How celebrating wins boosts your brand.
Design
In the fast-paced business world, it’s easy to overlook the significance of celebrating your wins. However, taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate achievements can profoundly impact your brand. As a branding agency, we encourage our clients to shout about their wins, no matter how big or small, as part of their marketing activity. In this article, we’ll explore why companies should prioritise celebrating wins and the invaluable benefits it brings to their brand image. Whether you’re celebrating a company anniversary, new client, client work anniversary or a successful collaboration, there are so many wins we can overlook when we are busy. It’s time to change this!
Fostering a Positive Work Culture
Celebrating wins cultivates a positive work culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. By recognising your team’s hard work and dedication, you create an environment that encourages motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction. This contagious positive atmosphere contributes to a strong employer brand, helping you to attract top talent and foster employee retention.
Showcasing Success and Credibility
Celebrating wins provides an opportunity to showcase your company’s success and credibility. Whether securing a new contract, winning a prestigious award, or reaching a significant milestone, publicising these achievements enhances your brand’s reputation. It demonstrates to clients, partners, and stakeholders that your company has a proven track record of success, establishing you as a reliable and trustworthy organisation.
Building Customer Loyalty
Enhancing Brand Perception
So, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your big and small victories, and shout about how great you are. Your employees will feel appreciated, your customers will feel connected, and your brand will flourish, establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the market.
Nostalgia in pop culture.
Design
In the ever-evolving world of gaming, where hyper-realistic graphics and cutting-edge technology dominate, there’s something truly special about taking a step back and immersing yourself in the pixelated wonders of retro games.
Retro video games have had a lasting impact on art and pop culture. Let’s take a lookback at how some of the most iconic retro games have influenced what?
Pixel Art Renaissance
The pixel art style, synonymous with early video games, has experienced a revival in modern art. Many contemporary artists and indie game developers use pixel art as a deliberate stylistic choice, celebrating the simplicity and charm of retro visuals. In our studio, we have our art on the wall influenced by retro gaming using pixel art, embracing the nostalgia associated with these graphics.
This has seen a big impact on the rise of Indie Game Development
Aesthetic Choices
Indie game developers often draw inspiration from retro games when making aesthetic choices for their projects. This influence is evident in the design of characters, environments, and gameplay mechanics, creating a bridge between the past and the present.
Influence in Film and TV
Retro video games frequently appear as cultural references in movies and television shows. Filmmakers and showrunners incorporate these references to tap into a sense of nostalgia or to pay homage to the formative years of gaming. A film well known for doing this is ‘Ready Player One’ which heavily took inspiration from 80’s/90’s retro gaming and pop culture. Show example from film.
Fashion and Design
Retro game characters and symbols are often featured on clothing, accessories, and consumer products. This integration into everyday items reflects the enduring popularity of these cultural icons.
The Allure of Nostalgia
Having played games as a kid myself and now having children of my own who enjoy gaming as much as I used to, it is great fun to take a step back from the modern games and introduce them to a classic game with a little more skill. Retro games offer a timeless and enchanting experience that reaches through the boundaries of generations.
Retro games hold a unique power to transport players back to a simpler era, triggering waves of nostalgia that tug at the heartstrings. The iconic soundtracks, charming pixel art, and straightforward gameplay mechanics can transport you to a time when gaming was more about skill and endurance. It’s a feeling that a lot of modern games cannot replicate and reminds us of the joyous simplicity that gaming once was.
Looking back
When I was asked to create a blog, I instantly wanted to look at these games I played growing up and loved because of both the game aesthetics and the artwork that accompanied it, I have made a list of my first four consoles and highlighted a game that I love for this reason:
NES – Super Mario Bros 3
I was a very excited 8-year-old to get my first console, I was a proud owner of a NES.
One of the best features of “Super Mario Bros. 3” is the introduction of the world map. Instead of a linear progression through levels, players can choose different paths on the map, allowing for a more non-linear experience.
The colours were so much more vibrant than previous Mario games and the introduction of the Raccoon suit which is depicted on the box made the game instantly recognisable and is still loved to this day as a flagship instalment in the Mario series.
