Join The Universe
Ready to create within the Only Human universe? Whether you're a writer, artist, partner, or fan, these guidelines will help you contribute to this expanding science fiction world while maintaining brand consistency and quality.
Version 1.0 | November 2025
A transmedia science fiction universe exploring humanity, technology, and what makes us irreplaceable.
Core concept, mission, and themes that define the Only Human universe
Only Human is a multimedia science fiction universe set in 2175, exploring themes of human perseverance, AI relationships, surveillance capitalism, and the irreplaceable value of human spirit in a technology-dominated world.
To create accessible, thought-provoking science fiction that examines contemporary issues through futuristic narratives while celebrating human creativity and determination.
The franchise originated from the 2017 young adult sports novella "Only Human," featuring quarterback Mark Borraisle competing against robotic players in a future NFL. The universe has expanded to include multiple stories across different genres, all exploring human-technology relationships.
Human perseverance in the face of technological superiority • Privacy vs. security trade-offs • Surveillance capitalism and consent • Aging, legacy, and what defines us • AI-human relationships and coexistence • The irreplaceable value of human creativity
Design philosophy, aesthetics, and visual standards for the Only Human brand
The ONLY HUMAN wordmark should be set in LASTICA font, all caps, with generous letter spacing. This is the primary identifier for the brand.
Aesthetic: Minimalist, sophisticated, premium science fiction
Background: Black space with subtle stars
Composition: Clean, uncluttered designs
Lighting: Dramatic with strong contrast
Mood: Inspirational yet edgy
The Only Human brand favors sophistication over complexity. Designs should be thumbnail-optimized (clear at small sizes), merchandise-ready (adaptable to apparel and products), series-expandable (templates that work across multiple stories), and platform-agnostic (effective across print, digital, and video).
Font families, hierarchy standards, and usage guidelines
Use for story titles, section headers, and promotional headlines. Always use in all caps with generous letter spacing for readability and impact. Font weight: 400 (regular).
Use for paragraphs, descriptions, metadata, and UI text. Font weight: 300 (light) for body copy, 400-600 for emphasis when needed. Line height: 150% for optimal readability.
Level 1 Headers (Page Titles): LASTICA, all caps, 7.5rem desktop / 3rem mobile, White (#FFFFFF)
Level 2 Headers (Section Titles): LASTICA, all caps, 3rem desktop / 2rem mobile, White or Electric Blue (#00A2E8)
Level 3 Headers (Subsections): LASTICA, all caps, 1.5rem, Electric Blue (#00A2E8)
Body Text: Outfit, normal case, 1rem (16px), weight 300, line height 1.5, White or rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8)
Captions/Metadata: Outfit, 0.85rem, weight 300, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6)
Primary and secondary colors defining the Only Human visual identity
Deep Space Black - #0a0118 (Primary backgrounds, page foundations)
Midnight Black - #060118 (Navbar, header backgrounds, depth layers)
Electric Blue (Brand Accent) - #00A2E8 (Interactive elements, CTAs, highlights, links)
Pure White - #FFFFFF (Primary text, high-contrast elements)
Border Gray - #38353F (Card borders, subtle dividers)
Text Gray (Muted) - #E6E6E6 (Navigation links, secondary text)
Background Overlay - rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03) (Card backgrounds, content containers)
Border Overlay - rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1) (Subtle borders, dividing lines)
DO: Use black space backgrounds as foundation • Apply Electric Blue (#00A2E8) for all interactive elements • Maintain high contrast for readability • Use color strategically for emphasis
DON'T: Use bright, saturated backgrounds • Mix too many accent colors in one composition • Sacrifice readability for aesthetic • Use colors that compete with Electric Blue brand accent
Communication style and writing guidelines for Only Human content
Helpful: Clear explanations without condescension. Accessible science fiction, not gatekeeping. Inviting to newcomers and longtime fans.
Informative: Substantial content, not empty hype. Context-rich storytelling. Educational about themes without lecturing.
Concise: Respect for audience's time. Tight writing, powerful brevity. No unnecessary flourishes.
Thoughtful: Raises questions rather than preaching answers. Explores nuance and complexity. Acknowledges real-world parallels.
