Orre Khah
Branding
Orre Khah is a cultural documentary series concept focused on the forgotten rituals, music, and folklore of remote highland communities. The project aimed to blend digital storytelling with visual anthropology, creating a compelling identity for a multi-platform content series. Our responsibility was to design the brand system, visual tone, and presentation assets for the series pitch. The title “Orre Khah”—a phrase rooted in a dialect meaning “echo of the earth”—inspired a design journey that embraced natural textures, historical artifacts, and organic typography. The goal was to make something visually poetic, rooted in memory yet digitally immersive.
Overview
We developed a brand identity that reflected both the stillness and depth of ancient cultural expressions. Earthy colors like ochre, slate, and deep forest green were combined with raw textures to form the base palette. The logo was handcrafted, inspired by ancient stone carvings and script-like symbols passed down orally through generations. We created a mood board and layout system for episodic storytelling—balancing images, subtitles, and minimal type. Every design choice—from font pairings to composition—was intended to evoke timelessness and reverence. The result was a design direction that honored the past while inviting the modern viewer in.
Challenges
Designing for a project steeped in heritage required extraordinary sensitivity. We had to avoid romanticizing or distorting the culture, especially when presenting visuals for a global audience unfamiliar with the regions being highlighted. Another challenge was ensuring the assets could adapt across platforms—video intros, streaming thumbnails, printed booklets, and academic presentations—all while preserving the visual integrity. The abstract nature of oral history and undocumented traditions also posed difficulties in forming a structured visual narrative. The absence of consistent visual references meant we had to work with scattered cues, field research photos, and recorded interviews.
Solutions
To maintain cultural authenticity, we collaborated closely with local researchers and artists during the design process. We used analog techniques—like ink stamps, charcoal sketches, and handmade textures—to create a tactile design language. These elements were digitized and layered with clean, modern layouts for usability. We also built a visual toolkit that included lower-third graphics, opening title animations, and customizable episode thumbnails. A documentary-style type system, with wide spacing and understated elegance, was selected to echo the thoughtful pace of the storytelling. We ensured the system could scale for both quiet, reflective visuals and more dramatic narrative beats.
Outcome
The Orre Khah presentation won multiple grants and academic endorsements before even beginning production. It was praised by festival curators for its respectful and innovative visual direction. The project has since entered pre-production, with plans to premiere at independent film festivals and stream on documentary-focused platforms. The brand identity we developed continues to guide visual decisions across every touchpoint—from promotional teasers to subtitle design. Beyond its aesthetic success, Orre Khah now stands as a bridge between oral tradition and digital preservation, using design as a medium for cultural memory and meaningful storytelling.