Ethnic Character Design of Seblang Olehsari Dancer as a Visual Communication Design for Banyuwangi Tourism Promotion

Abstract

Seblang Olehsari is a traditional ritual of the Osing people in Banyuwangi Regency that holds sacred significance and is a main attraction on the regional tourism calendar. Although Seblang has been widely studied from anthropological, cultural, and tourism perspectives, the use of its visual identity as a medium of communication through character design remains relatively limited. This research aims to design a chibi-style ethnic character that represents the visual identity of the Seblang Olehsari Dancer and serves as a promotional medium to support tourism in Banyuwangi Regency. The research method employs a design-based research and development (R&D) approach using the Young and Rubicam Creative Workplan model, which includes the stages of data collection, analysis, creative concept development, design visualization, and evaluation of design outcomes. Data were obtained through literature studies, observation of the visual attributes of the Seblang ritual, documentation, and analysis of existing tourism promotion media. The study produced a set of chibi-style ethnic character designs that retain the main visual elements of the Seblang Dancer's head, such as omprok, as well as expressions and gestures that communicate ritual characters without losing their cultural identity. The character designs are adaptable for use across various promotional media, including digital media, merchandise, illustrations, animations, and promotional materials for tourist destinations. This research shows that the local culture-based character design approach can be an alternative visual communication strategy effective in strengthening destination branding, enhancing the appeal of tourism promotions, and expanding public appreciation of Banyuwangi's intangible cultural heritage.