Case Study: SEB\MAN Brand Development and Launch
Client: SEB\MAN
Agency: POISON
Scope: Brand Identity Development, Creative Direction, Art Direction, Photography, Video Production
Introducing a new line-up of grooming products by Sebastian Professional. SEB MAN is grooming for men who refuse to be categorized. Enabling undefinable men to express all versions of themselves, in the most hassle-free way. Shot in LA. (Project includes: Concept research, brand identity development, print campaign art direction and design, video campaign, digital and editorial content creation for social media channels.)
Overview:
SEB\MAN came to POISON in its earliest stages, with an ambition to establish a distinctive presence within the crowded men’s grooming market. With no prior brand identity, SEB\MAN challenged us to create a bold and recognizable identity that would resonate across global markets. We worked from the ground up, developing brand guidelines, visual and creative direction, and online positioning that defined SEB\MAN’s place in the industry.
The Challenge:
In a landscape saturated with grooming brands, SEB\MAN needed a unique identity to appeal to modern men who value flexibility, authenticity, and style. The goal was to build a brand that felt fresh yet relatable, capable of standing out on both digital platforms and third-party e-commerce channels. We aimed to create an identity that wasn’t just visually striking but also coherent and adaptable across international markets.
Creative Development and Brand Identity:
Our approach began with an extensive concept development phase, establishing SEB\MAN’s core brand values and target audience. From this foundation, we built a visual identity that married rugged authenticity with refined style, aimed at the modern man who values both quality and individuality.
We crafted a full suite of brand guidelines, covering typography, color palettes, and logo usage, as well as specific directives for tone and style across all platforms. These guidelines provided a cohesive foundation that enabled SEB\MAN to communicate consistently, regardless of market or platform.
Art Direction and Visual Production:
The art direction was rooted in a clean, versatile aesthetic that reflected the sophistication of SEB\MAN’s products while remaining approachable. We led on-set photography and video production to capture the essence of the brand, creating images and visuals that embodied strength, authenticity, and effortless style. This visual language was designed to feel timeless yet modern, ensuring that SEB\MAN would remain relevant in a rapidly evolving market.
The assets developed were intentionally versatile, allowing the brand to scale its visual identity globally. The photography and video content continues to appear not only on SEB\MAN’s digital platforms but also across third-party vendor sites in Paris, Spain, the UK, and beyond, affirming the brand’s consistent and recognizable presence worldwide.
Online Positioning and Digital Consistency:
Given SEB\MAN’s digital-first approach, it was crucial to ensure that the brand’s presence on e-commerce platforms and social media was as engaging and identifiable as in-store. We developed strategies for SEB\MAN’s online positioning, ensuring the brand’s message and identity remained intact across every digital touchpoint.
Outcome:
SEB\MAN emerged from this collaboration with a cohesive and compelling identity that has resonated with audiences globally. The brand guidelines we developed continue to guide SEB\MAN’s visual and verbal expression, ensuring a consistent experience for customers across various platforms and markets.
By building SEB\MAN’s foundation with a clear, differentiated identity, POISON successfully positioned the brand as a memorable and recognizable player in men’s grooming. The ongoing visibility of our images and guidelines in key global markets highlights the enduring strength of SEB\MAN’s brand identity—one that POISON is proud to have established from the ground up.