I know I’ve posted this is in the past. To my credit, January 1 was supposed to be their launch date. I was as disappointed as anyone when that day rolled around and still no new Polaroid film. However, in 18 short days The Impossible Project is scheduled to hold a press conference in NYC. I’m rubbing my hands in anticipation of what’s to come. In lieu of actual film coming off the press Polapremium issued the last Original Polaroid Film in a Special Edition designed by Paul Giambarba. There are still quite a few left, and the aesthetic is quite nice. If you want to lend me a few hundred to spruce up my home I wouldn’t be opposed.
I’ve been working up to this post for some time now. As an avid (or maybe rabid) Olympics supporter and a general sports enthusiast, I’ve been exceptionally proud of the way Canada has embraced these Olympics and the way our athletes have performed under pressure. I’ve been even more impressed, however, with the way Vancouver has branded itself for these games. Perhaps our success over the past two days (3 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze) has put a little extra glow in my heart, but I can’t help but tip my hat to those responsible for executing the vision for these Winter Games. At first I was only moderately excited at the Vancouver 2010 brand. I perceived it’s vector illustration style as less-than-original. Seeing it’s full execution, however, I’m extremely appreciative of the attention to detail. Look no further than the green-and-blue coloured houses of the curling rinks, Canada Hockey Place with it’s green and blue painted stairs, or the halfpipe’s green and blue markings. The placement of the cameras has been addressed with extreme attention to detail as well. The gates of the downhill events have been carefully planned for impact with the home audience, likewise with the Bobsled track placement of “Vancouver 2010″ on prominent turns and Canada Hockey Place displaying the Olympic rings on top of the net for the camera to broadcast to the public. On top of this, I’ve found the typography to be excellent as well. The type chosen has been clean and clear, with one of the best examples being the numbers on Speed Skater’s helmets. Here are a few examples of branding done well, courtesy of Boston.com.
We first rebranded cityplace around 8 or 9 years ago. Since then, we’ve produced untold numbers of campaigns, promotions, ads, and even a jingle (which we should actually post here sometime, as it is a sweet little ditty.) The latest and greatest project we’ve done for cityplace has been the re-launch of their new site cityplacewinnipeg.com. It’s a simple, straightforward look at what cityplace has to offer. Click on over and give your eyeballs a treat.
I’ll be the first to admit that I judge books by their cover, and if I saw these covers I would certainly be intrigued. They are by a French publisher called Zulma, so I can’t be certain of the content, but the simplicity and consistency of this line is awesome.
Thickness. Length. Thickness. Length. This debate has raged on for generations. Through an independent study created and executed by Neuhaus Design, we have determined conclusively* that women indeed prefer a nice, big, thick head of hair over the alternative. We’ve published our findings by way of an outdoor, print and radio campaign for the good folks at the Sheps Hair Transplant Clinic.
This isn’t the first time I’ve stumbled onto the SyFy material, but it is the first time I’ve seen their beautiful motion graphics. Rebranded by London’s Proud Creative, the SyFy channel boasts a new look and creative energy. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
A few weeks ago I wrote about the staying power of a select few NHL teams. I wrote that those teams who stuck to their brand were the most successful. While the Vancouver Canucks have often strayed from their core, the past few seasons have seen a resurgence of the Canucks brand of old. The organization has returned to their original logo and colours, and have have found a great deal of success in the process. Once again, I believe great organizations start with their brand, and it is no mistake Vancouver has returned to the upper crust of the NHL. I have often thought that this logo is one of the smartest and simplest solutions in pro sports (it’s hard to get simpler than a stick and a rink). Please read about the journey of this logo over the past 39 years.
This project is based on the works of the late Stefan Kanchev (1915-2001) who designed more than 1000 trade marks and symbols, 650 stamps, posters, post cards and envelopes, book covers and packaging in his lifetime. All of his works are heavily influenced by his Bulgarian heritage and are beautifully intricate and illustrative.
When we began working with the Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation in April of 2008, the organization needed help. They hadn’t had a proper brand in their 40 year history, and they needed to make sure that the Centennial Concert Hall remained relevant. There were many questions to be asked and answers to be obtained before we could begin the branding process. What were our overall goals and objectives? Were we addressing the venue or the corporation? How would each approach affect the other variables involved? What was the public perception, if any? After much discussion and debate, we resolved our first task: Create a world-class brand for the Centennial Concert Hall. We began what was to be many hours of research and development, and in the end, presented four separate solutions. After rigorous debate both internally and with their Board, we proceeded in one clear direction and began our development of their brand personality. We are ecstatic at the results of what was an oft difficult, but greatly rewarding process. We are now proud to present the summation of that process. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
