressive cartoon style illustrations, bright colours and a playful typographic style.
YEAR
2024
ROLE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
RESPONSIBILITIES
BRAND PERSONALITY
PRINT DESIGN
ILLUSTRATION
About the project
Goal
Create a refreshed visual brand identity that stands out amongst pixelated retro arcade bars, using illustration, colour and typography to highlight the playful and social nature of NXT LVL.
Solution
I've introduced a vibrant colour palette and custom cartoon style illustrations of everything the brand is known for, such as arcade machines, retro video consoles, pizzas, burritos and drinks.
A well-known typeface, Bungee, was selected to bring familiarity and reinforce the energetic tone of the brand.
The new graphics were applied across all brand materials, including menus, website, festival cups, table numbers, beer taps for the bar’s own lager and smaller details like custom stickers to highlight menu prices and deals.
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NXT LVL
OVERVIEW
NXT LVL is a retro arcade gaming bar in the UK known for its vibrant atmosphere + free-to-play arcade machines, food and drinks. The existing identity relied heavily on pixel style graphics, which felt overly familiar within the retro gaming space. To give the brand a more distinctive personality, I introduced a new visual direction built around expressive cartoon style illustrations, bright colours and a playful typographic style.
YEAR
2024
ROLE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
RESPONSIBILITIES
BRAND PERSONALITY
PRINT DESIGN
ILLUSTRATION
About the project
Goal
Create a refreshed visual brand identity that stands out amongst pixelated retro arcade bars, using illustration, colour and typography to highlight the playful and social nature of NXT LVL.
Solution
I've introduced a vibrant colour palette and custom cartoon style illustrations of everything the brand is known for, such as arcade machines, retro video consoles, pizzas, burritos and drinks.
A well-known typeface, Bungee, was selected to bring familiarity and reinforce the energetic tone of the brand.
The new graphics were applied across all brand materials, including menus, website, festival cups, table numbers, beer taps for the bar’s own lager and smaller details like custom stickers to highlight menu prices and deals.
Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!
This will hide itself!
NXT LVL
OVERVIEW
NXT LVL is a retro arcade gaming bar in the UK known for its vibrant atmosphere + free-to-play arcade machines, food and drinks. The existing identity relied heavily on pixel style graphics, which felt overly familiar within the retro gaming space. To give the brand a more distinctive personality, I introduced a new visual direction built around expressive cartoon style illustrations, bright colours and a playful typographic style.
YEAR
2024
ROLE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
RESPONSIBILITIES
BRAND PERSONALITY
PRINT DESIGN
ILLUSTRATION
About the project
Goal
Create a refreshed visual brand identity that stands out amongst pixelated retro arcade bars, using illustration, colour and typography to highlight the playful and social nature of NXT LVL.
Solution
I've introduced a vibrant colour palette and custom cartoon style illustrations of everything the brand is known for, such as arcade machines, retro video consoles, pizzas, burritos and drinks.
A well-known typeface, Bungee, was selected to bring familiarity and reinforce the energetic tone of the brand.
The new graphics were applied across all brand materials, including menus, website, festival cups, table numbers, beer taps for the bar’s own lager and smaller details like custom stickers to highlight menu prices and deals.
Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!
This will hide itself!