Mega Drive – Altered Beast
Probably not a title that comes to mind when you think of a title from the Sega Mega Drive, the 16 Bit Console was cutting edge bringing amazing games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Streets of Rage to our homes. But Altered Beast holds a place in my heart, the game artwork is amazing and drew me in with a dynamic illustration of a werewolf on the cover. The graphics were a step up with the theme of Greek mythology and the monsters and levels designed that theme. The best feature of the game however, is within each level you started as a man and at a certain point in the level you could transform into a beast form that boosted your abilities, using a different beast in each stage until the final level when you became the iconic werewolf once more. This unique transformation mechanic and iconic catchphrase “Rise from your grave” have made it a memorable part of gaming history.
Nintendo 64 – Zelda The Ocarina of Time
This ground-breaking game brought Zelda into the 3D world and became an instant classic. The game’s artwork and visuals were cutting-edge for their time, as they showcased the capabilities of the Nintendo 64 hardware. The character designs, environments, and cinematic sequences contributed to the game’s immersive and epic feel.
Remembered for its iconic music dungeon exploration and time travel mechanics it set the bar for future titles and has influenced many modern titles paving the way for future Zelda titles.
Sega Dreamcast – Sonic Adventures
Released on Sega’s last outing in console creation, Sonic Adventures saw the Blue Hedgehog make the leap from 2D to 3D.
The worlds and artwork were vibrant and made this game exciting to play again and again. Like Zelda OOT this first dip into 3D gameplay influenced future sonic titles and influenced other developers to strive for higher graphical fidelity and cinematic presentation in their games.
Overall, retro video games continue to be a source of inspiration for artists, designers, and creators across various disciplines, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural references and influencing contemporary aesthetics for young and old alike.
Lift up your business with motion graphics.
Design
Firstly, what is motion graphics?
Basically, it’s a creative way to get information across to its viewer by manipulating graphics and typography within an animation. You would have seen hundreds of these daily without even knowing. Motion graphics will be seen in a massive range of formats, such as in film trailers, animated logos, TV adverts, transitions in apps, website interactions, video games, tutorial videos, video introductions, presentations, lyric videos, and so on… They are everywhere. Why? Because they work!
Use motion graphics to enhance your brand’s recognition.
You know when some things are just hard to explain in an email, so a phone call is your answer? Motion graphics is the phone call! Using motion graphics is your best bet if you need to break down hard-to-get-across information into a lovely little video. This makes it easier for your viewers to understand whatever you need to say and encourage your audience to interact more with your adverts and content, keeping you memorable. Especially where advertising is constantly evolving, you don’t want to be the ones who are behind on what’s new!
Apply motion graphics to your business.
Motion graphics can be so dynamic and fun which are essential to catching the audience’s attention from the get-go. But how can you apply this to your business? Depending which products or services you provide, you can incorporate motion graphics in so many ways. As important as it is to stay on top of your social media, take it that one step further by giving your business that competitive edge with motion graphics. Firstly, an ideal way to initiate your use in motion graphics, is to bring your logo to life, making it captivating, whether it be in your emails or just the start of your web page.
Social media platforms are where it’s at for anything animated, from Instagram stories to TikTok. When you’re scrolling through your phone day-to-day, you often scroll past anything static, until that one visual just pops out at you. With most advertising being motionless, animated ones are instantly going to grab their attention, which boosts audience engagement, and makes your content more shareable. Got any client testimonials you’d like to show off to the world? Are you introducing a new product? Is there an important presentation coming up? Animate them, make them memorable, and watch your results soar!
Top tips on making your content pop with motion graphics.
If you want your audience to really engage with your content, the animation needs to really be appealing to watch. To achieve this result:
- Show diversity by using motion graphics within various platforms.
- Keep motion within your animation as smooth as possible, this makes the viewer captivated, as the motion is calming and easier to follow.
- A great way to use motion graphics is to have the elements of the video, i.e. words or images appear or move along with music. The alignment of these two assets will enhance the cleanliness of the video, making the story-telling more engaging and satisfying to watch.
- Keep the style consistent alongside your branding.
Explore the possibilities of motion graphics.
Have we got you thinking about the possibilities of motion graphics? Get in touch with me to discuss how we can help you take your brand to another level with the help of motion graphics!
Explore the possibilities of a brand refresh.
