For the Love of Typography

I thought that I might discuss typography in this months blog as it is a much overlooked and ancient art that with the invention of computers has been totally undermined. Let me state from the start that I LOVE TYPOGRAPHY! I find it quite amazing how much a font can change the look of something. To this end typography is not a science. Typography is an art.

The use of the right type face, it’s positioning, spacing and intensity can make a lasting logo, eye catching billboard or unforgettable brochure. Use the wrong type face and an entire design or brand can be destroyed. This might sound a little dramatic to you, but hear me out… Continue reading

Brand Personalities

For centuries stories have been told of hero’s that save the day, sage’s that impart their wisdom and magicians that turn dreams into reality. Story telling is as prevalent today as it ever was, especially when it comes to developing and maintaining a brand.

Humans are creatures of habit and will tend to identify with things that they are familiar with. The challenge is to introduce / educate them on the product and brand, instilling in them knowledge about the brand and its attributes that are meaningful to them.  To start this process, we need to identify Continue reading

CMYK, RGB, PMS: What the?

Our regular clients have become accustomed to us spurting abbreviations such as CMYK, RGB and PMS.  But for most business owners who don’t have design or printing skills this is merely tech talk and goes right over their heads.

This article will hopefully help explain what we are on about. The abbreviations above, all stand for different colour processes Continue reading

The Secret (Rocks) of Branding

This is an oldie but a goodie demonstrating how a brand story can change the way we see and relate to things…

I have three rocks at home. If you were to inspect them I’m sure, you’d conclude they’re almost identical; same size, weight and colour, and therefore worth much the same as each other. But that conclusion would be drawn before I’d told you their stories Continue reading

The Power of Positive Thinking

The Power of Positive Thinking has been heralded for centuries as a contributor to those who experience tremendous success. I am currently reading Siimon Reynolds book “Why People Fail” and there is a whole section dedicated to simply repeating positive thoughts and messages until they become engrained in how you think and do things.

This has made me reflect on a number of areas of my life – not just my business, and I recalled a very poignant story from a trip I made to South Africa in 2007 for one of my sister’s weddings where I learnt a very valuable lesson in positive thinking. Kathy (my sister) has very kindly allowed me to share this with you, as it touched so many of us when she read it aloud to all of the guests at her wedding Continue reading

What’s Your [Brand] Story?

Brand stories are important as they are key business drivers. They can get new clients through your door and ensure that current clients stay loyal. The clearer and more compelling your brand story, the more it will power business success.

Your brand story is based on your ‘WHY’. This is a concept that will change the way people see and experience your business. It needs to be a story that is inspiring and captivates the listener Continue reading

Newsletters Capturing Clients

The internet and email have become very favourable and cost efficient vehicles used to market to current and prospective clients. One of the most effective ‘client capturing and keeping’ tools is that of a newsletter – printed or online.

E-newslettersMany of the people that your business comes in contact with whether it is through Continue reading

10 Tips to a Better Website

Your website is your gateway to the world. It is open to the public 24/7 regardless of where you are in the world. For your website to work for you, you need to ensure that it is working in your favour and not doing damage to your business. Here are 10 easy tips that we have put together to help you get the most out of your website. Continue reading

Designer Briefs

Writing a design brief

Now that image would have grabbed your attention! Sadly this article is not about Designer Briefs as in half naked women, but rather about putting together a clear and precise design or creative brief to give to your graphic designer. Continue reading

HIGH CreativiTEA

HIGH Creativity at White River Design - Creative IdeasOver the last few months we have been participating in a group coaching program called the Ignite Series. The company running this program, Business Advantage Coaching, recommends setting rewards for goals that are achieved. This has been very successfully carried out by their accounting arm Accounting and Taxation Advantage. Continue reading