Revenant

Challenge

Revenant is an award-winning VFX studio specialising in animation, motion, graphics and visual effects. With a portfolio spanning broadcast, film, digital, experiential, games and commercials, their work is defined by atmosphere, craft and a meticulous attention to detail.

They approached us to revisit their existing brand identity and digital presence, creating a system that could better reflect the calibre, personality and technical ambition of the studio.

Approach

Our starting point was the name itself. “Revenant” means “one that returns after death or a long absence”,  a definition rich with visual and conceptual potential. From there, we explored themes of mortality, resurrection, science fiction and gaming culture, building a brand world that felt both nostalgic and future-facing.

One of the key references came through the number 8. Not only does “Revenant” contain eight letters, but the number also holds symbolic associations with death in Greek mythology. This became the foundation for a geometric grid system, which informed the development of a custom wordmark and logo marque.

Working in collaboration with Scottish type foundry Polytype, we crafted a bespoke wordmark built around this grid. The result is a careful balance of contrast: sharp yet cinematic, nostalgic yet technological.

A distinctive double “X” element was introduced as a subtle reference to death, while also evoking the familiar visual language of gaming, where “X” often marks loss, lives and mortality.

We named the double X marque ‘ Harry’ after legendary animator Ray Harryhausen who is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the animation and special effects.

The Revenant team pushed the idea even further, creating an XX ident cut, a spectacular 45-second showcase of their artists’ bold, original interpretations of their XX logo.

Each ident brings a completely different perspective and creative skill set, from cinematic lighting and intricate textures to dynamic motion design. Yet every piece is united by one thing: a compelling story, told in unmistakable Revenant fashion.

The result is 45 seconds of pure, adrenaline-fuelled animated brilliance.

For the colour palette, flexibility was essential. Revenant’s work spans a wide range of styles, tones and formats, so the identity needed to complement rather than compete. We developed a neutral base of blue-black tones and off-white, allowing their projects to sit confidently at the centre of the brand across both print and digital applications.

The wider identity draws inspiration from sci-fi cinema and early gaming culture, with references ranging from Space Invaders to 2001: A Space Odyssey. Rather than leaning into pastiche, we used these influences to create a system that feels atmospheric, precise and quietly playful.

This personality was carried into the printed materials through a set of customisable business cards. Designed to feel personal and adaptable, the cards give each member of the Revenant team the opportunity to add their own individual touch while staying within the wider brand system.

The final phase of the project focused on equipping the in-house team with everything they needed to confidently roll out the new brand across every client touchpoint. We developed a comprehensive suite of proposal templates and social media assets that reflected the new visual identity while ensuring consistency, efficiency, and ease of use.

With these tools in place, the team can communicate the brand with confidence, maintaining a cohesive and professional presence across both client-facing documents and digital channels.

When we launched the brand, we celebrated the occasion by creating a series of custom beer labels for the team, the perfect way to raise a glass to an incredible collaboration with the Revenant team. Cheers to bringing a bold new brand to life together!

Collaboration with the Revenant team was central to the success of the project. Their technical ability, creative input and openness throughout the process helped push the identity and website further, resulting in a brand experience that feels distinctive, cinematic and built for the future.

Digital

The website became the most expressive part of the project. Given Revenant’s motion-led practice, we wanted the site to feel alive, using animation, interaction and video to showcase the studio’s talent in a way that felt immersive, intuitive and memorable.

The challenge was to create a digital experience that felt dynamic, but never overwhelming. Every interaction was considered with restraint, ensuring the site remained focused, clear and purposeful. The final result is a website that celebrates Revenant’s craft while reflecting their own “devil in the detail” approach.

We created a custom modular page builder that gives the client complete freedom to craft bespoke portfolio layouts around their work. Developed collaboratively during the design phase, it goes far beyond off-the-shelf systems, supporting interactive video, custom aspect ratios, infographics and integrated client video testimonials using the latest web technologies.