Sign promoting the free Cosby Yarn Bomb app

Supporting the Cosby Yarn Bomb Once Again

Brand

3 Minutes

At Creative62, some projects mean more than simply delivering great design. They become partnerships that we’re genuinely proud to be part of. 

That’s exactly how we feel about the Cosby Yarn Bomb. 

We’re delighted to once again support this much-loved community event, working alongside Gather Create Grow to help bring another colourful celebration of creativity to the village of Cosby. 

Bringing Creativity to the Community 

The Cosby Yarn Bomb transforms the village each year with vibrant textile installations, handmade by the community for the community. It’s a fantastic example of how creativity can bring people together, encouraging visitors to explore local streets while celebrating art, wellbeing and community spirit. 

Supporting initiatives like this aligns perfectly with our own values. As a creative agency based in Leicester, we love using design to make a positive impact, whether that’s helping businesses grow or supporting projects that strengthen local communities. 

Supporting This Year’s Event 

For this year’s Yarn Bomb, we were proud to deliver a range of creative design work to support the event, helping visitors navigate the trail and creating eye-catching visuals that complemented the colourful installations. 

Our work included the official event maps, designed to make exploring the village as enjoyable as possible, alongside the pollard covers that have become another memorable part of this year’s display. 

Every design was created with the visitor experience in mind, combining practical information with bold, engaging visuals that captured the spirit of the event. 

A Partnership We’re Proud Of 

One of the best parts of working on the Cosby Yarn Bomb is the relationship we’ve built with the team at Gather Create Grow over the years. 

Hearing positive feedback from the people we work with is always incredibly rewarding, and we’re grateful for Mel’s kind words: 

“We have found Creative62 really brilliant to work with. Nothing’s too much trouble, they’re really good communicators and their work is a really high standard. I’d definitely recommend them to other people.” 

Building long-term relationships based on trust, collaboration and great communication is something we value highly, and testimonials like this remind us why we love what we do. 

Looking for creative support? 

Whether you’re organising a community event, launching a campaign or refreshing your brand, Creative62 combines strategy, creativity and design to help bring ideas to life. 

If you’d like to chat about your next project, we’d love to hear from you. 


Gemma from Creative62 working at her MacBook while taking notes in a notebook.

How to Choose the Right Creative Agency in Leicester

Brand

3 Minutes

Choosing the right creative agency can have a huge impact on your business. Whether you’re investing in branding, web design, social media, or marketing, the right agency should feel like a genuine partner that understands your goals and helps your business grow.

With so many agencies available, it’s important to know what to look for before making a decision.

Look Beyond Just the Portfolio

A strong portfolio is important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider.

An agency’s work should not only look good but also feel strategic and consistent. Ask yourself:

  • Does their work feel modern and professional?
  • Can they adapt to different industries?
  • Do their projects have strong branding and clear messaging?
  • Would you trust them with your business image?

Good design should always support business goals, not just aesthetics.

Make Sure They Understand Your Business

The best creative agencies take time to understand your business, audience, and long-term goals before jumping into design work.

A good agency should ask questions about:

  • Your target audience
  • Your competitors
  • Your brand values
  • Your business objectives
  • What makes your business different

Without strategy, even great-looking design can fall flat.

Check Their Services

Many businesses prefer working with agencies that offer multiple creative services under one roof.

This can include:

  • Branding
  • Website design
  • Social media content
  • Photography and video
  • Marketing support
  • SEO

Having everything aligned through one agency often creates a more consistent and professional brand presence.

Communication Matters

A creative agency should feel collaborative and easy to work with.

Clear communication, transparency, and regular updates are all important throughout the process. A strong working relationship often leads to better creative results and a smoother experience overall.

Look for Long-Term Value

The cheapest option isn’t always the best investment.

A strong agency should help create work that supports long-term growth, builds trust with customers, and helps your business stand out from competitors.

