VelcanTV

VelcanTV

Ian is an MMO streamer whose channel recently reached 200 subscribers. Noticing the growing engagement of his community, he realized it was time to upgrade the channel’s visual identity. Until then, he had created a simple, generic logo to mark this new phase, but felt it was time for something more polished and professional. Music has always been an essential hobby for Ian, while surfing is his go-to way to unwind — two key elements that would ultimately shape the direction of this project.

SERVICES

SERVICES

Graphic Design

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY

Streaming

Case Study
Case Study

The Project

The new VelcanTV was born as a Twitch streaming channel with an aesthetic deeply inspired by city pop, vaporwave, and the retro television culture of the ’80s and ’90s. The central challenge was to craft a cohesive visual identity that could convey the warmth of late-night companionship, charisma, and entertainment — seamlessly blending the gaming universe with the musical and visual atmosphere of the era.


Music has always been an essential hobby for Ian, while surfing is his favorite way to unwind — two personal passions that played a key role in shaping the creative direction of the project. ]


The client’s briefing was straightforward: deliver everything within one week, using a vibrant pink and blue color palette. The scope included designing a new, distinctive logo along with matching panels and banners, ensuring a consistent and memorable brand presence across his Twitch channel.

The new VelcanTV was born as a Twitch streaming channel with an aesthetic deeply inspired by city pop, vaporwave, and the retro television culture of the ’80s and ’90s. The central challenge was to craft a cohesive visual identity that could convey the warmth of late-night companionship, charisma, and entertainment — seamlessly blending the gaming universe with the musical and visual atmosphere of the era.


Music has always been an essential hobby for Ian, while surfing is his favorite way to unwind — two personal passions that played a key role in shaping the creative direction of the project. ]


The client’s briefing was straightforward: deliver everything within one week, using a vibrant pink and blue color palette. The scope included designing a new, distinctive logo along with matching panels and banners, ensuring a consistent and memorable brand presence across his Twitch channel.

Analysis of the Previous Logo

The previous logo featured circular elements, with pink and blue working together to create a neon glow reminiscent of classic arcade signage. While the colors did successfully channel the energy and brightness often associated with gaming culture, the overall composition felt quite generic. It lacked the distinctive personality and depth needed to truly represent the channel’s identity, leaning instead on a broad “gamer” aesthetic that could easily be mistaken for countless other brands.


During our discussions, the client revealed an interesting backstory: the “TV” in VelcanTV was never part of an intentional branding choice. It was added simply because the name “Velcan” was already taken. This detail highlighted how the original visual identity had grown in a somewhat improvised way, without a clear narrative or creative direction — an opportunity for the rebrand to deliver a more purposeful and cohesive identity.

Design Solutions

1. Highlighting the Client’s Personality


The brand needed to feel like an authentic extension of Ian himself. Beyond just looking good on screen, every element had to convey his easygoing nature, his love for late-night conversations, and his blend of gamer dedication with a mellow, music-filled lifestyle. The design became a visual echo of the person behind the stream, creating an immediate sense of familiarity and trust for viewers.


2. Providing Context for the Colors


Pink and blue had always been part of VelcanTV’s identity, but previously they existed without a deeper story. In the rebrand, these colors were anchored in the aesthetic of neon city nights, inspired by the glow of 80s Japanese city pop album covers. This gave the palette emotional depth, connecting it to the channel’s mood rather than using it as a generic gamer trope.


3. Elevating the “TV” Element


Originally a placeholder born out of necessity, “TV” became a storytelling device in the new brand. By treating it as a nod to retro television channels, it reinforced the city pop influences while hinting at the channel’s role as a cozy, ever-on hub for night owls. The typography and layout were carefully adjusted to make “TV” an integral, confident part of the logo rather than an afterthought.


4. Retro Characteristics with Modern Relevance


The new identity merges the nostalgia of 80s/90s television graphics, arcade game overlays, and analog-era broadcast design with the crispness of modern digital branding. This approach ensures the brand appeals to both fans of vintage gaming aesthetics and a younger audience drawn to the resurgence of retro culture in contemporary media.

1. Highlighting the Client’s Personality


The brand needed to feel like an authentic extension of Ian himself. Beyond just looking good on screen, every element had to convey his easygoing nature, his love for late-night conversations, and his blend of gamer dedication with a mellow, music-filled lifestyle. The design became a visual echo of the person behind the stream, creating an immediate sense of familiarity and trust for viewers.


2. Providing Context for the Colors


Pink and blue had always been part of VelcanTV’s identity, but previously they existed without a deeper story. In the rebrand, these colors were anchored in the aesthetic of neon city nights, inspired by the glow of 80s Japanese city pop album covers. This gave the palette emotional depth, connecting it to the channel’s mood rather than using it as a generic gamer trope.


