Visual Branding “REALIZM87”

Visual branding is the visual appearance of a brand, which includes color, composition and brand. Visual branding is an important aspect of branding that can help develop a business, increase sales turnover and attract consumers.
Visual branding can help consumers recognize a business, differentiate it from competitors, and increase brand awareness. The right visual branding can also provide added value to a business in the eyes of consumers.

“REALIZM87” Realizm87 is a local brand from Malang that has been around for a long time, since 2004. Initially known as Realizm, then changed to Realizm87 in 2014. This brand focuses on streetwear with products such as t-shirts, jackets and other accessories.

Firstly, before we discuss further, let’s first find out what a logo is and tips on how to make a logo. Logo cannot be created haphazardly. You must fulfill several principles for creating a logo so that its use is effective. Imagine, all brands already have their own logos. If your brand has an unattractive logo, it could be that your product or service is not seen by customers. As a designer, you need to understand how important a logo is for a company. Don’t create a logo without careful consideration.

1. SIMPLICITY
Simplicity is an important point that makes a logo last for a long time. Apart from that, the logo is easy to use for any purpose. Therefore, make a logo that is simple in terms of letters, colors and elements. Unify your brand identity in simple visuals.
2. BALANCE & PROPORTION
Balance means your logo is symmetrical with certain considerations. Meanwhile, proportion refers to the weight of each element in your logo. This principle will make your logo pleasing to the eye.
3. Versatility
Another principle that you need to pay attention to when creating a logo is versatility. Versatility means your logo should be easy to apply to various contexts, media and situations. Quoted from HubSpot, every logo must still show its integrity and purpose in any situation. At least, make a logo that still looks attractive in any color and background.

Visual Identity Challenge “REALIZM87”

Establishing Unique Brand Identity
The streetwear market is saturated with brands that often use similar visual themes, such as bold typography and urban motifs. This can make it hard for Realizm87 to stand out.
Target Audience Engagement
Capturing the attention of Gen Z and millennials who often seek unique, trendy, and culturally resonant brands.
Digital Presence
Building a consistent digital presence to ensure the logo is recognizable across social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and physical stores

Improvement Recommendation

1. Typography Enhancement
What Needs Improvement: The font used in a logo can convey the brand’s personality. Realizm87’s typography should reflect the urban, edgy, and modern ethos of streetwear.
How to Improve:
o Use bold, sans-serif fonts with sharp or angular elements for a contemporary feel.
o Custom typography can make the logo unique and more recognizable.
o Consider integrating slight graffiti-inspired or geometric touches for an urban aesthetic.

2. Iconography and Symbols

What Needs Improvement: The logo may lack a distinct symbol or icon that complements the typography.
How to Improve:
o Introduce a minimalistic yet striking icon, such as an abstract representation of street culture or an element inspired by local Malang identity (e.g., mountains, street art).
o Ensure the icon is scalable and recognizable on small items like merchandise tags or digital screens.

3. Color Palette Modernization
What Needs Improvement: Colors play a critical role in brand recall and emotional impact.
How to Improve:
o Opt for a sleek, monochromatic scheme with pops of bold, vibrant colors like neon green, electric blue, or red.
o Align the palette with trends in the streetwear industry while maintaining timelessness.

4. Simplicity and Versatility
What Needs Improvement: The logo should be easy to reproduce across various mediums and formats.
How to Improve:
o Simplify intricate details that may not translate well to smaller formats.
o Create a modular version of the logo, such as a symbol-only variation for compact spaces.

5. Integration of Local Identity
What Needs Improvement: Highlighting the brand’s roots can strengthen its authenticity.
How to Improve:
o Incorporate subtle design elements inspired by Malang’s culture or environment (e.g., natural motifs or architectural patterns).
o Use storytelling to explain the significance of these elements to the audience.

6. Adaptation for Digital Media
What Needs Improvement: The logo must be optimized for modern digital platforms.
How to Improve:
o Design a flat, clean version for digital use

o Create animated versions of the logo for dynamic content on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

7. Emotional Resonance and Brand Story
What Needs Improvement: A logo should evoke emotions and tell a story that connects with the audience.
How to Improve:
o Embed visual cues that resonate with the target demographic’s values, such as freedom, individuality, or rebellion.
o Align the logo’s evolution with the brand’s growth narrative

Conclusion
In summary, Realizm87 faces several challenges in promoting its logo effectively, including standing out in the crowded streetwear market, building a strong digital presence, and engaging a younger, trend-focused audience. Key opportunities lie in refining their logo for greater uniqueness and scalability, leveraging digital platforms creatively, and fostering connections through local collaborations and storytelling. By addressing these challenges strategically such as by modernizing their visual identity, enhancing their online visibility, and creating community-driven campaigns Realizm87 can strengthen its brand recognition and solidify its position in both local and broader markets. From all of the above, Realizm87 has many challenges as a streetwear brand, which now has a lot of streetwear brands and makes them a differentiator for many people to choose from among the many brand choices in Indonesia.

Rifqi Naufal Dzaky