Lanyard and name badge for Alan Walker, Lead Researcher at the National Landing Research group, designed for Creative Cycle’s 2022 Focus Group event — showcasing custom branding and event collateral

The Hum - Brand Development

Client: Center for Nonviolent Conflict Research

Branding

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Social Media

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Motion Design

Overview

The Hum is a podcast that investigates the impact of data centers on the communities living in their shadows. The project explores the friction between large-scale digital infrastructure and the human experience at the local level. Our team led the end-to-end creative development, from naming the show to designing a visual identity that captures the podcast's investigative and disruptive spirit.

Team

Project Leader

Carlos Murguia

Senior Designer

Mihail Mansilla

Deliverables

Brand Guidelines

Media Visuals

Challenge

We needed to find an identity that matched the intensity of the subject matter. The challenge was to articulate the tension between massive, faceless technology and the people it affects, all while moving away from the polished, neutral aesthetics typically associated with tech media. The brand had to feel urgent and raw, reflecting a story that is happening on the ground, not in the abstract "cloud."

Challenge

Solution

The creative process began with a rigorous naming phase, testing many options before landing on The Hum—a title that evokes both the literal sound of a data center and the persistent, often ignored presence of digital infrastructure in our daily lives.

For the visual identity, we focused on:

Typography: We utilized a bold, expressive typeface to anchor the brand. The lettering is designed to feel tactile and urgent, providing a human-centered weight that contrasts with the technical, mechanical elements of the design.
Visual Narrative: The logo features an explosive, radial composition, capturing the moment of impact between human-scale reality and industrial infrastructure. By using high-contrast colors and dynamic, fragmented lines, we visually translated the concept of "friction" into a graphic form.
Graphic Language: Every element, from the scattering components to the bold text, was chosen to represent the active resistance of the communities featured in the series.

Solution

For the visual identity, we focused on:

Typography: We utilized a bold, expressive typeface to anchor the brand. The lettering is designed to feel tactile and urgent, providing a human-centered weight that contrasts with the technical, mechanical elements of the design.
Visual Narrative: The logo features an explosive, radial composition, capturing the moment of impact between human-scale reality and industrial infrastructure. By using high-contrast colors and dynamic, fragmented lines, we visually translated the concept of "friction" into a graphic form.
Graphic Language: Every element, from the scattering components to the bold text, was chosen to represent the active resistance of the communities featured in the series.

Branded office stationery design for the National Landing Research on a bright purple background showcasing Creative Cycle’s print collateral and visual identity work for the organization.

Impact

The final brand identity transformed a complex, often invisible issue into a bold, recognizable visual story. The name and logo immediately signal that The Hum is not a passive look at technology, but an active, investigative series centered on community advocacy. The design successfully breaks through the noise of the podcast landscape, providing a sharp, provocative aesthetic that perfectly aligns with the show’s mission to give a voice to those living beneath the cloud.

Impact

Final logotype of the Nactional Landing Research in silver displayed on a blue wall.

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Each retainer includes a set number of design or strategy requests per month, priority turnaround, and a dedicated point of contact. It’s built for teams who want ongoing support without starting from scratch every time.

How many requests can I make per month?

We typically handle up to two active requests at a time, with new ones queued as they’re completed. Most deliverables are turned around within 48–72 hours, depending on complexity.

Is a retainer better than a one-off project?

If you need ongoing design support, faster turnarounds, or regular iterations, a retainer is often more cost-effective and collaborative than starting fresh each time.

Who will I be working with?

You’ll work directly with senior designers and strategists. No middle layers, no fluff—just experienced people doing the work.

Do you work with international clients?

Yes. Most of our clients are remote. We’re fully set up to collaborate across time zones with clear communication and shared tools.

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hello@creativecycle.io

2303 Cavendish Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308

Virginia

Make it happen

Let's talk

hello@creativecycle.io

2303 Cavendish Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308

Virginia

Make it happen

Let's talk

hello@creativecycle.io

2303 Cavendish Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308

Virginia

Make it happen