Leandro Furtado • branding expert
This piece was created to promote the “Atelier Bande Dessinée” (Comic Book Workshop), an event that unites two legacies: the tradition of French language teaching and the richness of Franco-Belgian comics. The Key Visual celebrates a double milestone: 75 years of Alliance Française and over 60 years of Obelix, one of the world’s most beloved cultural characters. The goal is to show that learning French is a gateway to a vast and entertaining cultural universe.
The art direction used a bold geometric division to create immediate impact:
The Tower Silhouette: The background is divided by a central ascending curve that subtly alludes to the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower.
The Colors of France: This division uses vibrant red on the left and deep blue on the right. The negative space and the central character complete the French flag triad (Bleu, Blanc, Rouge), creating an instant national identity without being cliché.
The piece’s unique selling point is the three-dimensional interaction between the character and the visual identity:
Obelix in 3D: The use of a high-quality 3D render of Obelix brings modernity and volume to the piece. He isn’t just “pasted” on the background; he has physical presence.
Interaction with the Logo: The character physically interacts with the “af” (Alliance Française) logo, embracing and leaning on the typography. This symbolizes closeness, a welcoming spirit, and the idea that the “Alliance” is made of people and stories.
To balance the visual weight of the illustration, typography was applied with surgical precision:
Headlines: The title “ATELIER BANDE DESSINÉE” in uppercase bold sans-serif creates a solid text block that contrasts with the red background, ensuring quick readability.
Iconography: The use of linear icons (such as the calendar and the French flag) organizes the service data (Date: March 3rd, 2020) cleanly, guiding the viewer’s eye to the call to action.
This Key Visual fulfills the role of rejuvenating the brand’s perception. By associating Alliance Française with humor and comic art, the piece communicates that the institution is a hub of vibrant cultural experiences. The invitation “Come Participate” becomes irresistible by promising not just a class, but “a coffee with history” alongside giants of graphic literature.
I’ve been working as an art director for over 10 years for various clients, primarily Brazilian, but also international.
Besides my passion for design, I’m also a corporate photographer and web designer, creating beautiful digital systems for individuals and businesses.
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