Investing in professional branding and design can have a major impact on how customers perceive your business.

Choose an Agency That Feels Like the Right Fit

Every agency has a different style, personality, and approach.

Some businesses prefer highly corporate agencies, while others want a more creative, collaborative, and modern feel. Choosing an agency that aligns with your business culture can make a huge difference to the overall experience.

Choosing the right creative agency in Leicester is about more than finding someone who can design a logo or build a website.

A great creative partner won’t just improve how your business looks, they’ll help shape how people remember it.


People gathered around a table reviewing post-it notes and printed materials.

Why Leicester Businesses Are Investing More in Branding

Brand

3 Minutes

Branding is no longer something only large national companies focus on. Across Leicester, more businesses than ever are investing in their branding to help them stand out, build trust, and compete in an increasingly digital world.

From independent businesses and start-ups to established companies, strong branding has become a key part of long-term business growth.

Competition Is Growing

Leicester has a thriving business community, with new companies launching across a wide range of industries every year. As competition increases, businesses are realising that good products or services alone are no longer enough.

Customers are constantly exposed to brands online through websites, social media, advertising, and content marketing. Businesses that present themselves professionally and consistently are far more likely to capture attention and build trust.

Strong branding helps businesses:

  • Stand out from competitors
  • Create a memorable identity
  • Build credibility
  • Attract the right audience

First Impressions Matter More Than Ever

For many customers, a website or social media page is the first interaction they have with a business.

Outdated branding, inconsistent visuals, or poor design can quickly create the wrong impression, even if the business itself offers excellent services.

Modern consumers expect businesses to look professional online. A strong visual identity helps customers feel more confident and engaged from the very first interaction.

Social Media Has Changed Customer Expectations

Social media has raised the standard for branding dramatically.

Customers now expect businesses to have:

  • Cohesive visuals
  • Clear messaging
  • Strong photography and video
  • Consistent tone of voice
  • Professional websites

Businesses across Leicester are investing more into branding because they understand that appearance and presentation directly impact how customers perceive value.

Branding Helps Build Trust

Trust plays a huge role in purchasing decisions.

Businesses with clear, professional branding often appear:

  • More established
  • More reliable
  • More credible
  • More premium

Consistent branding across websites, social media, packaging, and marketing materials helps create familiarity and familiarity builds trust over time.

Local Businesses Are Thinking Bigger

Many Leicester businesses are no longer just competing locally. With online shopping, digital marketing, and social media, businesses now have the opportunity to reach customers nationally and even internationally.

As a result, businesses are investing in branding that feels modern, scalable, and professional enough to grow with them.

A strong brand can help businesses position themselves more confidently within their industry and attract larger opportunities.

Branding Is More Than Just a Logo

One of the biggest shifts in recent years is that businesses now understand branding goes far beyond visual design.

Branding now includes:

  • Tone of voice
  • Customer experience
  • Website design
  • Social media presence
  • Content creation
  • Messaging and values

The most successful brands create a consistent experience across every customer touchpoint.

As customer expectations continue to grow, businesses that invest in their brand now are far more likely to stay relevant and competitive in the future.


Adam, a designer, drawing on his iPad in front of his Mac compute

Why Consistent Branding Matters More Than Ever

Brand

2 Minutes

Customers interact with businesses across multiple platforms every day, from websites and social media to emails and advertisements. That’s why consistent branding has never been more important.

Strong branding is about more than just a logo. It’s about creating a recognisable identity that builds trust, improves recognition, and helps your business stand out.

What Is Brand Consistency?

Brand consistency means presenting your business in a clear and recognisable way across all platforms.

This includes:

  • Your logo
  • Colours and fonts
  • Tone of voice
  • Social media content
  • Website design
  • Marketing materials

When everything feels connected, customers are more likely to recognise and remember your business.

Why It Matters

It Builds Trust

People trust brands that appear professional and established. If your website looks polished but your social media feels outdated or inconsistent, it can create confusion and weaken customer confidence.

