Paperspace Asia – a designer's dream team and client
Tue, 26 September 2017
An entrepreneurial and robust startup and working across 5 countries with an impressive timeline of project wins including 3M, Facebook and Google totalling 55,000 sqm of retail space, and counting, there is simply no stopping the team in Asia. More updates to follow namely PR, Social Media Strategy and digital implementation taking place as I type... Meanwhile, why not have a look at more ideation and brand transformation journey I did with Paperspace Asia here.
Disruption is good, if it serves for a greater purpose
Fri, 7 April 2017
I was approached to take on a branding project involving a diverse team and multiple stakeholders spread out across Singapore, Bangkok and Manila. Fast, dynamic and efficiently done – all through the modern landscape of seamless working through the use of mobile technology and innovative digital platforms. The divide of continents and countries couldn't be brought any closer and collectively, we all achieved so much in just a week.
All of this taking place in different time zones, pulling in multi-disciplined talents and skill sets on a single mission. Initial impression is what a very future forward thinking team – but above all, genuine and passionate. I love how they see themselves as the 'disruptors' to old ways of thinkings. I knew intuitively that I am in for a good working relationship in the making – it's only been 2 weeks, and I felt like part of a global 'office' – with colleagues I can ping at anytime if need be. Un-officing, collaboration, cross-pollination and putting deliberate intent to action is the driving force of innovative thinking. This is a very exciting team to work – peers in driving innovation. Simply speaking, we have aligned professional ambition and ethos.
And because of this, I too have introduced disruption to the way I worked, or used to work now – improvising and refining as we journey through the branding inception.
"You have translated our work, our mission and what we have been trying to say for years succinctly and so beautifully, love it!"
I cannot express how much this means to me. I feel I have done the right thing by not doing the 'usual right thing' if it made any sense? There were challenges and learning curves but these were essential components to promote healthy growth to client-vendor relationship that benefits both parties. Communication is definitely a key – eliminates gray areas and promotes transparency.
So the cogs are in place and the digital sphere now becomes our 'office'. My further mission lies in actively engaging the stakeholders and team to nurture and promote brand ambassadorship and this spans across wider engagement of the brand with PR, Media and Strategy next and to help build value and brand equity.
Thanks Sombat NG for sharing this photo from Bangkok HQ whilst I was presenting my idea on screen. Exciting times ahead!
Self-initiated moving graphics opening title sequence
Thu, 16 March 2017
This has been in my head for some time now – creative and visual arts marketing with a bit of moving finesse! I have always wanted to experiment with creating design for motion graphics – in today’s digital and social media age, one cannot deny the importance and influence of high quality, on brand and visual content that resonates with your target audience.
Marketing efforts particularly in the arts and culture have to reach out extensively to various segments, culture, demographics and we cannot ignore marketing communication in the avenues of print, digital and social media environments and how this can impact on brands, businesses and ultimately sales and ROI with a multi-prong strategy. Video, animation and moving graphics is an imperative visual connector.
Some key facts published by Hubspot cite that:
More than 60% of marketers and small business owners said they planned to increase investment in video marketing in 2017.
By 2017, video content will represent 74% of all internet traffic.
34% of B2C marketers say pre-produced video will be critical to content marketing success in 2017.
Let me help you tell your brand story, through creative visual content.
See more samples here.
A photo and a word doc... take it away!
Wed, 15 March 2017
I recently completed a quick one off project for a client with a classic marketing dilemma, one artist photo, a tight budget and a word doc with show info... how do you optimise this and push sales through visual marketing?
I decided to take up the challenge as I felt compelled to realise the visual potential even though the option is there to just replicate an existing effort which I'd usually decline since it should rightly return to its original creator. How do I offer a solution within limitations. Of course, I didn't want to do a disservice to my client and at the same time maintaining a high standard of visual output.
So with 2 hours from start to finish, I had to bring it home.
Here's what I come up with – a brand new look and feel that stays true to the essence of the show genre, a new title treatment and a dose of creative vision to make this more inspiring. A much needed face-lift to the treatment of the photo instantly brings it alive.
It's worthy to note that customers who buy show tickets are also buying into the quality of the show offering which visual design, in this instance play a major influence.
The value of good design must never be underestimated or, undervalued. Most often than not, creative designers like myself, start with a blank canvas, and what one is essentially buying from is not just time and experience, but a creative vision with thoughtful consideration and the instinctive ability and confidence to offer what works for them, uniquely for their business. Not cookie-cut, not from ready-made solutions, not for reselling.
I care about my client's brand / marketing aspirations... and this, ultimately cascades down to their audience too. A fair and valuable trade which I believe in, wholeheartedly.
Wouldn't you want to go to Broadway for a night now?
Website is live! Only took me... a few years!
Tue, 14 March 2017
I know when it comes to my own work, I am always very critical to a point that perfecting it means... I will never get it done. Designer mind and the business mind battles silently. Also, the proliferation of web technology/social media to say the least has been both a friend and a foe too... as I struggle to find 'the most current' website publishing solution that works for me. So many factors to consider it's mind boggling "...is it mobile responsive and delivers content seamlessly, is the CMS robust and easy to use? ...will I break it? ...it needs to looks sleek... little techy knowledge needed and also SEO/Social Media friendly... I have to be able to do all of these with minimum effort... arghhh... thoughts, thoughts, thoughts!".
My head hurts from all this already! I know, I know! I design websites for countless businesses before but I am a little terrified with my own... so I said STOP. JUST DO IT. GO ON... 'PUBLISH IT NOW'.
Lol... that's classic me. I think Adobe Portfolio solution hits the nail on its head... I created content and populated it in 3 days with boundless fervour. If you are a subscriber of Adobe, it's FREE. Woo hoo! I think the timing couldn't have been better as a little down time means I can concentrate solely on this and also design strategies and ideas I am keen to push which I have been working hard on.
Website note... still a perpetual work-in-progress but at least it's up! I hope you like my effort! Give me some comments, say hi and throw me some suggestions, happy to hear from you.