London Logo Design Company

Sky Arts Monopolizes Key Areas with New Ad Campaign

Logo Design Company London — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:28:56 +0000

What good is a brand without publicity? Television channel Sky Arts knows the answer to this question. Sky has teamed up with well known photographer Rankin to create an ad campaign for its channels Sky Arts 1 and 2. The remarkable part of this campaign isn’t so much that it exists, but where it exists: on every piece of advertising space on key shopping streets in six of the UK’s largest cities. That’s right: key areas of the UK are now wallpapered with art and artists to promote just one channel and the arts community that it represents.

This is an ambitious project, with just one of the streets being the well traversed Tottenham Court Road in London. Every billboard, bus stop, and even flyer on these streets has been bought by Sky for the promotion of their arts networks. Celebrity photographer Rankin has produced sixteen images, each celebrating a different type of art with a corresponding famous modern artist for this advertising campaign. Featuring well known figures in the arts, such as dancer Natasha Cudilla and musician Ch-Chi Nwanoku, this campaign positions Sky Arts as the leading purveyor of information on the arts scene.

This certainly is the intent of the ad campaign, as well as an additional goal of promoting the arts in these key metropolitan markets. Called the ‘Sky Arts Street Galleries’, this campaign is not only a source of advertisement and marketing, but a source of material for the arts networks as well. A documentary on the campaign was broadcast a few nights ago on the two networks, and there are numerous interactive tie-ins as well. In addition to a variety of online components, this campaign will include a contest for new artists, with a prize including having their work in the same advertising slots next year. Rankin, of course, will be the judge of the contest.

This campaign may seem a little over the top, but it is necessary to promote Sky Arts as a separate brand from the other network channels. Because the Sky logo is so plain, it doesn’t lend itself well to an artistic image. Even the use of a rich colour palette does little for the cause. Although a logo design with true artistic influence would be the best way to promote a modern and yet creative brand, this campaign will make headway in establishing Sky Arts as a leader in the arts world.

This is a good example of modern branding. Because consumers are bombarded with media images, it takes a bold move to capture any attention. People are likely to take notice of this ad campaign, especially people in these key shopping districts where the images cannot be ignored. Although most small businesses cannot afford to advertise on this scale, there are many ways that this spirit can be incorporated into a much smaller budget. A branding and logo design consultant can help you get started today.

Tesco Prepares to Launch New Magazines

Logo Design Company London — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:42:09 +0000

Gaining media attention is one of the most powerful ways to promote your brand and get your logo design into the public eye. Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done. The media has little reason to talk about businesses, especially not in a positive way that builds a brand. Many businesses deal with this by hiring publicists and taking measures to attract positive media attention. However, grocery and retail giant Tesco is instead creating their own media to ensure ongoing coverage.

Although many grocery stores publish small booklets with recipes and news items promoting their brand, Tesco’s new publications will be full sized glossies that consumers will buy from the newsstand just like any other magazine. Available this October in 2000 stores across the UK, three Tesco magazines named Food, Home, and Your TV Week will join Tesco’s current magazine offerings, Tesco Magazine and Real Food.

The magazines will be produced like any other publication, published by a well known magazine publisher, and edited by experienced staff. They will have target circulations and cost up to £1.99. They will appear to customers to be a normal magazine, which will make their pro-Tesco messages all the more powerful.
Will this marketing venture be successful? If it follows precedent, then it certainly may be. Tesco magazine has the fourth largest circulation in the UK. However, unlike the new titles, Tesco magazine is free. Will UK consumers be willing to pay for a marketing pamphlet, however glossy?