Design
A full rebrand for any size or shape organisation can be a very long, stressful, and often expensive process which can often keep the idea off the agenda. What should be a lot closer to the top of the marketing todos is to look at the opportunity for a brand refresh.
As you will have no doubt spotted, we’ve undergone somewhat of a refresh ourselves. The logo has remained untouched but we’ve updated our photography, tweaked our colour palette, added some additional illustrative elements and swapped out our choice of fonts.
Here are a few reasons we’ve taken things back to the drawing board and why you might want to consider doing the same… It might just be what your brand needs right now!
1. Staying Relevant in a Dynamic World
Change is the only constant. Your brand might have once been a real showstopper but hey, times change, and so do your clients and prospects’ preferences. A brand refresh allows you to stay relevant and appealing in an ever-evolving market. It’s not about losing your identity; it’s about evolving it to continue captivating your audience.
2. Reflecting Growth and New Directions
Growth is great, but it often means your brand needs to catch up. A refresh can signal to the world that you’re not just growing, but evolving too. Maybe there are new and improved services on offer? It could be your company vision and values have been redefined. Your brand should mirror this transformation, telling a story of progression and ambition.
3. Differentiating in a Crowded Market
Let’s face it; our market (and more than likely yours) is now probably more crowded than the M25 at rush hour. The brand refresh is going to be a great way for us to stand out from the crowd once again. By tweaking our colours, tone of voice, and the look and feel of our assets, it will help keep us distinct and memorable.
4. Revitalising Internal Culture
Our brand refresh isn’t just for our customers and prospects; it’s for the team too. Since undertaking the process, everything’s got that shiny new feeling again, the team has a renewed pride in the place and as a consequence, productivity is up. This process can be an incredible opportunity to boost morale and foster a sense of pride.
5. Harnessing the Power of Digital Transformation
In today’s digital-first world, your brand needs to shine online. A refresh can ensure that your brand is optimised for the digital landscape, from user-friendly websites to eye-catching social media presence. It’s about creating a seamless, engaging digital experience for your audience.
6. Sparking New Interest
Finally, a brand refresh can reignite interest in your brand. It creates a buzz, generates curiosity, and could even re-engage former customers. This buzz won’t just happen, it will need to be planned and supported in the run-up to your big reveal. Behind the scenes here we planned, wrote, scribbled, binned and argued before finally agreeing on the best strategy for making sure everyone sees and hears about our refresh.
If any of what I have listed above resonates with where your brand is currently at, and if you’re thinking it might be time for a change and want to chat through some ideas, get in touch.
Your brand is your greatest asset…
Design
To protect and grow, we must first have systems to check in and confirm everything is as it should be. Blair outlines theirs in the above document, but you could create your own as long as you have a way of reviewing. Combine these with physical results from activities, and you’ll have a fantastic way to measure your brand performance. Review, and you’ll have results – Hopefully it’ll be a positive thumbs up, may be a thumbs down or not conclusive. Either way, it’ll give you facts to consider and act upon.
So, your brand is your greatest asset – What will you do for it moving forward?
How does a logo help you stand out from your competitors?
Design
In today’s competitive business landscape, it’s crucial to establish a strong brand identity that sets you apart from your competitors through strong design communication visuals. One of the most powerful ways to achieve this is through a well-designed company logo. A logo serves as the face of your brand, representing your values, mission, and unique selling proposition. It acts as a visual anchor, helping you make a memorable impression on your target audience. Let’s explore how a logo can help you stand out from your competitors.
Visual Differentiation.
A company logo plays a significant role in visually differentiating your brand from others. It is a unique identifier that helps customers recognise and remember your business. By being distinctive, you can establish a solid visual presence and make your brand more easily identifiable among a sea of competitors.
Brand Recognition.
The ultimate goal of any company logo is to create brand recognition. When customers see you being consistently across various marketing channels, it builds familiarity and trust. A well-designed company logo can evoke positive emotions, reinforce your brand’s personality, and create a lasting connection with your audience. As a result, customers are more likely to think of you when a need arises for the products or services you offer.
Representing You and Your Business.
A company logo allows you to highlight your unique selling points (USP) and key differentiating factors. It should reflect what sets your brand apart from the competition. Whether it’s your exceptional customer service, innovative products, or sustainable practices, a strategically designed logo can communicate these qualities, instantly conveying your brand’s value proposition to potential customers.
