Queenie
Details
Client
Disney+, Lionsgate, Channel 4
Role
Digital Designer
Services
- UI Design
- Motion Graphics
- Typography
- Digital Interface Design
Brief
For the TV adaptation of Candice Carty-Williams' bestselling novel Queenie, the brief required designing various graphics, typography and social media interfaces that felt realistic while avoiding direct recreation of existing platforms due to licensing constraints.
Approach
I created various 'social media inspired' digital interfaces, title cards, credits, lower thirds, emoji systems and other graphics that would appear on screen. The designs needed to be instantly recognizable as social media and messaging platforms while being legally distinct from existing services.
Each interface was carefully crafted to match the tone and narrative context of the scenes they appeared in, while maintaining visual consistency across the series.
The title sequence and credits were designed to establish the show's visual identity and set the tone for the narrative. Typography choices were carefully considered to reflect the contemporary London setting and the protagonist's journey.
Dating App Interfaces
A key element of the show required the creation of a fictional dating app called "LOVE BELOW." The interface needed to be instantly recognizable as a dating app while avoiding direct similarities to existing platforms. The design incorporates familiar swiping mechanics and profile layouts while establishing its own unique visual identity.
Messaging Interfaces
Multiple messaging interfaces were created to represent different conversations and group chats throughout the series. Each interface was designed with a distinct color scheme to help viewers quickly identify which conversation they were seeing. The interfaces include features like voice messages, typing indicators, and read receipts to enhance realism.
Additional Interface Elements
To complete the digital ecosystem, additional interface elements were created including a dark mode variation and a custom emoji set. The emoji designs were particularly important as they needed to be recognizable as emojis while avoiding copyright issues with existing emoji sets. Multiple skin tone variations were created to reflect the show's diverse cast.
Results
The digital interfaces created for Queenie successfully integrated into the show's narrative, providing visual storytelling elements that enhanced the viewing experience without distracting from the plot. The designs received positive feedback from the production team and helped bring the contemporary London setting to life on screen.
The interfaces were featured prominently throughout the series, appearing in multiple episodes and becoming an integral part of how the characters communicated and interacted with each other and the world around them.