These magazines will give Tesco the chance to market their brand in a variety of ways. Customers will see the Tesco logo on almost every page. The brand can use this vehicle to introduce new items and show consumers new ways to use old favourites. Sales and promotions will likely be mentioned. A key difference from other media, however, is that Tesco will not be competing with other grocery stores for attention and publicity.
Does Tesco need this kind of publicity? Although it is one of the largest and best known brands in the UK, it likely needs all the publicity it can find. Retail is a competitive business, especially in a shakily recovering economy. Consumers are likely to patronise grocery stores without a great deal of thought, so there is a constant risk of losing customers should another company make an alluring bid for them. In short, Tesco, like most UK businesses, cannot afford not to market their business and keep their logo design fresh in the hearts and minds of consumers.

While many small businesses cannot afford to take these extreme measures to get publicity, there are several lessons to be learned here. First, media attention is worth courting, even at relatively high costs. Second, it is important to keep your brand in constant public view. Last, no business, regardless of its size or market share, can afford to overlook the important areas of marketing, branding, and logo design. In fact, having a smaller business presents more challenges, challenges that a consultant can help you overcome for long term success.

New Heineken Brand to Come

Logo Design Company London — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:22:17 +0000

New Heineken Brand to Come: Few beers pay as much attention to branding as worldwide alcohol giant Heineken. In keeping with this, the company seems to go through advertising and branding agencies the way many companies go through reams of paper. In a bold and unexpected turn, Heineken’s advertising and marketing will be given from The Red Brick Road to Bartle Bogle Hegarty.

Heineken has been looking to streamline their marketing by bringing all of their global brands under a single umbrella. This will include diverse aspects such as multiple nations’ sales, football sponsorships, and other brand aspects. Brand visuals may also be changed, as the company is looking to consolidate into a single visual identity and tagline.

Under The Red Brick Road, Heineken has undergone several interesting changes. From several humourous advertisements to the recent ‘Know the Signs’ campaign that encourages responsible and legal drinking, the company has a well-rounded brand that is seen as a little more adult and mature than the competition.

Because of the most recent responsibility campaign, Heineken is slowly gaining prominence as a more adult choice. Encouraging people to recognize when they have had enough and cut themselves off at that point would certainly affect the landscape of pubs all over London and the UK. However, it should be noted that this message may be waster on the average, out-for-a-good-time drinker.

What will the new Heineken identity entail? It is unlikely that the company will change such a recognizable and well loved logo design. In a leafy green that adds a natural feeling with a high contrast red star, this beer logo can be distinguished from others on the market. Writing the company name on a ribbon across the logo creates a sense of excellence, while the use of hops just below implies quality ingredients. However, just about every other aspect of the brand is up for grabs.

Heineken does not just own a single beer marketed internationally; the company owns several beers that are going to be pulled under a single brand umbrella. Whether this means adopting a logo design identical to that of the flagship brand or simply modifying each brand to make it a more sensible part of the parent company remains to be seen.

Creating a single international identity will be a challenge for both the company and its marketing consultant agency, but it will streamline the process of advertising over the long term. A single brand identity means that marketing campaigns can be used in an almost identical fashion throughout the brand’s territory. This is both cheaper and more efficient. Further, world travelers will be happy to buy a Heineken if they know that the beer in Holland tastes identical to the same named beer in London. This will help build consumer loyalty and trust. Without a consistent visual identity, many people are reluctant to believe that the product is consistent as well. Heineken is currently well branded and marketed aggressively, so it will be interesting to see what changes are in store for this company and its identity.

Anatomy of a Brand: Vodafone

Logo Design Company London — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:18:50 +0000

Anatomy of a Brand: Vodafone – Everywhere you turn, you see a Vodafone. There likely is a reason for this, as mobile telephone company Vodafone has been ranked the most valuable UK brand and the seventh most valuable brand on the globe. This leads many business owners to ask: How is Vodafone showing growth in a market where so many are failing?

UK consultancy Brand Finance publishes an annual survey of the world’s 500 most valuable brands. Although Vodafone made it on the list in previous years, this year’s ranking as number one represents a jump in brand equity past well known UK brands such as HSBC Bank and Tesco. What makes this brand such a winner in the UK? Surely the visual identity is at least one part of this winning package.

