Provokator identity + process

I don't speak Russian but this visual identity speaks to me. Its crazy, zany over the top. The kind of design work we should see here in zw. Below is a brief summary of the work with links.


Provokator is a multi-brand clothes store chain, well-known among extreme sports fans, as well as those people who like stylish fancy clothing. The task was to create an entire brand image and expand brand presence on the web. Transformer Studio (http://transformerstudio.ru) developed  the visual identity, online store, microsite, magazine and outdoor ads. Behance.net.

Freelance and office blues

I'm pondering the benefits of freelancing as opposed to getting full time employment. There's so much going for both and so much working against either. I believe there is no right or wrong answer, but will be interesting to do a write about it later this year.

Net Noise

Okay I'll put in a quick two cents on this because a buddy of mine insisted. Net One... there is so much going on this site I don't really know where to go.  Honestly, where Telecel was a malfunctioning piece of eye candy... Net One is an overwhelmingly orange and busy bee. It doesn't help that the one wallet ads are a rip off the M-Pesa ads from SA. I believe in a well balanced website, functioning and complemented with visuals that enhance the brand. Thats not happening here. So lets leave it at that.

The Telecel Website

Had a look at Telecel It looks wow. It ain't wow. Now I'll be honest, I have made the mistake of making a client's site live and have regretted that act. Its a no no; if your site ain't ready, don't make it live. Now with telecel, there is a bit going for it visually, lots of eye candy, dynamic menus and flash.

On the downside there is a lack of consistency between pages, the menu bar can be quite erratic and unresponsive depending on which browse you are using.

The Twitter and Youtube links do not function and the Facebook link only takes you to Facebook and not to any Telecel Facebook page that I can see. Have I also mentioned that the search box does not function?

Also the footer is a mess with different images encroaching on text. People will be wowed for a bit on first entering the site, but they probably (most likely) will not come back. A fully functioning website allows a brand to engage with their customers, which means repeat visits and revenue. As it is it acts like a broken toy.

It is a great attempt, but they Telecel needs to fix this site up quick, even if it means taking it offline for a couple of hours (or days) to get it right. I hope they will.

Look familiar?

I stumbled on a series of adverts from Europe late last year as you do. This was before Econet had released their Econet Broadband campaign through Rubicon SA. The resemblance was quite striking. Now I ain't no rocket scientist but I'm sure that this was not coincidental. Let us avoid been copy cats people if possible.

I believe Rubicon was paid to be creative, not paid to regurgitate a previous a idea... even giving a fresh spin to the concept would have been cool. This wasn't the case.

Thoughts on fleas

A flea is placed in a jar with a clear lid,
the flea keeps jumping up to get out… only to keep whacking it’s head
on the glass jar.

Eventually the flea gives up and stop jumping so high.
In fact, it only jumps to just below the height of the jar so it does not
whack it’s head.
The clear lid is then removed but the flea will not jump any higher.
It continues to believe that it cannot get out of the jar… and therefore
never tries.

The barrier is mental – not physical.

So here's the thing... a lot of agencies/ businesses seem to be still working in survival mode. Restricting themselves in dealing with whatever the clients wants regardless of whether the quality of the end product is crap or not. Now note that this takes into account various factors like poor education on design on the clients part and the lack drive to innovate. But as designers and agencies shouldn't we be able to make an effort to tick by our guns and guide the client a great outcome for us and them? That's why they hire us right? To provide the best solution. Instead we mope on how they will take their business elsewhere if we don't comply with what THEY think is correct.

In the end though, both sides lose. There has to be a better way that can benefit clients and agencies/ designers all around. Over the next couple of months I will chat and interview with various designers and hopefully agencies to get their take on how the Zim advertising industry is faring, how to provide innovative positions for clients without them feeling that they've lost control of their brand and finding out what it may take for creatives to showcase quality work in a rather conservative industry.

Sindiso Nyoni

Came across this fellows work today. Its tight, that's all I got to say about it. I believe in lifting up local designers who are doing what they do best, none of this tall poppy sydrome rubbish. Though he's currently based in joburg, I just want to say Mr Nyoni...you are the man! Keep it up. Follow his trail on http://www.behance.net/guerillart...

Below are a couple of samples of his work.

C2

Checked out a very different looking Web company online a little ways back. This outfit goes by the name C2 and you can check them out on www.c2.co.zw. They seem to have a main branch based in Melbourne Australia. Interesting, so far from looking at their site these guys seem to be keen to up the ante in terms of online design in Zim. Time will tell.

If its anything to go by I want to see more great design not to be confined to just business but to everyday life. Especially if its local.

If anyone out there knows of any slick designs or designers who need showcasing, just holler in the comments box below.

Tafianu.com

Hi guys, have a quick jump to Tafianu.com  by Tafianu. If you are into home grown gear designed right in Zim. Go check out his site and have a looksey.

Given the chance

Its been a while since I've been able to work on a clients brand development. Looking at examples on Behance I'm itching to get into those projects which allow you to develop a strong brand identity, which is the basis for any great advertising campaign. Behance has a lots of examples of highlighting this. If you know of any sites that have similarly cool examples just write them into the comments block and I'll add them on the blog.

Also if anyone knows of any great Zimbo brand identities then out, tell us. It would be good to get to show case what peeps can do around here. Cheers :)

Below are just another couple of examples of great branding concepts. More can be found on Behance Behance.

Just need to point out one thing. I added these examples because I like them. I have a bias to clean designs depending on my mood. There can be various opinions on what makes good designs, I am merely focusing on brand development in this post. :)

ITI: Automation technology.

Starbaltic: Latvian information 

and trade online portal.

Christophor: Publishing House.

Savviva: Life style services and business support.

Random thoughts

Have been having random thoughts today. Nothing special, just pondering on design as a whole and how it fits in the overall strategy of a brand campaign.
Heres another link to Behnace. This campaign was done for ISIS, an architectural firm in Aus... I think.

Link: http://www.behance.net/gallery/ISIS/884474