Consistent branding creates familiarity and familiarity builds trust.

It Helps Customers Remember You

Consumers see thousands of pieces of content every day. Repeating the same visual identity, messaging, and style helps strengthen brand recognition over time.

The more recognisable your business becomes, the more likely people are to think of you when they need your services.

It Improves Marketing

Consistent branding makes marketing more effective because customers instantly understand who you are.

It can help improve:

  • Social media engagement
  • Website conversions
  • Customer loyalty
  • Overall brand recognition

It also makes creating content much easier internally, as there’s a clear direction to follow.

The Importance of Authentic Branding

Modern branding isn’t just about looking polished, it’s also about feeling genuine.

Customers connect more with businesses that show personality through:

  • Behind-the-scenes content
  • Real customer stories
  • Founder-led marketing
  • Honest communication

The strongest brands combine consistency with authenticity.

In a crowded digital space, consistent branding helps businesses stand out, build trust, and stay memorable.

Whether someone discovers your business through social media, your website, or word of mouth, your branding should always feel connected and recognisable.

Because great branding isn’t just about looking good, it’s about being remembered.


Design team reviewing brand colour swatches and visual strategy during a creative workshop.

When a Full Rebrand Is the Right Move

Brand

3 Minutes

Rebrands tend to polarise opinion. 

For some organisations, a rebrand feels overdue. For others, it feels risky, expensive, or unnecessary. 

The reality is that a rebrand isn’t something to want or avoid, it’s something to diagnose. Done at the right moment, it can unlock growth. Done at the wrong time, it creates disruption without benefit. 

This article helps clarify when a full rebrand is genuinely the right move and when it isn’t. 

What a Rebrand Actually Is 

A rebrand isn’t just a new identity. It’s a reset of how the organisation presents itself to the world. 

That usually includes: 

  • Positioning and perception
  • Messaging and tone
  • Visual identity
  • How the brand shows up across every touchpoint

Because of that, rebrands affect far more than marketing. They impact sales, recruitment, culture, and confidence. 

When a Rebrand Makes Sense 

A full rebrand is usually justified when one or more of the following are true: 

1. The business has fundamentally changed 

This could be: 

  • A shift in audience
  • A new offer or business model
  • A move into different markets
  • Growth that’s outpaced the brand

If the brand no longer represents what the organisation actually is, alignment becomes harder every year. 

2. Perception is actively holding the business back 

This shows up as: 

  • Being seen as smaller than you are
  • Being misunderstood or underestimated
  • Attracting the wrong type of work or client
  • Constantly having to explain yourselves

3. Internal confidence in the brand has gone 

When teams: 

  • Interpret the brand differently
  • Feel unsure how to use it
  • Don’t believe it reflects the organisation anymore

That lack of confidence leaks externally. A rebrand can realign everyone around a shared direction. 

The Real Risk of Rebranding 

The biggest risk isn’t changing too much, it’s changing without purpose. 

Common rebrand failures come from: 

  • Rushing to visuals
  • Copying competitors
  • Skipping strategic groundwork
  • Underestimating rollout and adoption

A rebrand should reduce friction, not introduce more. 

What a Strategic Rebrand Focuses On First 

Before design, a strong rebrand asks: 

  • What do we want to be known for now?
  • Who are we really trying to reach?
  • What do we need to let go of?
  • What must remain recognisable?

Only once those answers are clear does visual change make sense. 

When the gap between who you are and how you’re perceived becomes too wide, a rebrand isn’t a risk, staying the same is. 


Creative62 designer working at a desk in the studio workspace.

What a Strategic Brand Refresh Looks Like

Brand

4 Minutes

When organisations talk about “refreshing the brand”, the conversation often jumps straight to visuals: a new logo, new colours, a new website. 

But the most effective brand refreshes don’t start with design at all. They start with clarity. 