The logo design is simple and succinct. A white circle encloses a small red quotation mark. The use of red is aggressive an eye-catching, helping the brand to stand out in the saturated market. Because red is a particularly forceful colour, the company uses lower case lettering in a bubbly font to add a friendly touch. The result is a balanced image that uses a powerful colour without being overwhelmed by it.

In keeping with good branding principles, they use their visual identity as part of all company communication. Advertisements often include the familiar red quotation mark used prominently throughout the material. It is impossible not to see every piece of marketing that leaves the company and not identify it with the company. This has helped the company build a brand reputation that consumers recognize and even ask for.

Vodafone has been the leader in technology among UK communications brands. It offers the iPhone as well as a host of other popular telephones. The colour palette of the stores and the decorations within them are designed to appeal to the young and technologically savvy consumer who is the target customer of every major mobile telephone company. They clearly know how to identify and market itself to their target audience.

While this brand equity is growing by leaps and bounds, 2009 was an overwhelmingly sorry year for many UK retailers. While Asda and H&M had brand growth, they were the only other UK companies to climb up the list. The lack of growth in the UK makes the retailer’s rise to number one in the UK and number seven worldwide all the more remarkable.

The message for companies looking to find success even in a tough economy is easy. First, hire a professional logo designer to create a well balanced and recognizable communication logo that will interest and inspire customers. Second, make this logo design the basis of a visual identity that permeates every aspect of your brand, from the interior of your locations to the advertisements that sell your brand to the public. Third, offer advanced and in demand products that your target customers are seeking. This has been the recipe for success for them, and it is sure to give your own small business an advantage as well.

London Underground Iconic Logo

Logo Design Company London — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:18:42 +0000

London Underground Iconic Logo: The roundel logo used for the London Underground is perhaps one of the most recognized icons in London. Although this logo is seen just about everywhere in London, few people pause to think about the meaning or history of the image. Despite this inattention, the London Underground logo has a deep and long history that would surprise many people in London and all over the UK.

The London Underground logo as we know it today was developed in 1908, when the London General Omnibus Company wanted a graphic, easily identifiable way of marking public transportation stations. Although the red circle with a blue crossbar was adopted at this time, the logo was modified again in 1919 to the version we know today to accommodate a new, specially created font. From there, this logo design has changed very little and become a well-recognized symbol of London.

The meaning of the logo to the people who designed it is unknown, but it is easy to make a few guesses as to the feeling they were trying to portray to both Londoners and tourists. First, a roundel is the shape of a wheel, the most commonly seen device in transportation. Second, the red roundel creates a bull’s-eye effect, drawing in attention and increasing visibility. Third, it ties into the popular nickname ‘The Tube’, as it appears to be a tube when looking down it head-on. Last, a circle is an inclusive shape, so this most plebeian form of transportation may have been trying to advertise its availability to Londoners of all social classes.

The colour is also significant. Although a variety of colour schemes are now used to denote different stations and different modes of transportation, the original red and blue remains a standard. It should be noted that this uses the exact colours of the Union Jack, making this London institution a decidedly British one as well.

Throughout the decades, the roundel has become so synonymous with London that it has been used in many different forms in British pop art and even by the iconic British band The Who. At one point, the roundel was a commonly used symbol embraced by members of the Mod movement because of its links to urban life. Clearly this simple logo design is much more than a circle and a crossbar; it symbolizes the very best and most unique that the UK has to offer.

Today, every bus and Tube station in London bears this well recognized logo design. Because this logo has seen its 100th anniversary come and go with much fanfare, it is easy to predict that this design will be one we are seeing for years to come. No longer symbolic of just London, the Underground roundel is a symbol of a nation on the go. It is also representative of the power of logo design. The message of the London roundel is that a simple but highly relevant image can last the test of time when created by a qualified logo designer.