Primary: Excitement
Create enthusiasm about being part of the Only Human universe. Foster sense of discovery, possibility, and participation in something meaningful.
Secondary: Contemplation
Encourage thinking about technology's role in society, what makes us human, and choices we're making today that mirror the stories.
Tertiary: Inspiration
Celebrate human creativity, perseverance, and determination. Show that limitations can be strengths.
Story Descriptions:
✓ "In 2175, you can guarantee your family's safety from terrorism. The cost? Everything."
✗ "This is a story that will make you think about privacy and security in our modern age."
Social Media:
✓ "Seven minutes later, he returned. Something is spreading."
✗ "Check out my new story about consciousness and technology!"
Promotional Copy:
✓ "Security Guaranteed. (Privacy Not Included.)"
✗ "A thrilling tale that explores important themes."
Core world elements and canonical timeline for the Only Human universe (set in 2175)
Understanding who engages with the Only Human universe
Original Novella/Audiobook: Young adult designation, equally enjoyed by adults, sports fans (especially NFL), science fiction enthusiasts, readers who aged into YA.
Expanded Universe Stories: Range from young adult to adult themes, some stories darker/more complex, age-appropriate content varies by story, clear content indicators for each work.
Science Fiction Fans: Hard and soft sci-fi elements, accessible storytelling, contemporary relevance, thought-provoking scenarios.
AI & Robot Enthusiasts: Human-AI relationships, technology integration, ethical AI questions, future predictions.
Sports Fans: Football remains recognizable, athletic competition core to brand, sports metaphors for larger themes.
Readers Interested In: Privacy and surveillance issues, technology's societal impact, human perseverance stories, transmedia storytelling.
Website structure, social media platforms, and content strategy
Structure: Home page (hero, media, story, author sections) • /universe/ (landing page for expanded universe) • /freedominsurance/ (story page) • /seeding/ (story page) • Individual story pages as subdirectories
Design Standards: Bootstrap 5 framework • Responsive design (mobile-first) • dev.css stylesheet (consistent across site) • Fixed navbar with backdrop blur • Section-based scrolling
Substack: Newsletter platform, long-form content, story releases and updates, weekly frequency.
Instagram: Visual storytelling, behind-the-scenes content, art and promotional images.
YouTube: Audiobook versions, promotional videos, trailers and teasers, community engagement.
BlueSky: Community interaction, quick updates, discussion and engagement.
Primary: #OnlyHuman
Secondary: #SciFi #AI #Robots
Story-Specific: #FreedomInsurance #Seeding #OnlyHumanUniverse
Thematic: #SurveillanceCapitalism #HumanVsAI #NFLFuture
Platform Usage:
Instagram: Liberal hashtag use (8-12 per post)
BlueSky/Twitter: Moderate use (2-4 per post)
YouTube: Description hashtags (5-8)
Substack: Minimal (category tags only)
Standards for contributors, partners, and merchandisers
✓ DO:
• Maintain 2175 setting consistency
• Explore themes aligned with brand mission
• Create original characters and storylines
• Reference established world elements
• Use approved visual style guidelines
• Submit work for canon approval
✗ DON'T:
• Contradict established canon
• Create sentient robots (major violation)
• Ignore surveillance state reality
• Use off-brand visual styles
• Assume approval without submission
• Publish without coordination
✓ DO:
• Use provided brand assets
• Follow visual identity guidelines
• Coordinate messaging with brand
• Credit creators appropriately
• Link to official website/stores
• Use approved hashtags and handles
✗ DON'T:
• Create unauthorized brand materials
• Misrepresent story content or themes
• Use outdated logos or assets
• Make unauthorized claims
• Ignore brand visual standards
• Publish without communication
✓ DO:
• Submit designs for approval
• Use high-quality production methods
• Follow brand color specifications
• Maintain logo integrity
• Test products for quality
• Coordinate launch timing
✗ DON'T:
• Modify approved designs without permission
• Use unauthorized brand elements
• Cut corners on production quality
• Launch products without approval
• Create competing or confusing products
• Ignore feedback and revision requests
Essential specifications and file paths for implementation
Ready to create within the Only Human universe? Whether you're a writer, artist, partner, or fan, these guidelines will help you contribute to this expanding science fiction world while maintaining brand consistency and quality.
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