When Xavi Portillo, a creative director in film, came to me with the idea for a Brooklyn-based running club, the challenge was clear: create a brand that could live between community, chaos, and collabs with major sports labels. Sombra Civilization wasn’t just about running it was about collective movement, shadow work, and the creative pulse of young Brooklyn.
The result? A creative wellness brand that doesn’t preach perfection, it runs through the shadows and finds power in the mess.
From NYC to Tokyo
What began as a local running club in Brooklyn evolved into an international movement. We built a visual identity that resonated beyond NYC. That momentum carried Sombra Civilization to the Tokyo Marathon 2025, where two members crossed the finish line fully sponsored, proof that design can move bodies, minds, and borders.
This Is Not a Run Club
What began as a visual system grew into a living, breathing network of runners, artists, and creators. My direction gave Sombra Civ the identity and clarity to partner with brands like Adidas and Craft Sportswear, showing up at major marathons and on streets alike. The result? A movement that runs deeper than fitness, 18.3K views on Instagram, but more importantly, a real community moving together.
Credits
Xavi Portillo
Creative Director / Film maker
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