Red 94.5

Challenge

Red 94.5 needed a full brand identity and digital presence ahead of their station launch, fast. With a focus on new music and a younger demographic, the station needed to feel bold, energetic, and rooted in the local community. It also had to stand out in a competitive radio market dominated by long-standing stations.

Strategy

We leaned into the name Red as a nod to Nebraska football culture, but gave it a fresh, modern twist through curved shapes, layered colors, and a playful dot-based icon inspired by equalizer bars. Every design choice centered around movement, sound, and momentum.

To connect with the community, we launched a grassroots audio campaign that invited real people from Lincoln to record the phrase “I am Red 94.5.” These snippets were edited into layered bumpers that aired between segments, giving the station a feeling of collective ownership and hype.

Design Highlights

• Logo & Identity: Developed the nameplate, color palette, and visual language using warm colors, layered textures, and energetic shapes
• Vehicle Wraps: Designed full car wrap to bring visibility to the station around town
• Web Design: Created a desktop-first website including a temporary teaser page, media player components, and custom section layouts
• Social Graphics: Built a launch social media kit including cover photos, event promos, and a visual system for artist features
• Community Campaign: Concepted and produced the “I am Red 94.5” audio initiative where real locals became part of the brand
• Marketing Materials: Designed out-of-home signage, digital ads, and internal promo assets

Role & Contributions

• Led all branding, web, and promotional design
• Collaborated with the lead host (Caleb James) to refine brand tone and experience
• Recruited local community members for voice campaign
• Built high-fidelity site and ad mockups for dev handoff
• Managed production of vehicle wrap and print deliverables

Outcomes

• Successfully launched Red 94.5 as a standout youth-oriented station
• Created an ownable brand that balanced local pride with music-forward design
• Built strong community engagement through user generated content based voice campaign
• Delivered an energetic, cohesive brand across every touchpoint; digital, physical, and social

Reflection

This project was all heart and hustle. We created a brand that felt alive, not just because of the visuals, but because people saw themselves in it. That’s what design should do: reflect and amplify the people it’s for.

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