A strategic brand refresh is about realignment. Making sure how a brand looks, sounds and behaves still reflects who it is, what it offers, and where it’s going. 

When a Brand Refresh Makes Sense 

A full rebrand isn’t always necessary. In fact, many organisations need something more measured. 

A strategic refresh is usually the right approach when: 

  • The business has evolved, but the brand hasn’t
  • Messaging feels inconsistent or unclear
  • The brand no longer reflects the value being delivered
  • Marketing feels harder than it should be
  • Teams interpret the brand differently

In these situations, the issue isn’t recognition, it’s relevance and coherence. 

What a Strategic Brand Refresh Actually Involves 

A proper refresh focuses on what needs sharpening, not what needs replacing. 

1. Re-clarifying the brand foundations 

Before anything visual changes, the key questions need answering: 

  • Who is this brand really for now?
  • What problem does it solve better than others?
  • What should people understand immediately?

Often this work already exists, it just needs refining and aligning. 

2. Tightening messaging and language 

Many brands drift not visually, but verbally. 

A refresh looks at: 

  • Tone of voice
  • Key messages
  • How value is explained
  • Consistency across channels

Clear messaging reduces friction across marketing, sales and internal teams. 

3. Reviewing visual consistency (not reinventing it) 

This is where design comes in but with restraint. 

Rather than a full redesign, this often means: 

  • Refining typography
  • Simplifying colour use
  • Improving layouts
  • Making the brand easier to apply consistently

The goal is usability and clarity, not novelty. 

4. Aligning the brand with real-world use 

A strategic refresh considers how the brand actually shows up: 

  • Website
  • Campaigns
  • Social content
  • Presentations
  • Internal documents

If the brand is hard to use, it will be used inconsistently, no matter how good it looks. 

What a Brand Refresh Is Not 

Understanding this is just as important. 

A strategic refresh is not: 

  • A cosmetic update for the sake of it
  • Chasing trends
  • Changing everything at once
  • Solving business problems the brand can’t fix

It’s about removing friction, not creating disruption. 

The Real Value of a Strategic Refresh 

When done properly, a brand refresh: 

  • Sharpens positioning without losing recognition
  • Improves consistency across teams
  • Makes marketing more effective
  • Gives decision-makers clearer direction
  • Extends the life of existing brand equity

Most importantly, it helps the brand feel intentional again. 

A strong brand doesn’t need constant reinvention. It needs regular realignment. 

A strategic brand refresh isn’t about looking different, it’s about being clearer, more confident, and easier to understand. 

That clarity is what makes everything else work better. 


Creative62 team collaborating on a creative project

Creative Thinking vs Creative Execution

Brand

2 Minutes

Creative thinking and creative execution often get lumped together. They’re related, but they’re not the same and confusing the two is where a lot of projects fall apart. 

At Creative62, we see them as two very different (but equally important) parts of the creative process. 

Creative Thinking Is About the Idea 

Creative thinking happens before anything is made. 

It’s the messy part. The questioning. The conversations that challenge assumptions and uncover better ways of doing things. This is where we figure out: 

  • What’s the real problem we’re solving?
  • What’s the smartest idea behind this?
  • How can this brand stand out in a meaningful way?

Creative thinking sets the direction. Without it, you might execute beautifully, just in the wrong direction. 

Creative Execution Is About Bringing It to Life 

Creative execution is where ideas become real. 

This is the craft: design, copy, motion, build, and detail. It’s about how something looks, feels, and works in the real world. Strong execution makes ideas clear, engaging, and usable. 

But execution can only be as good as the thinking behind it. 

Where Things Go Wrong 

Most problems don’t come from poor execution. They come from weak or rushed thinking. 

When teams skip the thinking phase, execution is forced to carry the weight. That’s when work looks polished but feels empty or when endless tweaks try to fix an idea that wasn’t right to begin with. 

How We Approach It at Creative62 

We separate thinking from making, on purpose. 

