Crafting a dynamic visual identity for Hyderabad FC's 2021-2022 championship journey.
When I was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the visual identity for Hyderabad FC during the ISL 2021-2022 season, I knew this would be more than just a branding project, it would be about crafting an experience that fans could connect with, one that spoke to the rich culture of Hyderabad while also elevating the club’s identity in the ever-evolving world of football.
The Hyderabad FC logo draws inspiration from the city’s iconic monument, the Charminar, a symbol of Hyderabad's rich history and architectural beauty.
The four vertical lines in the logo represent the minarets of the Charminar, standing tall as pillars of heritage and strength. These lines are paired with stylised elements representing the region’s unique cultural identity, along with the bold "HYD" lettering to form a strong, modern visual identity.
The design aims to encapsulate the city's vibrant, resilient and forward-looking spirit, making it a powerful visual statement for the club.
Match days are more than just events; they are moments of high emotion, bringing together fans, players and the city. The graphics designed for match days were an extension of this feeling. Each match day graphic aimed to energise the supporters, while maintaining consistency with the overall visual identity.
Whether it was pre-match promotions, in-match visuals or post-match highlights, I ensured the graphics felt fresh, dynamic, and in tune with the pulse of the game. They were crafted to engage not just Hyderabad FC’s supporters but the wider football community as well.
A key aspect of our match day graphics was how the entire look and feel of our social media presence changed depending on whether the team was wearing the home, away, or third kit. Each kit had its own unique personality and narrative, and this was reflected in the graphics and content we created around match days.
By strategically aligning our match day graphics with the team’s kits, we not only maintained visual consistency but also created opportunities to drive jersey sales. Every time a kit was worn, we tailored the content around it, showcasing the players in action, behind-the-scenes moments, and fan interactions, all designed to remind supporters of the kit’s availability for purchase.
As the season progressed, the momentum continued to build. By the time we reached the final stages of the competition, Hyderabad FC had defied expectations and was on the cusp of something historic.
The final was not just a game, it was a culmination of everything the team and the supporters had worked for. I wanted them to convey the stakes of the match, the passion of the fans and the sense of unity that had been fostered throughout the season.
When Hyderabad FC clinched the victory in the final, the energy was indescribable. It wasn’t just a win, it was the realisation of a vision, a dream shared by the players, the fans and the entire city. The victory graphic I created had to reflect this euphoria, pride and celebration.
The emotional intensity of the image, combined with bold typography, created a powerful and iconic visual that marked the team’s triumph.
The post garnered an overwhelming amount of likes, shares, and comments, becoming one of the most engaging pieces of content the club had ever posted.
It was clear that the fans were not just reacting to the win, they were feeling a deep connection to the team and the journey we had all been on together.
While match days were the focal points of the season, it was just as important to keep the energy high and the fans engaged during the days when no games were played. The challenge was to create supporting graphics that maintained the excitement, enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming matches, even during off days.
These supporting graphics played a vital role in keeping Hyderabad FC's fanbase connected to the team and involved in the season's journey.
As the ISL 2021-2022 season drew to an exciting close with Hyderabad FC’s victory, I saw an incredible opportunity to amplify the club’s winning season through digital billboards strategically placed across the city.
The idea was not only to celebrate our success but also to enhance the ways fans interacted with the club’s branding. By leveraging the power of digital billboards, I aimed to create a more dynamic and immersive experience for the people of Hyderabad.
Some of the advantages of these digital billboards are:
The possibilities to use fixed graphics, 2D animations and even 3D immersive animations are the highlights of using a digital bill board.
At the end of a historic season, with Hyderabad FC securing the championship, the club's logo was given a significant update—a star was added above the crest, symbolising the team’s triumph and their place at the top of Indian football.
The star above the logo now serves as a reminder of the club’s legacy and their ambition to continue reaching new heights in the future.
Some discarded options:
