CBARS.io — Branding, Illustration System & Full Digital Identity
A playful yet forward-thinking brand identity designed to position CBARS.io as the innovative bridge between cryptocurrencies and modern gifting.
Overview: In today’s evolving digital landscape, “crypto” has become a household term among risk-takers, innovators, and forward-thinkers. CBARS.io reimagines this concept by transforming cryptocurrencies into digitalized gift cards. Whether for birthdays, festive holidays, or special occasions, CBARS.io offers a creative and profitable gifting alternative that not only surprises but also empowers recipients with potential investment opportunities. By blending finance with fun, CBARS.io makes digital currencies accessible, engaging, and celebratory. I was commissioned to create the full brand identity system from the ground up, with a strong focus on illustration and storytelling, ensuring that every touchpoint felt approachable, modern, and memorable.
My role: Lead Designer — brand strategy, creative direction, illustration system, character design, app design (UI/UX), website design, gift card design, typography system, visual identity system, social media templates, marketing collateral, digital and printable materials, and full brand guideline book.
Challenge: The challenge was to present cryptocurrencies—often perceived as complex, intimidating, or niche—in a way that felt fun, trustworthy, and giftable. CBARS.io needed to stand apart from conventional crypto platforms by embracing creativity and emotional connection. The identity had to appeal to both tech-savvy investors and casual gift-givers, while being versatile enough to work across app interfaces, gift cards, illustrations, and digital campaigns. Balancing financial credibility with playful visual storytelling was key.
Approach: The design process began with research into fintech branding, gift-giving cultures, and illustration-led identity systems. Moodboards combined vibrant, celebratory color palettes with approachable typography and character-driven storytelling. I created three distinct directions before refining the chosen one into a complete identity system. Illustrations became the cornerstone of the brand: custom icons for each service, playful characters to personify the brand’s energy, and engaging visuals that brought crypto-gifting to life. These were integrated into gift card designs, app and website interfaces, and social media campaigns, ensuring a consistent narrative. The entire system was documented in a comprehensive brand guideline book, equipping CBARS.io with a scalable framework for long-term use.
Deliverables: Brand style guide, illustration system, custom iconography, character design, gift card design, typography system, app UI/UX design, website design, social media templates, stationery, marketing collateral, digital and printable materials, and full brand guideline book.
Outcome: The final identity positioned CBARS.io as a fresh, innovative, and human-centric player in the digital finance space. The playful yet professional visuals made cryptocurrencies approachable, reframing them as exciting, meaningful, and even celebratory gifts.
Want to make a complex concept feel simple, fun, and unforgettable? Let’s talk — I design illustration-led identities that connect brands with people in meaningful ways.
