Animated hero image showcasing the Lusitânia series' graphic identity, blending ancient Portuguese mythology with a bold visual style.

Branding

LUSITÂNIA | Graphic Identity

  • Art Direction
  • Graphic Design
  • Graphic Identity
  • Motion Graphics
  • Iconography

The Challenge

How do you create a graphic identity that captures the mystical essence and folklore-rich narratives of a series while appealing to a broad audience?

LUSITÂNIA, a six-episode fantasy/adventure anthology created by Nuno Soler and brought to life by Frederico Serra, explores Portugal’s enchanting myths and mysteries. Tasked by Take It Easy Film, we embarked on a creative journey to craft an identity that honors the series’ imagery while delivering a timeless and evocative visual language.

The challenge was to design a cohesive identity for a series where each episode unfolds in a distinct genre, yet all are interconnected by themes of mystery, sorcery, and exploration. The visual elements needed to captivate viewers without relying on excessive embellishments, instead embracing the rich traditions and storytelling heritage of Portuguese folklore.

Icons and curiosities from the Lusitânia series episodes Inês Negra and Aposta com o Diabo, showcasing symbolic details from Portuguese folklore.Icons and curiosities from the Lusitânia series episodes Cidade Perdida and Boi Vermelho, highlighting myths and cultural symbolism.Icons and curiosities from the Lusitânia series episodes Lenda da Serpente and Criança Lobo, illustrating mythical symbols and creatures.Mupi with the main poster for the Lusitânia series premiere, showcasing episode icons inspired by Portuguese folklore.Opening title animation for Inês Negra, from the Lusitânia series, depicting the historic siege of Melgaço by King João I, blending Portuguese history and folklore.Opening title animation for Aposta com o Diabo, from the Lusitânia series, inspired by the legend of Ponte-da-Aliviada, where the Devil tricks villagers in a humorous folklore tale.Opening title animation for Cidade Perdida, from the Lusitânia series, based on the myth of the “Three Little Frogs” from Eiriz, blending folklore with mystery.Opening title animation for Boi Vermelho, from the Lusitânia series, inspired by the legend of a sorcerer who hid treasure at Fonte de São João, merging magic and folklore.Opening title animation for Lenda da Serpente, from the Lusitânia series, retelling the traditional tale of “Couber Briga” about a giant snake that fell into the Mondego River.Opening title animation for Criança Lobo, from the Lusitânia series, inspired by the legend of Darque, where a boy transforms into a wolf under the full moon.Instagram Story announcing the premiere of Lusitânia, featuring the main series poster with all episode symbols.Instagram posts announcing the premiere of each Lusitânia episode, highlighting individual posters inspired by folklore.

The Solution

We crafted an immersive and visually captivating graphic identity that brings LUSITÂNIA to life, rooted in the mysticism and timeless charm of Portuguese myths and legends.

  • Rustic Iconography:
    To reflect the series' folklore-inspired narratives, we designed unique icons for each legend featured in the anthology. These hand-drawn symbols, inspired by ancient carvings and rustic illustrations, evoke the essence of forgotten stories—hidden in caves or etched into old books. Their raw, organic style honors the authenticity and traditions of storytelling passed down through generations.

  • Distinctive Color Palettes for Each Episode:
    Each opening sequence was infused with a unique color palette to establish a distinctive atmosphere, tailored to the genre and tone of the episode. These palettes evoke a sense of discovery, like unearthing secrets in a hidden cave illuminated by light, adding depth and anticipation to each narrative.

  • Title Sequence Animation:
    The opening title sequence was designed as an immersive experience to elicit wonder and anticipation, captivating viewers while setting the tone for the unfolding stories.

  • Promotional Materials & Social Media:
    The graphic identity extended beyond the screen to include posters and social media content, preserving the mysterious and enchanting essence of LUSITÂNIA. These materials served to engage audiences further, helping the series transcend the television format by expanding into digital platforms and bridging the gap to its website.

Featured posters of Boi Vermelho, Lenda da Serpente, and Criança Lobo from the Lusitânia series, highlighting iconic visuals from Portuguese folklore-inspired episodes.

Collaborating with Itsanashow Studio was a fantastic experience. Their team established a trusting dialogue, easing my doubts and delivering beyond expectations. I loved the outcome.

Frederico Serra

Producer & Director at Take It Easy

Official posters for Inês Negra, Aposta com o Diabo, and Cidade Perdida episodes from Lusitânia, celebrating Portuguese folklore and legendary tales.Official posters for Boi Vermelho, Lenda da Serpente, and Criança Lobo episodes from Lusitânia, celebrating Portuguese myths and folklore.

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