Does your brand need some TLC?
As we shift into Autumn, we’ve been reflecting on the lovely outside space we have in front of the studio cabin. It’s been a labour of love over the Summer and an essential place to take some time out to relax, think and find inspiration. We’ve enjoyed breakfasts, client lunches, welcoming the neighbours, chilling with a glass or two of red at the end of the week and debating our favourite music of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Without a doubt, the star attractions have been the bargain bin plants we’ve acquired at various times that were pot bound, neglected, ravaged by drought or simply looking past their best. With some TLC and a bit of gardening knowledge (watch out Monty, we’ve been reading up!!!) they've flourished and their amazing colours speak for themselves.
Whilst we’re still a long way from calling ourselves experts in plant care, we do know a thing about brands and how best to tend them if they're struggling. Like plants, brands needs regular TLC. Leave them to their own devices and they can wither a little!
The past months have shifted markets hugely. Many businesses are now needing to work hard to sell themselves again and to redefine their objectives, whilst watching costs. As a small design agency, we offer cost-effective brand and design services so that you get all the experience of the big agencies but with the costs of a small one.
If your brand is pot bound and you’d like to put some new colour into your business, speak with us!
Serving up exciting new flava
Since the beginning of the year, we’ve been busy working with Grace Foods on a new range of Caribbean streetfood products that have just launched into Tesco. Called Irie Eats, the product range offers customers a modern take on Caribbean streetfood with authentic ingredients, including jerk seasoning sourced directly from trusted island growers. It's Grace Foods’ first major launch of a new UK food brand in a long time, driven by recent research and Mintel data which revealed that nearly half (49%) of Brits would like to try Caribbean cuisine at home.
“This is a significant and exciting opportunity for us to introduce authentic, traditional and flavourful Caribbean meal solutions to a new consumer audience,” says Grace Foods brand manager Giuseppe Vullo. “We’re excited to continue building awareness of Caribbean food in the UK market, providing a delicious and easy-to-use range inspired by classic island favourites.”
Throughout the project, we’ve brought our experience and knowledge of the retail food arena to a number of challenges. It’s been a rewarding process and we’ve learnt a great deal about Caribbean cuisine along the way. We've designed all aspects of the new brand identity, packaging and communications, as well as helping derive the Irie Eats name and the ‘Island Flava’ proposition.
The eye-catching logo is inspired by the Caribbean nations and their flags, which share common design and colour elements. The accompanying 'stamp of quality' endorses the brand’s Caribbean streetfood and provenance message. The two can work as a 'locked identity' or separately to endorse different consumer touch points. The product photography was a collaborative affair between Grace Foods, Blackbird and Uniform studio – and beautifully shot by Geoff Lloyd.
We’re delighted with the finished result. The printed range has a fantastic shelf presence and the on-pack language is clear and memorable. It all adds up to the right balance of ingredients to deliver consumer interest and sales. We’re looking forward to seeing Irie Eats fly off the shelves!
A full case study will be available on the website soon.
Born out of a passion for South Africa
Creating the visual identity and packaging for a new ethical jewellery brand was a departure from our more recent work with breweries. Different industries, but with equally passionate clients – something that always makes the design process a pleasure.
ZuluZulu jewellery and accessories are handmade in South Africa and are born out of the South African founder’s love for her country’s landscape and people. Our brief was to create an identity that reflected this passion, drawing on the handcrafted, artisan nature of the products – ‘understated, yet gloriously unique’.
The typeface captures the raw, irregular beauty of the natural environment. The yellow in the colour palette picks up the glorious South African sunshine. And the ZuluZulu icon is influenced by African textiles – creating a memorable repeat pattern that will be printed on their packaging.
Watch out for a full case study on the website soon.
You can buy ZuluZulu products here.
