Visual Playbook /6 When Sport Meets Style
A creative lens for turning athletic references into powerful fashion narratives
Hi everyone,
Welcome to the Visual Playbook #6 (yes I did actually call 2 playbooks #4 by mistake), where I break down art direction ideas, techniques, and visual references to help you shape stronger, more intentional work. These are made for anyone building campaigns, editorials, or personal projects and want to refine their eye, push their thinking, and create images that actually mean something. See this as an image reference library to use. In the past I’ve explored creative group shots, everyday cues and elevate them through art direction, creating lo-fi content in a more premium way, the gamification of social content and the intersection of print and digital.
This edition is all about sport and style. Not in the obvious way, but how to merge both worlds visually through atmosphere, casting, set, and texture. I’ve worked loads on campaigns for Nike, Adidas, Converse and other fashion brands, and what stays with me isn’t the branding. It’s the posture someone holds after a match. The intersection between sports translated into everyday life, for an elevated fashion customer. The silence and chemistry between the teams in a locker room. The way a sneaker looks mid-step. When sport becomes a character, not just a costume, that’s where it gets interesting.
This playbook gives you a structure to build from. Each section offers reference points and creative prompts to pull into your own work, whether it’s for a brand, a test shoot, or a pitch that needs more weight behind it. Take what you need and keep developing your eye. That’s where the gravity builds. Even if you are not into sports, this visual playbook shows evidence how it can be an endless source of inspiration to create something unique as an art director or photographer.
This post is for paid subscribers only. If you want access, consider upgrading to support this space and get the full archive, concept labs, visual playbooks and real tools to elevate your creative direction. It’s for people who want to go deeper than just moodboards and start building visual strategies that actually shape culture.