3. Elevating the “TV” Element


Originally a placeholder born out of necessity, “TV” became a storytelling device in the new brand. By treating it as a nod to retro television channels, it reinforced the city pop influences while hinting at the channel’s role as a cozy, ever-on hub for night owls. The typography and layout were carefully adjusted to make “TV” an integral, confident part of the logo rather than an afterthought.


4. Retro Characteristics with Modern Relevance


The new identity merges the nostalgia of 80s/90s television graphics, arcade game overlays, and analog-era broadcast design with the crispness of modern digital branding. This approach ensures the brand appeals to both fans of vintage gaming aesthetics and a younger audience drawn to the resurgence of retro culture in contemporary media.

1. Highlighting the Client’s Personality


The brand needed to feel like an authentic extension of Ian himself. Beyond just looking good on screen, every element had to convey his easygoing nature, his love for late-night conversations, and his blend of gamer dedication with a mellow, music-filled lifestyle. The design became a visual echo of the person behind the stream, creating an immediate sense of familiarity and trust for viewers.


2. Providing Context for the Colors


Pink and blue had always been part of VelcanTV’s identity, but previously they existed without a deeper story. In the rebrand, these colors were anchored in the aesthetic of neon city nights, inspired by the glow of 80s Japanese city pop album covers. This gave the palette emotional depth, connecting it to the channel’s mood rather than using it as a generic gamer trope.


3. Elevating the “TV” Element


Originally a placeholder born out of necessity, “TV” became a storytelling device in the new brand. By treating it as a nod to retro television channels, it reinforced the city pop influences while hinting at the channel’s role as a cozy, ever-on hub for night owls. The typography and layout were carefully adjusted to make “TV” an integral, confident part of the logo rather than an afterthought.


4. Retro Characteristics with Modern Relevance


The new identity merges the nostalgia of 80s/90s television graphics, arcade game overlays, and analog-era broadcast design with the crispness of modern digital branding. This approach ensures the brand appeals to both fans of vintage gaming aesthetics and a younger audience drawn to the resurgence of retro culture in contemporary media.

Sketch & Research

From the initial briefing, it became clear what Ian truly needed from this rebrand. The color requests — rooted in pink and blue — instantly brought to mind a visual language reminiscent of Blade Runner’s neon-soaked cityscapes, perfectly aligning with the channel’s late-night, urban atmosphere. Ian also mentioned that he no longer planned to stream only MMOs, which opened the door for a more versatile and timeless identity that could grow alongside his evolving content.


The brand’s message needed to strike a delicate balance: urban yet laid-back, technological but not overly futuristic, mature and confident without feeling forced. To achieve this, a clean Sans Serif typeface was the natural choice, offering clarity, legibility, and an adaptable presence across different layouts and screen sizes.


This direction also tied back to Ian’s own personality — a relaxed surfer who enjoys unwinding with good music while playing games with his community. The goal was to merge that mellow, personal vibe with a design that still carried enough energy and sophistication to stand out in the vibrant world of Twitch streaming.

From the initial briefing, it became clear what Ian truly needed from this rebrand. The color requests — rooted in pink and blue — instantly brought to mind a visual language reminiscent of Blade Runner’s neon-soaked cityscapes, perfectly aligning with the channel’s late-night, urban atmosphere. Ian also mentioned that he no longer planned to stream only MMOs, which opened the door for a more versatile and timeless identity that could grow alongside his evolving content.


The brand’s message needed to strike a delicate balance: urban yet laid-back, technological but not overly futuristic, mature and confident without feeling forced. To achieve this, a clean Sans Serif typeface was the natural choice, offering clarity, legibility, and an adaptable presence across different layouts and screen sizes.


This direction also tied back to Ian’s own personality — a relaxed surfer who enjoys unwinding with good music while playing games with his community. The goal was to merge that mellow, personal vibe with a design that still carried enough energy and sophistication to stand out in the vibrant world of Twitch streaming.

When sketching initial logo possibilities, my mind gravitated toward television channels from the late ’70s to early ’90s. During research, I recalled my own experiences watching local broadcast stations while on vacation in small coastal towns. This personal connection became a key creative thread: the relaxed, seaside charm of regional TV channels could serve as a subtle but meaningful nod within the brand.


This link to the beach felt especially fitting, given how City Pop aesthetics often feature coastal imagery on album covers — sunlit mornings, pastel skies, and the calm allure of oceanfront life. That sense of freshness and relaxation resonated perfectly with the brand’s promise and the client’s request for a warm, inviting identity.


