Overview
Kontraste is one of Germany’s most respected investigative news formats, known for bold reporting and sharp editorial perspective. As Art Director, I was responsible for a comprehensive visual refresh, modernizing the brand while preserving its journalistic authority and recognizability.

Concept
The design challenge was to reflect Kontraste’s critical, hard-hitting tone while bringing its visual presence in line with current broadcast standards. We leaned into a clean, high-contrast visual language, combined with bold typographic treatments and animated transitions to support clarity and storytelling.

Execution
Delivered a cohesive on-air branding package:

  • Redesigned logo and opening titles with modern motion principles
  • Developed a modular graphics system for recurring content types
  • Updated lower thirds, transitions, and endboards for consistency and readability
  • Colaborated with studio designers to provide graphic assets for set design
  • Aligned all elements with ARD’s/Das Erste's broader visual standards

Impact
The refreshed package strengthened Kontraste’s visual identity across platforms; TV, web, and social, helping the show stand out in a crowded media landscape while reinforcing its reputation for credible, urgent journalism.

ARD Kontraste –
Investigative Political Magazine
 

Role
Art Director (Freelance, Agency Side)

Agency
Alpenblick GmbH

Project
Brand Refresh, Broadcast Design System

Client
ARD Design – Kontraste

Awards
German Design Award Special
Excellent Communications Design,
Corporate Identity
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World Media Festivals Hamburg 
Silver, Category: News, Programme Openers and Titles

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Eyes & Ears  Awards Europe, Winner:
Gold: Best Programme-Related Design Package
Gold: Best Information Or News Design 
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Awards

German Design Award Special
Excellent Communications Design,
Corporate Identity

World Media Festivals Hamburg 
Silver, Category: News, Programme Openers and Titles

Eyes & Ears  Awards Europe, Winner:
Gold: Best Programme-Related Design Package
Gold: Best Information Or News Design 

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Projects

KONTRASTEOn-Air Design Package

Clinch BrandingCorporate Design

Winter im ErstenStation ID - Motion Design

Flight Control LaunchProduct Marketing

Despots Of The PresentPoster & Flyer Design

BMW iPad AppUX/UI Design

Flight Control RoadmapProduct Marketing

EvoleoUX/UI Design

Anniversary LogoLogo Design

A Nightmare on Ad StreetDigital Campaign

Schwaebisch MediaCompany Website

Gmund Beer PaperRetail Spot

VIASAT TV3Channel Redesign

VIASAT TV1000Channel Redesign

Talk Show RedesignOn-Air Design

Election ShowOn-Air Design Package

Science ProgramOn-Air Design Package