First, we slow down and think. We explore ideas, test logic, and get aligned. Then we move into execution with confidence, knowing exactly what we’re bringing to life and why. 

That’s when the work clicks. 

The Takeaway 

Creative thinking gives work meaning. Creative execution gives it form. 

You need both but in the right order. 

At Creative62, we believe great work doesn’t start with execution. It starts with thinking. 


Wooden letters spelling 2026 stacked on small wooden blocks that read trends

Trends We’re Watching in 2026

Brand

3 Minutes

Trends come and go. Some are just visual noise, others signal real shifts in how brands think, act, and connect with people. 

As we head into 2026, we’re paying less attention to what looks new and more attention to what’s actually changing behaviour. Here are a few trends we’re watching closely. 

1. Less Noise, More Meaning 

Brands are pulling back. 

After years of loud visuals, bold-for-the-sake-of-bold identities, and constant content, we’re seeing a move towards clarity and restraint. Simpler systems, fewer messages, stronger ideas. 

Not minimal for style points, minimal because it works. 

2. AI as a Creative Partner (Not a Shortcut) 

AI isn’t replacing creativity, but it is reshaping the process. 

Used well, it speeds things up, unlocks exploration, and helps teams think broader. Used poorly, it flattens ideas and creates sameness. 

In 2026, the difference won’t be who uses AI, it’ll be who uses it with taste, judgement, and intent. 

3. Brands Acting More Like Products 

People now expect brands to behave like well-designed products: intuitive, useful, and constantly improving. 

That means fewer “campaign-only” moments and more focus on the full experience, from first touchpoint to long-term use. Strategy, UX, and brand are no longer separate conversations. 

They’re the same one. 

4. Personality Over Perfection 

Perfect design is starting to feel cold. 

We’re seeing more brands embrace warmth, imperfection, and personality. Not in a messy way, but in a human one. Design that feels considered, not manufactured. Confident, not overworked. 

People connect with brands that feel real. 

5. Digital Experiences With Depth 

Fast, functional digital experiences are the baseline now. What’s next is depth. 

More thoughtful interactions. Subtle motion. Clear storytelling. Experiences that reward attention instead of demanding it. 

Less doing everything. More doing a few things really well. 

Our Take 

Trends shouldn’t drive decisions but they can reveal where things are heading. 

In 2026, the strongest brands won’t be chasing what’s new. They’ll be doubling down on clarity, usefulness, and ideas that last. Need help? Let’s talk. 


Woman using laptop to plan a social media calendar and schedule content.

How to Design a Social Media Calendar That Aligns With Your Brand and Goals

Brand

3 Minutes

Social media can feel overwhelming; multiple platforms, endless content types, and constant updates. Without a plan, it’s easy to fall into the trap of posting inconsistently or creating content that doesn’t actually move your business forward. 

That’s where a social media calendar comes in. It’s not just about being organised; it’s about ensuring every post aligns with your brand identity and your business objectives. 

Here’s how to create one that works. 

Step 1: Define Your Goals 

Before you plan any content, ask: What are we trying to achieve? 

  • Growing brand awareness?
  • Driving website traffic?
  • Generating leads?
  • Building community and engagement?

Your goals will shape not only what you post but where you post. For example, driving leads may require LinkedIn thought leadership, while building community might focus on Instagram or TikTok storytelling. 

Step 2: Anchor in Your Brand Identity 

Your social media isn’t separate from your brand, it’s an extension of it. Make sure every post reflects: 

  • Tone of voice: playful, professional, bold, or conversational.
  • Visual identity: consistent use of colours, fonts, imagery.
  • Values: highlight what matters most to your brand and audience.

This consistency builds recognition and trust over time. 

Step 3: Map Out Content Pillars 

Think of content pillars as the themes that support your brand narrative. For example: 

  • Educational: tips, industry insights, how-tos.
  • Behind-the-scenes: your process, team, culture.
  • Promotional: products, services, launches.
  • Engagement-driven: polls, Q&As, user-generated content.