Alexander McQueen Brand Skyrockets

Logo Design Company London — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:12:04 +0000

Alexander McQueen Brand Skyrockets in Wake of Designer’s Death: Since Alexander McQueen’s recent untimely death, the fashion world has been full of speculation as to whether the iconic fashion label bearing his name will continue. This has led many to ask: what makes up the Alexander McQueen brand? Is his legacy great enough to live on in the UK and all over the world even with new leadership? What, outside of the designer’s persona, makes up the Alexander McQueen brand?

This fashion logo is truly one of a kind. While the black and white colour palette and the simple, basic font are both somewhat of a high fashion standard, the arrangement of the letters is unique while hinting at the iconic style that made the brand so famous. Putting the initial two letters of the designer’s last name inside the Q yields a recognizable and distinct logo design that can be recognized on giant billboards, tiny tags, and every size in between.

Can this brand outlive its founder? Right now, it certainly seems to be a likelihood. If anyone was wondering whether McQueen’s products would continue to sell, the answer came just a day after his death, when UK shoppers flocked to his London Bond Street store and bought everything but the fixtures. Other carriers of the Alexander McQueen brand, such as Net-a-Porter and Liberty, both reported that they were seeing a similar surge in sales.

The brand certainly received a good deal of social media attention due to the unfortunate event, but if anything, the world is more familiar than ever with this designer and the innovative clothing he created. Liberty plans to place a tribute to McQueen in their window, which will give yet more exposure to the company name and fashion logo. Celebrities all over the world are showing their grief by wearing McQueen, adding a boost of legitimacy to the trend. The Alexander McQueen store in London closed for a day of grieving, which added a feeling of scarcity that only added to the fever pitch of demand.

Although there were rumours that the parent company PPR would drop the brand, the surge in sales has convinced them to keep the design house open under new leadership. The house had only positive comments about the house and claimed to look forward to a successful future. Although they have not yet named any possible successors to the throne, it is easy to imagine that only a very talented individual could take the reins at this point.

How timeless can a logo be? If it is timeless and completely unique, as is the case with Alexander McQueen, a logo can easily remain relevant for decades. It doesn’t hurt that the rest of the McQueen brand was flawless, from the iconic designer to the decorations and arrangements of the stores. While it’s difficult to orchestrate publicity storms such as the one surrounding this hot topic—and who would want to?—this kind of free publicity is the material that branding dreams are made of.

Greenwich Microbrewery Combines Old and New

Logo Design Company London — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:12:59 +0000

Greenwich Microbrewery Combines Best of Old Techniques with Modern Tastes: The well known London microbrewery Meantime Brewing Company has almost completed their latest project: a Greenwich microbrewery with a restaurant, café and bar. However, this is not your Dad’s pint. This new microbrewery already has more history than the average pub, and it uses this history as one of the key parts of the company brand.

This notable history is a central part of the new brewery, which the company calls the Old Brewery for soon-to-be explained reasons. This history is closely tied to the brand. The Old Brewery is placed appropriately on the foundations of a 19th century brewhouse that is also the former site of the Royal Naval College. As visitors enter the site, they are surrounded by giant copper tanks. The brewing process is visible from many sections of the restaurant, which will also be a testing ground of sorts for new recipes. This is the first time the brewery has been used for its original purpose since 1870. This brewery will be the first British brewery to be placed on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with unusual ‘fish bellied beams’ in the cellars that are of great significance in the architectural history of the area.

Not only are the grounds historically significant, they will also be incredibly versatile. Not only is the site hosting a bar and brewery, it will also function as a café and sandwich shop by day, but a full luxury restaurant at night. The site will also have the distinction of producing the beer for the brand’s College Beer Club, which is a membership-only group for microbrew lovers. In effect, the new Old Brewery will serve as a clubhouse for members and anyone else who has a passion for beer.

Another important part of the brand is the unusual and historically significant range of beers that will be offered here. Because the rest of the brand is so unusual, it is only appropriate that the range of beers also be interesting and historically significant choices based on ancient brewing techniques. Although these beers have yet to be tasted, they will include selections as diverse as bog myrtle ales and mojito pilsners. The signature beer will be called Hospital Porter, brewed with a recipe over 250 years old.

