The problem
Solana isn’t just another blockchain player – it’s a heavyweight. While many web3 design efforts struggle to balance showcasing their innovation potential with establishing credibility, Solana’s blockchain platform already boasts a reputation for exceptional performance and adaptability.
With this unique advantage on our side, the true challenge was departing from the typical tech and web3 aesthetics and forging a visual identity for the Hackathon theme that balanced Solana’s cutting-edge image with a warm, lighthearted vibe.
The solution
Given our successful track record of Solana projects, we had earned their full confidence, allowing us the creative freedom to push boundaries and experiment with fresh styles.
During the project’s early stages, our team convened for a collaborative brainstorming session. From a diverse range of concepts, we breathed life into a shared theme characterized by energy, vibrancy, and a touch of downright weirdness. This eccentric style not only celebrated the camaraderie of a traditional summer camp but also resonated with humanity’s inherent drive to collaborate, create, and venture into uncharted territories.
Branding
While the majority of Hackathon events take place in the digital realm, our mission was to cultivate an atmosphere that felt as real as roasting marshmallows around a campfire. To achieve this, we crafted “tangible” assets, including location-specific badges and typography so textured and dimensional that it evoked a palpable sense of touch.
Drawing inspiration from our initial team collaborations, we embraced a distinctive twist on retrofuturism. Melding bright, nostalgic color palettes with bold contrasts and organic shapes, we laid the foundation for a visually engaging experience that inspired excitement in potential participants.
Illustrations
Just as campers develop self-reliance by acquiring valuable skills, participants in hackathons strengthen their capabilities and confidence through competition. Our illustrations mirrored this journey, reflecting individuals stepping out of their comfort zones and meeting like-minded peers. Human figures took on whimsical dimensions with elongated, disproportionate limbs and exaggerated facial expressions, while vibrant skin tones ventured into alien hues.
This metamorphosis culminated in an ensemble of playfully rogue characters, each embodying the personal growth and innovation shared by both campers and Hackathon participants.
Website
We combined a nostalgic color palette with a future-forward vision, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that stood out from the standard tech landscape. Diverging from conventional summer camp visuals, we shifted our focus from the beauty of natural surroundings to the foreground, where humans assumed the spotlight against black or gradient skies. Our imagery integrated wild and outlandish elements with the simplicity and abstraction of web3 design.
The results
Not only did Solana love what we created, it also helped attract over 18,000 participants, who collectively produced 750 final projects. Remarkably, 31 of these projects secured $5 million in funding, injecting innovation and momentum into the Solana ecosystem.
Overall, the marketing campaign for Solana's Summer Camp Hackathon exemplified how a deep client-agency partnership, coupled with creative freedom, can yield remarkable results.
Made in collaboration with Unfold