My strongest inspiration came from the typography used in the InterTV logo (formerly TV Alto Litoral), a station from Cabo Frio in the interior of Rio de Janeiro. Its bold, geometric yet approachable letterforms offered exactly the kind of retro authenticity and visual personality that could bridge the gap between nostalgia and the modern streaming landscape.

Typeface

For the logo and high-impact titles, I used ITC Avant Garde Gothic in Bold Oblique. Originally designed by Herb Lubalin and Tom Carnase in the 1970s, this typeface is recognized for its precise geometric shapes, balanced spacing, and subtle angles that convey modernity with a refined edge. The Oblique style adds dynamism, suggesting movement and energy. For VelcanTV, I customized the type to enhance its retro character, aligning it visually with the logos of coastal and regional television channels from the 1980s and 1990s, reinforcing the brand’s nostalgic appeal.


For subtitles and general text, I chose DIN 1451 Std in the Engschrift style. Originally developed in Germany as the standard font for road signs and industrial labeling, DIN is renowned for its functional clarity and legibility, even at small sizes or in quick-glance environments. The Engschrift (condensed) variation allows for space efficiency without compromising readability, while also echoing the look of printed magazines and advertisements from the 80s and 90s — a perfect fit for the editorial tone of the Brandbook and other branded assets.

For the logo and high-impact titles, I used ITC Avant Garde Gothic in Bold Oblique. Originally designed by Herb Lubalin and Tom Carnase in the 1970s, this typeface is recognized for its precise geometric shapes, balanced spacing, and subtle angles that convey modernity with a refined edge. The Oblique style adds dynamism, suggesting movement and energy. For VelcanTV, I customized the type to enhance its retro character, aligning it visually with the logos of coastal and regional television channels from the 1980s and 1990s, reinforcing the brand’s nostalgic appeal.

For subtitles and general text, I chose DIN 1451 Std in the Engschrift style. Originally developed in Germany as the standard font for road signs and industrial labeling, DIN is renowned for its functional clarity and legibility, even at small sizes or in quick-glance environments. The Engschrift (condensed) variation allows for space efficiency without compromising readability, while also echoing the look of printed magazines and advertisements from the 80s and 90s — a perfect fit for the editorial tone of the Brandbook and other branded assets.

Finally, for Japanese characters, I selected Hiragino Kaku Gothic Std in W8. This sans-serif typeface, with its straight strokes and balanced proportions, is widely used for Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji, and is regarded as a high-legibility standard in both digital and print contexts. Its clean structure and bold W8 weight ensure a strong visual presence, especially in titles and graphic elements inspired by Japanese urban signage — a key influence in VelcanTV’s vaporwave and city pop aesthetic.


All type sizes and usage guidelines are detailed in the VelcanTV Guidebook, ensuring consistency across every format and medium.

Hi-Fi

From the start of the high-fidelity stage, I knew the banners needed to embody a cinematic urban atmosphere. I chose to present them in a chronological flow — from the stillness of the night through to the first light of morning — visually narrating the relationship between the city, nightlife, and the quiet rhythm of life. Each banner carried an analog-inspired aesthetic, evoking the textured imperfection of vintage print ads.


Many of these analog textures were specifically crafted to recreate the visual depth of ocean scenes — a subtle nod to the client’s connection with the sea. Grain, soft gradients, and layered wave-like patterns were combined to give the impression of light dancing on water, seamlessly blending this coastal influence with the city pop and vaporwave visual language.

From the start of the high-fidelity stage, I knew the banners needed to embody a cinematic urban atmosphere. I chose to present them in a chronological flow — from the stillness of the night through to the first light of morning — visually narrating the relationship between the city, nightlife, and the quiet rhythm of life. Each banner carried an analog-inspired aesthetic, evoking the textured imperfection of vintage print ads.

Many of these analog textures were specifically crafted to recreate the visual depth of ocean scenes — a subtle nod to the client’s connection with the sea. Grain, soft gradients, and layered wave-like patterns were combined to give the impression of light dancing on water, seamlessly blending this coastal influence with the city pop and vaporwave visual language.

For the panels, I decided to maintain visual continuity with the “Live Starting Soon” banner, keeping a consistent setting but applying subtle refinements: the sun no longer carried the channel’s logo, blur effects were adjusted for a softer focus, and the presentation layout was streamlined. Each panel featured its theme in both Portuguese and Japanese, designed in a neon-inspired typographic composition to suggest motion and energy. The Japanese text was not purely decorative — it was a deliberate nod to the glowing kanji signs of Tokyo’s cityscapes, a core visual motif in vaporwave and city pop culture.