Mixing these ensures balance, your feed isn’t just self-promotion but delivers real value. 

Step 4: Choose the Right Tools 

A social media calendar doesn’t have to be fancy. Options include: 

  • Spreadsheets: Simple, cost-effective.
  • Project management tools: For collaboration.
  • Specialised platforms: For scheduling + analytics.

Pick the tool that matches your workflow and team size. 

Step 5: Plan Cadence & Frequency 

Your posting schedule should match both platform best practices and your resources. Consistency matters more than volume, posting 3 times a week consistently beats posting daily for a month and then going silent. 

Step 6: Track, Measure, and Refine 

Your calendar isn’t set in stone. Monitor what works and what doesn’t: 

  • Which posts drive the most engagement?
  • Which platforms convert the best?
  • What times does your audience respond most?

Use these insights to adjust your calendar and stay aligned with your goals. 

Final Thoughts 

A well-designed social media calendar is more than a scheduling tool, it’s a strategic framework that keeps your brand consistent, your goals in focus, and your content purposeful. 

At Creative62, we help brands design not just posts, but social strategies that make an impact where it matters most. 


Gemma from Creative62 working at her MacBook while taking notes in a notebook.

Storytelling Techniques Brands Can Use to Stand Out

Brand

3 Minutes

In a crowded digital landscape, facts and features aren’t enough to capture attention. What truly makes people connect with a brand is storytelling. A good story gives your brand a voice, a personality, and a sense of purpose. 

Here are some powerful storytelling techniques brands can use to cut through the noise and stand out. 

1. Start With Your “Why” 

Simon Sinek said it best: people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Your origin story, mission, and vision give people a reason to care. 

  • Share how your brand began.
  • Highlight the problem you set out to solve.
  • Connect your purpose to your audience’s values.

This creates authenticity and emotional resonance. 

2. Use Relatable Characters 

Every story needs a hero and in brand storytelling, that hero should be your customer, not your company. 

Frame your brand as the guide who helps them overcome challenges. For example: 

  • Instead of “Our software is the fastest,” try “Here’s how businesses like yours save 10 hours a week with our platform.” 

Your audience should see themselves reflected in your stories. 

3. Create Conflict and Resolution 

Conflict makes stories compelling. In branding, that conflict is often a pain point your audience faces. Show the struggle, then demonstrate how your brand provides the resolution. 

Example: 

  • Conflict: “Managing multiple social accounts feels chaotic.”
  • Resolution: “Our tool simplifies it into one seamless dashboard.”

This narrative structure keeps people engaged while positioning your brand as the solution. 

4. Harness the Power of Emotion 

Emotions drive decisions more than logic. Use storytelling to evoke feelings that align with your brand identity. Whether it’s joy, inspiration, security, or empowerment. 

Ways to add emotion: 

  • Visual storytelling through imagery or video.
  • Customer testimonials framed as human stories.
  • Messaging that taps into aspirations or fears.

5. Keep It Simple and Consistent 

The best stories are clear and repeatable. Don’t overcomplicate your narrative, boil it down to a few key messages that can be echoed across channels. 

Consistency reinforces recognition. Whether it’s a social post, an ad, or your website copy, your brand story should feel seamless. 

6. Leverage Different Formats 

Storytelling doesn’t have to mean long blog posts. Experiment with formats that suit your audience: 

  • Short-form video (TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts)
  • Interactive experiences (quizzes, AR filters)
  • Case studies and testimonials
  • Infographics or carousels

Each format is a chance to tell the same core story in a fresh, engaging way. 

Final Thoughts 

Storytelling is what transforms a brand from a logo into a living, breathing entity. By focusing on your “why,” spotlighting your customers, and weaving in emotion, you create stories that resonate long after the scroll. 

At Creative62, we help brands uncover and craft stories that don’t just get noticed but remembered.