LeiriaCon

This event takes place annually in Leiria, during the month of March, and brings together board game enthusiasts from all over Portugal and Europe. It was the first convention of its kind to appear in Portugal and currently stands as one of the main references in the board gaming event calendar, with partnerships from Ravensburger, Devir, and Fnac.

The development of this LeiriaCon rebranding project highlights the integration of both academic and professional approaches to graphic design, incorporating 3D elements with the aim of renewing the event’s visual identity in order to attract a younger audience, maintain its current public, and strengthen its position as a benchmark in the board gaming event scene in Portugal.

The main challenge identified was the lack of visibility and visual consistency of the brand, which limited its promotion and recognition as a board gaming convention.Through brainstorming and the creation of a comprehensive moodboard, it was possible to establish a clear stylistic direction for the rebranding, inspired by best practices from similar events. The result is a versatile and contemporary visual identity that balances an inclusive and dynamic language while ensuring consistency and strong visual impact.These new design solutions can be applied across a wide range of communication materials, including posters, signage, 2D and 3D animations, merchandising, and social media content.

3D Typography: Innovation in Graphic Design

This project was developed under a Research Initiation Scholarship (BII), integrated in the ID+ Research Summer School, with the main goal of exploring three dimensional typography in graphic design. The research focused on understanding its aesthetic and functional possibilities, as well as creating prototypes that demonstrate the impact of 3D typography across different media.Throughout the process, digital modeling and rendering tools (mainly Blender) were explored, enabling the creation of three dimensional graphics applied in multiple contexts, from institutional posters to interactive elements. This practice not only strengthened technical skills but also opened up reflections on legibility, materiality, and visual narrative in 3D typography.

One of the key outcomes was the development of a series of posters celebrating IPCAs 30th anniversary, where three dimensional typography was combined with doodle style illustrations. Each version explored different conceptual approaches, from a minimal design, to the integration of characters representing IPCAs schools, to a final dynamic concept inspired by space and futuristic narratives. These posters highlight the versatility of 3D typography as a tool for both institutional and creative communication.In parallel, the research also led to the creation of a stylized 3D human character, designed to interact with the typographic and graphic elements. With a playful yet experimental aesthetic, the character reinforces the projects narrative dimension, expanding 3D typography beyond its direct application in text and embedding it within a broader visual universe.

By combining practical production (posters and character design) with theoretical foundations, this project resulted in a comprehensive exploration that brings together technique, concept, and experimentation. It underscores the relevance of 3D typography in contemporary graphic design, not only as an aesthetic resource but as a powerful element for building strong, innovative, and memorable visual identities.

Freelance ArchViz Project

This project was developed as a freelance commission, where I was tasked with integrating a prefabricated house model into a real site environment. Starting from a topographic map of the terrain, I recreated the landscape in 3D and positioned the house to reflect how it would realistically sit within the lot.

The objective was to provide the client with a clear, visually compelling representation of how the prefabricated home would look in context, helping them better understand spatial integration, orientation, and overall aesthetics. The result combined accurate technical placement with architectural visualization techniques, delivering both functionality and design clarity.

3D Character

This project explores the contrast between innocence and unease through the creation of an animatronic teddy bear equipped with mechanical legs. At first glance, the teddy bear evokes childhood comfort, but its integration with spider like robotic limbs introduces a darker, unsettling twist.The character was fully modeled, rigged, and rendered in 3D, with a focus on combining organic softness with cold mechanical precision. The showcase video highlights the bear’s evolution across different mechanical structures, emphasizing its hybrid nature, part toy, part machine, part creature.The piece aims to blur the line between playful nostalgia and eerie surrealism, evoking curiosity while hinting at hidden menace.

Trash Treasure: Promoting Sustainability

During my participation in a Blended Intensive Program (BIP) at IPCA, I collaborated with a multinational and multidisciplinary team to develop a creative solution addressing the pollution in the Cávado River region.Our concept, Trash Treasure, is an app designed to encourage environmental cleanup while supporting local businesses. The app features trail maps of the region, where users can take photos of collected trash as proof of their participation. These images, submitted at certified collection points, help ensure the waste is properly disposed of.

In this UI/UX project, I conceptualized a collaboration between Gorillaz and Spotify to promote the release of the band’s new album, Cracker Island. The goal was to create a vibrant and engaging digital experience that reflects Gorillaz’s eclectic and dynamic style.

Designed in Figma, the project leverages creative liberties typical of a band’s identity. It features animations, a colorful palette, and interactive elements that resonate with the band’s aesthetic.

About me

I’m Sílvio Ferreira, a graphic designer with a degree from IPCA, driven by a passion for exploring new creative approaches, especially through the integration of 3D tools into graphic design. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various areas of design, from branding and typography to creating 3D content for architectural projects and digital design.I’ve collaborated with companies like Manutis, where I developed both graphic and 3D modeling projects, and I’ve also participated in research and design initiatives at IPCA. I’m always looking to think outside the box and create visual solutions that stand out and make an impact, with a strong attention to detail and a focus on innovation.