Bloobloom
Creating an authentic, distinctive, and philanthropic eyewear brand that stands out in a competitive market
Brand Identity, Visual Identity, Brand Guidelines, Packaging Design, Artworking, Print Production, Website Design, Art Direction
R
Riff
Developing a groundbreaking social media platform that defies traditional norms, celebrates individuality, and unites people through the power of music
Brand Identity
Visual Identity
UI/UX Design
Product Design
Website Design
Design System
Design Direction
Brand Implementation
Product Strategy
Research and Insight
Bodkin collaborated extensively with the entire team at Riff to develop their visual identity, brand, digital applications, and social media presence. Riff, a voice and video-based social media platform, features live events where creators can engage freely on various topics, interact with their audience, and even invite users to join them ‘on stage’ for discussions.
At the core of Riff is music, which serves as a vital connector, mirroring real-life interactions by fostering connections among people who share a passion for the same artists.
We aimed to create a logo and product that would make the company a standout in the crowded tech and social media landscape of Silicon Valley. Our objective was to develop a brand capable of drawing users away from established global social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This brand was conceived from a desire to challenge the conventional expectations of social media platforms. For many years, industry giants have dominated this space with clean, modern, and simple logos that prioritize efficiency over individuality. In designing the world of Riff, we chose a different path, embracing boldness, creativity, and imperfection to forge a space that celebrates the user’s unique personality and individual quirks. We drew inspiration from earlier, less restricted times in social media history, recalling platforms like MySpace, which offered far greater creativity and customizability than today’s mainstream options.
For the visual identity and brand world of Riff, we embraced the iconic aesthetic of the 80s and early 90s, a period when the visual language of technology was bright, sharp, and visually captivating.
The technological future envisioned during this era was filled with excitement and stood in stark contrast to the clean, sterile aesthetics of our competitors. Drawing inspiration from this retro-futuristic vibe, the Riff brand aims to evoke a sense of excitement and optimism about technology. The Riff logo features a distinctive retro step-fade trailing an "R," symbolizing the infinite colors and diversity of the app's rooms and users. This "R" has become a central brand element, serving as a recognizable frame for creator photos and forming the basis for vibrant, engaging backgrounds and artwork across various touchpoints.
We crafted an interface and user experience that rendered the complex live spaces within Riff both exciting and intuitive. Additionally, we conceptualized and built many of the features currently seen on the app, ranging from enabling users to create content to assisting creators in generating more revenue through digital gifting and NFTs. Riff represents a new generation of social media and is undergoing rapid evolution. Thus, our role extended far beyond simply designing appealing interfaces. We engaged in continuous market research, innovation, and close collaboration with a team of developers to integrate new features into an ever-evolving product. We also established a robust design system that facilitated the simultaneous development of iOS, Android, and web platforms, while ensuring new functionalities and screens were designed as efficiently and consistently as possible.
"Choosing the right designer for our Silicon Valley, VC-backed tech start up was crucial, and we hit the jackpot with James. His unparalleled expertise and creativity have not only revitalized our brand but propelled our app and website into the forefront of consumer platforms.
From the outset, James demonstrated an exceptional level of detail and creativity. His ability to bring abstract concepts to life is nothing short of genius. The user interface is not only beautiful but also intuitively aligns with the needs of our users, making every interaction a pleasure.
Working with James has been an enlightening experience. His patience, responsiveness, and dedication to exceeding expectations made the entire process seamless. He isn’t just a designer; he’s a strategic partner who adds value well beyond the conventional scope.
His work speaks volumes of his capability to manage even the most demanding projects, ensuring every aspect is perfect to the last pixel. James stands in a class of his own and comes with our highest recommendation. If you seek a world-class talent to elevate your project, look no further."
Kara Katz, CEO of Riff
