a version ahead
We are proud to be working with the DET team on the look and feel of their intranet, internet and related online portals. The team includes some fantastic minds which makes our job even more exciting as we get to learn loads along the way. Thanks Julian for choosing us.
After the success of the re-brand and packaging for the Greenridge product family, we were asked by Integria Health (formerly Thompsons Health) to help them with a full re-brand and re-package of the OK Tea Tree brand. Its very exciting to see this fun label in production and we hope it makes their customers smile.
OK Tea Tree
It’s easy to buy a business name, but you need to create a brand. You need to live it and grow with it, its the pinnacle of your communication, the thing that clients recognise and remember. I often picture the brands that I design on the tops of buildings, made into a pattern for suitcases, printed huge on the football field or worn by millions across the world. By doing this you place that brand mark high on a pedestal, just for a moment, to see if it fits, or whether you need to go back to the pencil and sketchpad.
Below are ten things we advise our clients to think about to ensure strong branding and thus a strong business message, thanks to Tim Reid for compiling such a simple effective list.
Whilst I may be a marketing consultant in every day speak, my brand is all about making businesses and charities irresistible. That’s what I stand for. Identifying what your brand stands for is the first part of my Brand Character process.
If this means do less, then do less. Avoid cheap, shoddy anything: printing, design, packaging, photography and copy. If this means buying a cheaper office chair, then get a cheaper office chair!
Logo, fliers, website, signage, PowerPoint, stationary and so on. Make sure they know what they’re doing though, particularly in regards to your website.
These should form the basis of all decisions you make in your business and around your brand.
As brand builders we are problem solvers. Make sure your brand clearly says “Hey, I can fix your problem!”
then ensure it comes through in all its marketing.
Take a look at what the competition is doing, identify the gap and fill it with your brand. If all the brands in your category are black then be white. Great brands challenge their category.
Make sure you present your brand to the market place in exactly the same way no matter what the medium. You are creating one brand…not ten!
Make sure every person within your business knows what your brand stands for. It’s useless having everyone on different pages.
There are so many boring logos out there, don’t be one of them. Be brave…it pays off.
All good brands do this. Remember, I promised 10 points…well this is the 11th.
The unclass model
‘Ever wish you had the choice to get up off the couch and spend the afternoon learning to rock climb, cook, or maybe juggle? Well, we have and that’s why we came up with (un)classes. (un)classes are premised on the belief that everyone has *something* to teach and learning doesn’t always have to be a formal experience requiring big up-front commitments.’
Aiming to provide a more casual and ad hoc way for people to learn something new during their limited free time, the (un)classes website serves as a sort of marketplace through which people interested in learning about a topic can find someone in their area with the passion to teach it. Anyone can create a new class listing on (un)classes, and anyone can sign up to be a student or a teacher. Topics tend to be lightweight and fun, offering a way to learn about things not traditionally taught elsewhere. Examples so far have included How to Create The Greatest Rock Song of All Time and How to Be a Digital Nomad—the only guidelines are that they shouldn’t be offensive or illegal.
Go ahead, learn something new… www.unclasses.org
After the success of the re-brand and packaging for the Eureka product family, we were asked by marketing guru’s Johan and Caitlin of Integria (formerly Thompsons Health) to help them with a full re-brand and re-package of the Greenridge herbal family. As a group we decided on the company positioning statement ‘The Herbal Specialist’ which led to the look and feel of both the logo and packaging. Its been a great project and we look forward to presenting the new website in the coming months.
New branding and packaging for Greenridge
We’re very excited to announce that Creative Suite has moved to a brighter & bigger new studio.
For those who have visited us near the Wharf, it’s only a 5minute stroll around the corner to Belgrave Street, across the road from the tennis courts.
The phone numbers and all our email addresses are the same so drop in and say hi when you get the chance.
All the best
Tim – 0425 238 857
Dan – 0414 535 883
Creative Suite
(02) 9977 8828
Creative Suite, Level 1, 27 Belgrave Street, Manly NSW 2095
Thinking club
What is Thinking Club?
Thinking Club is a place to stretch, expand, grow and invigorate your mind. A place to explore beyond habitual thought patterns. A place to discover new insights, develop creations and build inventions. To make your world a more interesting place.
How does it work?
Thinking Club does not focus on logical or patterned thinking. Rather it seeks to break beyond both ‘self’ and ‘culture’ limiting boundaries.
Any question or scenario is welcomed as a start point. We use a variety of tools to encourage thinking outside the square.
Thinking Club invites people from all walks of life. The broader our mix, the greater the variety of thought combinations; leading to an explosion of new ideas.
How can it help me?
The practical applications of Thinking Club are many. Its practice brings infinite benefits, personally and professionally. Its techniques may be used to improve creative, mathematical, scientific, business, family or social situations. Or simply stimulate invigorating conversation.
Who can get involved?
Whether you bring a specific problem to analyse, or simply wish to join the camaraderie of fellow thinkers, Thinking Club welcomes your thoughts, input and opinions. Join us today and watch your world expand.
> Join now
> Review past discussions
> Learn thinking techniques
Backpackers Buddy logo
We have been working alongside the guys behind Super Return for over 5 years now, so we were delighted when they came to us to help them re-brand and re-launch. Apart from brand development and strategy, we helped with all forms of communication material from everyday tax forms to posters, signage and website.
Backpackers Buddy designs
So pass on the website to all your visiting overseas friends!
AGDA Poster Annual 2009
Sampling The Future – Society is in a continual state of flux. We are now dominated by five major global conditions:
• Climate change
• Dimishing fossil fuels
• Climate change
• Diminishing fossil fuels
• Globalised economic crisis
• Generational change, and
• New technologies
AGDA is now calling for entries for the AGDA Poster Annual 2009. Using the poster format, demonstrate how design holds the potential to lead the parallel trajectories of business, science and society towards a common future. Judges will look for entries that best demonstrate creative thinking in regards to the points above, a progressive use of graphic design and an insight into the theme.
The key objective for the AGDA Poster Annual is to promote graphic design to the Australian public.
The focal point of this year’s event will be an exhibition in and around the Melbourne CBD. This will be done by creating a unique, engaging platform in the AGDA Poster Annual which celebrates the age-old art of poster design. Our aim is to give the annual a life outside of the exhibition space and allow it to exist online and throughout the city of Melbourne using out of home media and public gallery spaces. We aim to work within the 2009 State of Design theme, Sampling the Future.
Entries close at 5pm, Friday 5th of June.
For more information on entry specifications, eligibility, the judging process and to submit an entry, visit: http://posterannual.agda.com.au/