Project Overview:

Client: Combat Connect
Industry: Fitness & Wellness (Martial Arts and Breathwork)
Role: Senior Graphic Designer
Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects
Project Type: Branding, Advertising, Social Media, Posters, Flyers
Duration: 3 months

Combat Connect is an innovative program blending martial arts (kickboxing, boxing, Muay Thai) with breathwork to enhance both physical and mental growth. Their brand already had a strong visual identity, using bold green and black tones with an energetic vibe. The challenge was to expand this identity with new designs that captured the power of martial arts and also promoted a trainer’s visit to Suriname, as well as the various classes, training, and sessions the program offered.

In addition to working with the client in Amsterdam, this project also involved collaborating with local printers in the city to ensure the designs were executed with the utmost quality print materials.

Challenge:

The challenge was to expand Combat Connect’s existing basic brand identity to create a more dynamic and cohesive look, suitable for a wide range of promotional materials. The goal was to elevate the brand’s visual presence by utilizing its existing elements—bold green and black colors—while adding more energy and depth to the designs. This was crucial for creating a consistent visual identity across all platforms and marketing materials, including social media ads, posters, and banners.

The immediate focus was on crafting designs for an upcoming campaign to promote a trainer’s visit to Suriname, but the scope expanded to include materials that would strengthen the brand’s presence in Amsterdam and beyond. This included posters, wall displays, and other promotional assets that aligned with the energetic and bold tone of the brand.

Social Media Campaign

To support the campaign, I developed a range of marketing assets that focused on creating an impactful presence online and in physical spaces. These designs captured the intensity and energy of martial arts while conveying the different types of training sessions offered during the trainer's visit to Suriname. The solution involved bold imagery, dynamic typography, and motion effects to highlight the unique aspects of the program.

For the social media campaign, I created static posts designed to capture the attention of the audience instantly. Using powerful imagery of martial artists in motion and bold typography, these visuals emphasized the strength and intensity of Combat Connect. I also ensured the designs communicated the core message of the program, while promoting the trainer's visit and the specific events during that time.

Posters and Flyers

I designed impactful posters and flyers to communicate the energy of the program in physical spaces. The posters featured high-energy imagery and the bold green typography associated with Combat Connect, ensuring they would stand out and attract attention. Flyers were designed to share event details in a clear and concise way, with an emphasis on motivating potential participants to sign up for the training sessions.

Results

The campaign significantly enhanced Combat Connect's brand presence and engagement, marking the company’s first major social media initiative. As a result of the campaign, social media engagement on their Instagram account increased by 40%, with a noticeable uptick in comments, likes, and shares—an indication of the program’s growing online visibility. This was especially impactful as the client had not posted regularly prior to this campaign.

Moreover, the event in Suriname was a tremendous success, with attendance booked to full capacity. The trainer’s visit exceeded expectations, creating a buzz that led to plans for a second visit later that year, showcasing the lasting impact of the campaign. With future ambitions of hosting full retreats, the campaign laid the groundwork for ongoing engagement and growth, further solidifying Combat Connect’s presence in both local and international markets.