Subscriber badges became miniature snapshots of the client’s lifestyle: from the “New Subscriber” computer icon, to mid-journey milestones like naps, music, drinks, and surfing, culminating in the “One Year” badge — a peaceful beach scene representing the ultimate reward for loyalty and time spent in the VelcanTV community.

The stream frame drew direct inspiration from vintage television channel layouts, featuring large, confident logo placement, while retaining the pink and blue brand colors enhanced with subtle noise textures to mimic the diffuse glow of old CRT screens. In one corner, a discreet Japanese “LIVE” indicator tied the piece back into the broader aesthetic universe.


Even the delivery of the brand book was designed as a thematic experience: presented in the style of old TV gossip magazines, using the palette’s warm white tone to evoke aged paper. The choice of secondary typography reflected the bold, condensed headlines of retro TV listings and tabloid covers. The result was a brand guide that didn’t just explain the visual system — it felt like stepping into the golden age of television, reframed for a modern streaming audience.

The stream frame drew direct inspiration from vintage television channel layouts, featuring large, confident logo placement, while retaining the pink and blue brand colors enhanced with subtle noise textures to mimic the diffuse glow of old CRT screens. In one corner, a discreet Japanese “LIVE” indicator tied the piece back into the broader aesthetic universe.


Even the delivery of the brand book was designed as a thematic experience: presented in the style of old TV gossip magazines, using the palette’s warm white tone to evoke aged paper. The choice of secondary typography reflected the bold, condensed headlines of retro TV listings and tabloid covers. The result was a brand guide that didn’t just explain the visual system — it felt like stepping into the golden age of television, reframed for a modern streaming audience.

I developed a cohesive logo system consisting of three distinct versions, each designed for specific applications: a primary version for key materials and prominent visuals, an optimized adaptation for use as the channel’s avatar, and a simplified, scaled-down version for watermark purposes — ensuring visual consistency and brand recognition across all formats and sizes.

I developed a cohesive logo system consisting of three distinct versions, each designed for specific applications: a primary version for key materials and prominent visuals, an optimized adaptation for use as the channel’s avatar, and a simplified, scaled-down version for watermark purposes — ensuring visual consistency and brand recognition across all formats and sizes.

Final details

The last stage of the project was dedicated to fine-tuning — those subtle, deliberate adjustments that elevate the brand. This meant calibrating the neon glow intensity to avoid visual fatigue, refining color transitions to ensure smooth gradients across both print and digital formats, and testing type hierarchy for consistent readability in varying resolutions.


Small texture overlays, inspired by analog TV static and vintage print patterns, were applied to add depth and authenticity to the visuals without overpowering the core design. Japanese text elements were carefully kerned and positioned to balance aesthetic appeal with functional clarity, ensuring they read naturally to native audiences while still enhancing the retro-futuristic mood for non-Japanese viewers.

The final delivery included not only the logo, panels, banners, and subscriber badges, but also a comprehensive brand guideline presented as a nostalgic TV magazine. This extra layer of storytelling gave the client a brand identity that wasn’t just functional, but also emotionally resonant — an identity that speaks to the warmth, charm, and timelessness of the VelcanTV experience.

Next Steps:

The next steps for the project will focus on expanding VelcanTV’s visual identity into tangible merchandise, such as T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, and other collectible items. The goal is to translate the brand’s cozy-yet-urban retro atmosphere into products that the community can wear and display with pride, reinforcing their connection to the channel.


Limited edition seasonal designs for merch drops — Each collection will draw inspiration from VelcanTV’s nostalgic yet vibrant aesthetic, with thematic variations such as summer nights on a neon coastline, city pop-inspired festival graphics, or retro gaming marathons under glowing arcade lights. These designs will be time-limited, creating a sense of exclusivity and anticipation within the community, while also encouraging collectors to engage with the brand year-round.


Custom Twitch alerts and evolving badges — The next stage in strengthening community interaction will be the creation of dynamic on-stream elements. Alerts for subscriptions, raids, and donations will be animated in a style consistent with VelcanTV’s visual universe, blending vaporwave palettes with analog textures. Subscriber badges will evolve over time, visually representing a viewer’s journey — from a glowing pixelated emblem in the first month, to intricate designs echoing city skylines, vinyl records, or surf-inspired motifs for long-time supporters. This progression system will reward loyalty and keep engagement fresh.


This project was more than a visual redesign — it was an exercise in translating personality, lifestyle, and nostalgia into a cohesive and functional brand identity.


Thank you for your time and attention in exploring this case study. See you in the next project!

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All rights reserved © Vinicius Scoralick 2023.

All rights reserved © Vinicius Scoralick 2023.

All rights reserved © Vinicius Scoralick 2023.