Beer is an integral part of the business, and it will be an integral part of the recipes for the restaurant as well. Recipes will include a variety of dishes prepared with the microbrewery’s specialties, including beer cured salmon and chocolate beer sorbet.

The brewery logo is related to the name, showing the inner workings of a clock. The name is written in bold lettering that has been slightly distressed to create the illusion of age. The black and white color palette is simple and classy. Every element of this logo design refers to the element of time used in the name.
Because the microbrewery is already well established, it is sure to be successful in this new venture. If anything, the history of the site only serves to enhance and build the existing company brand. We look forward to new and innovative changes to an already cutting edge company.

UK Fashion Goes Digital

Logo Design Company London — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:02:56 +0000

UK Fashion Goes Digital: Nowhere is it as important to be up-to-date and chic as the world of fashion. Not only does adding digital elements to your marketing repertoire give exposure to your fashion logo design and brand, it shows that your fashion business is on top of the latest trends in all industries, including couture. The British Fashion Council and Burberry are two hot British fashion brands that are embracing this strategy when it comes to placing themselves on top of the fashion heap.

The British Fashion Council is using digital technology to bring a taste of fashion week to homes all over the UK. Their ‘Digital Schedule’ will open on February 19 and allow computer users to watch fashion shows as well as films made by fashion designers. Not only will this provide needed exposure for the Fashion Council, it will also give additional face time to the logo design and brand of the designers involved. Because fashionistas all over the world are eager to get the first scoop on London Fashion Week, this internet event is sure to have a strong following.

How will audiences know about this groundbreaking event? In addition to using traditional means such as television advertisements and billboards, the BFC is using digital marketing to promote their event. Facebook and Twitter are key components of this campaign, which is being handled by a professional branding agency. London Fashion Week is the first in the globe to incorporate digital technology into their shows so completely, but other powerful figures in the fashion scene are taking note.

Well known British luxury house Burberry is embracing this trend as well. Not only are they allowing their fashion shows to be shown on the Digital Schedule, they are also streaming the show in 3D to audiences in key markets around the world. Guests wearing special 3D glasses will be able to experience the shows in detail, down to the smallest details such as the texture of the fabrics. This gives a front row experience to thousands of people, who are then all the more likely to become loyal Burberry customers.

What does this mean for smaller fashion boutiques and even businesses in other industries? The digital revolution is a fact of modern business ownership. Although the events we have discussed are expensive ventures involving a great deal of technology, there are many ways to incorporate the same ideas into your own business without breaking your marketing budget. The key is to get your brand and logo design into the public eye in as many venues as possible. With many of the most popular social networking sites completely free, this is a good place to start.

While social media is a good place to start, don’t let your personal digital empire stop there. More creative ideas that fit your budget can be developed when you see what kind of effect social media is having an effect on your business. If you are having trouble getting off the ground, it may be time to consult a branding expert who can help you get your logo design and your business into the public eye in a positive and engaging way.

Creditsafe Rebrands to Meet the Challenges of the Times

Logo Design Company London — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:05:40 +0000

Creditsafe Rebrands to Meet the Challenges of the Times: This is not the year to be in the financial business anywhere in the world, but especially not in the UK. With banking giants all over the world involved in scandal and bankruptcy, many people are feeling particularly suspicious toward this industry. This is leading many finance-related companies to consider rebranding as a way of staying viable and maintaining customer loyalty. Creditsafe has already embarked on this process.

Creditsafe is a debt recovery and credit reporting business, and therefore has always answered mainly to credit controllers. However, as part of their new rebranding programme the company will be attempting to take a new and more open approach to a rather black and white industry.

Creditsafe calls this process the democratisation of credit. However, their rebranding the right way goes beyond simply making information available to more people. Creditsafe has a launched an advertising campaign claiming to be the most intelligent and well-rounded choice. Although the brand has over 50,000 clients across the UK and Europe, it is hoping that this identity, which is far different from their competitors, will be striking enough to give them a place beside many more established competitors.