Professionalism and Credibility.
A professionally designed company logo can significantly enhance your brand’s perceived professionalism and credibility. A poorly executed or generic logo will make your brand appear amateurish and untrustworthy. On the other hand, a well-crafted company logo demonstrates attention to detail, quality, and a commitment to excellence, which can help you earn the trust of your target audience and establish yourself as a reputable player in your industry.
Brand Consistency.
Consistency is key in branding, and a company logo is a foundation for maintaining brand consistency across various touchpoints. From your website and social media profiles to packaging and advertising materials, strong design communication visuals will tie everything together. This consistency reinforces your brand identity and helps you stand out from the rest by presenting a cohesive and professional image.
Investing in a well-designed company logo is an essential endeavour for every business that can yield long-term benefits for your business, helping you capture the attention and loyalty of your target audience. As a creative design agency, we know what it takes to cut through the noise and truly capture attention. We create logos that last, that have the ability to grow with you and that always represent you.
Creative62 is a creative brand agency and we have a fundamental understanding of graphic design. We understand the importance of a company logo, the advantages of a well-crafted brand identity, and the necessity of consistency across ALL brand and marketing activities. So, reach out to us if a new logo might be on the cards!
Beyond the logo.
Design
Brand storytelling with character design
I’ve been drawing characters since I was a little one – what started in the 80s and 90s as reading comic books and watching Transformers, He-Man and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the TV has turned into a passion of mine both inside and outside of my career.
Having recently had the chance to design brand characters for some of our clients at Creative62, I have seen the power of characters first-hand and how they spark imaginations for future projects.
The landscape of marketing and branding is an ever-evolving beast, with brands constantly searching for ways to connect with their audience. Beyond the traditional logo and brand elements, the creation of characters or mascots adds a dynamic and relatable dimension to the right brand identity. In this blog post, I’ll be talking about the significance of using characters with a brand architecture and how it can elevate the right brand to new heights. So, let’s get to it!
Duolingo’s Duo
Fun, bright and engaging.
Waze’s Bubble Car
Combining everything that the brand does with its communication tool.
Reddit’s Snoo
A perfect execution by Pentagram.
Octopus Energy’s
Constantine, cute and welcoming.
Headspace’s Smile
Although not a mascot, the warm use of colour and emotion in such a simple way is perfect.
Duracell’s Bunny
Originally launched in 1973 and has been through various iterations, has continuously evolved for the target market.
Kaws
Although not a brand that utilises marketing in the traditional way, Kaws shows just how powerful a perfectly executed character can build a brand on its own!
Everyone Active’s
Active Monsters, would be a bit silly to not put one of our own creations in the mix now, wouldn’t it?
Storytelling
Character design, when used in the right way, provides a visual narrative that enables the brand to speak to the viewer in a completely different way than words alone can get across. Humans are natural storytellers and readers, you can tell the story of a brand’s journey, mission, values or cadence in a much more engaging and personal way in an instant.
Recognition
By creating a distinctive character or mascot for a brand, it gives the brand a face, a recognisable face, a personality and a story that makes the brand memorable and forges an emotional connection.
Loyalty
Well-designed characters or mascots have the potential to become a cherished symbol for a brand. Looking at characters that have stood the test of time are the Compare the Market Meerkats, Monopoly’s Milburn Pennybags, Pringles’ Julius Pringles and the Michelin Man, whose brands can all be recognised without a single word.
Target Audience
Brand characters can be tailored to suit the demographic of the brand, which is something that can be difficult to do using any other method of branding as it leaves very little in terms of interpretation when used well.
Versatility
From packaging and printed advertising to digital and social animated campaigns and merchandising, a strong character is versatile and can be used across various marketing channels.
Stand out
In a noisy modern marketplace, it is increasingly more difficult to stand out from the crowd. Character design offers a memorable way to differentiate brands from the next, which isn’t easily replicated.
In conclusion, by utilising character design within a brand, you are connecting with the audience via storytelling on a purely visual platform. It’s not creating a logo or mark that people might recognise… it’s creating an ambassador for the brand that can speak to the hearts and minds of the customers when you can’t.
If what you have read here resonates with your brand in any way, please just reach out for a chat and see if we can create some storytelling magic together.