The rebranding programme was overseen by a professional consultancy in London and is already gaining momentum. It included not just an advertising campaign, but redeveloping the business website and a new tagline: ‘Simply Smarter’. This is in line with the more democratic and intelligent approach to credit reporting that the company is claiming to embrace.

Credit checking is not exactly a glamorous line of business, so it makes sense for Creditsafe to rebrand pushing other services. However, sharing information is one aspect that cuts across the company’s many facets. Focusing on fair and equitable sharing of information among a wider group of people will create a brand that people all over London and the UK can identify with.

One aspect of the Creditsafe brand that will not change is the logo design and visual identity. This is among the most modern and eye catching of the finance logo designs on the market. A bold red background pulls in the eye while differentiating the brand from the more subdued finance logo designs that dominate the market. Two petal shapes to the right add visual interest while also giving an unusual and recognizable shape for the business to use in marketing and advertisement. Because the brand is trying to be the friendlier choice, rounded lower case writing is perfect for the company name.

This logo design may just be the only part of the Creditsafe brand that won’t be changing. However, this change is entirely for the best. While rebranding is a complicated and often difficult process, it can have a huge positive effect on the future of a business. In this case, rebranding under guidance of a professional agency is helping Creditsafe to reposition their company in a way that will be more pleasing to customers and more effective over the long term. This will not only boost the company’s success; it will also give them an advantage in the trying times to come.

Rebranding London Youth Hostels

Logo Design Company London — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:52:47 +0000

Rebranding London Youth Hostels: With the recession showing no signs of receding, many people in London and all over the UK are looking for ways to pinch pennies. For many, this has meant downgrading their accommodations during holidays. To meet the demand for fun but low cost lodging in tourist areas, boutique hostels are popping up all over Europe. The latest of this interesting breed, in Central London, offers a modern sense of style one would expect at a boutique hotel along with a central location, all at the affordable price of a hostel.

Most people in the UK know what a youth hostel is, but many have a negative impression that simply isn’t accurate anymore. Instead of the cramped clutter and inconvenience that people expect, boutique hostels offer a slightly downsized version of the boutique hotels that cost ten times as much. London Youth Hostels Association is the latest of this breed, with a contemporary brand that permeates the establishment.

Decorated in clean lines and youthful bright colours, the London Youth Hostels Association offers a modern, holiday-friendly experience that is a bargain in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Many of the rooms sleep four or five people and have their own washroom, making for a family friendly experience. Public areas as well as private, locked areas give all the camaraderie of a hostel with the privacy we all crave.

The location is one of the major selling points of this hostel. Located just south of Regent’s Park, London Youth Hostels Association is just a short walk from the Tube. Amenities include a 24-hour cafe and bar as well as common living spaces with a flat screen telly and a Nintendo Wii. Staff are available around the clock as well to help visitors plan activities, and walking tours of London are available daily.

The logo design for this hostel expresses the brand perfectly. A simple triangle is not only a shape commonly associated with homes and lodging, but one that gives a feeling of strength. People who view this logo will not only understand the purpose of the hostel, but feel safe there as well. The bright orange is youthful and modern, which matches the decor of the building as well as its generally modern brand.

One way in which hostels may appeal to modern consumers is in the fact that they are a more ecologically friendly way to travel and marketed on social media sites. Most are centrally located near public transportation. The smaller, more compact rooms and lounge areas may feel a little cramped at first, but they certainly offer a more reasonable carbon footprint. This is one key brand attribute that the Rebranding London Youth Hostels and its logo design fail to portray. Incorporating this into the overall brand, including the logo design, will create an image that appeals to both ecological and economical sensibility.

As you can see, even a lowly hostel is joining the trend toward better branding and logo design. This is because these are completely necessary to every establishment’s success. If you need an expert logo design or a brand that your customers can believe in, consult a logo designer today.