ARTribe - Media partner to the FAB Bridal Expo

As the wedding industry is preparing with jittery expectation for the FAB Bridal Expo this weekend we thought it the ideal time to show you some of the work we’ve done to make their 13 year anniversary their greatest success yet.

We enjoy mentioning (in case you missed it) that we are the media partner for Donato Events, organisers of this prestigious bridal expo! Of course it is a great honour and tremendously exciting to be associated with such a ‘happening’ company – but what exactly does it mean to be a media partner? 

Having the title of media partner involves more than producing a random collection of advertising material and making it “look pretty”. It entails taking every aspect of their branding into account and conjuring up a fresh way to express the essence of what Donato stands for. The look, the feel, the message, the vibe of Donato –  should all bring across the same distinct flavour. Allow us to demonstrate that there is in fact a theory behind our designs and a method in the (wedding) madness....

Our inspiration for the Donato logo (below) comes from Desi (Desiree Liebenberg is the owner, visionary and events planning expert behind this company). The name Donato is derived from the Italian word for “gift” or “given”. To Desi, Donato represents this gift she’s been blessed with to help businesses expand and flourish, thanks to her magical touch. 

The logo portrays a germinated seed, a flower opening and a bird pollinating the flower. All images of growth, blossoming, thriving, budding and spreading. As Donato has a focus on shows and expos, the flower’s natural capacity to draw attention symbolises Donato’s ability to attract interest with their vibrant exhibitions. The colours we chose are delicate, graceful and feminine - to suit the strong bridal component of Donato’s clientele. 

The FAB logo was due for a refreshed, updated look. The current logo is available in different formats, but the full version includes this bridal face and elaborate veil. We wanted to portray a “universal” bride and so the face on the logo combines features from various ethnic groups. The veil is designed to remind of rich ornate saris at Indian weddings but can simultaneously indicate a Western wedding style. The purple and gold colours of the logo suggest royalty and work well with the polished, glamorous feel of the FAB Bridal Expo.

You’ll spot many of the FAB advertisements on lampposts, newspapers and at Grand West itself. For more information about the event check out Donato’s website: http://donatoevents.co.za/  Alternatively check out their facebook page here. 

The FAB Bridal Expo is a much anticipated event for brides- and grooms-to-be and for anyone in the wedding and events business. Lunchbox Event Stationery (part of the ARTribe group) has also been diligently preparing for this year’s show, which will be hosted at Grand West’s Market Hall from the 4-5 May. We would love to see you at our stand!

New website for Undercover Tents and Event Hire

Undercover specialises in high quality stretch- and Bedouin tent hire for weddings, corporate events, product launches or private parties. Their stylish tents add a festive atmosphere to any event, they can be erected at almost any location and are all 100% waterproof, UV resistant and fireproof. Undercover Tents and Event Hire has been in the industry for 10 years, operating mainly in the Cape Town area but also catering for functions elsewhere in the Western Cape. 

 

As we enjoy working with service providers in the hospitality industry, we were thrilled to work with Undercover and to receive such encouraging feedback from them:  “Wow we really like the website – well done!... We are really happy with the overall effect of the site – thank you very much!”

Have a look and contact Undercover Tents and Event Hire for your next function. www.undercovertents.co.za

Animalzone is back for more

Our current Petline packaging- due for brand integration

Animalzone’s pet food and accessories are based on years of research and experience in the pet industry. With 40 years of bird breeding expertise and 19 years of avian veterinary experience at the Klapmuts Bird Clinic, Animalzone’s nutritious products are designed to keep your pet healthy. Their products come in irresistible natural colours and flavours to spoil your bird and are available at major retailers throughout SA, but also sold internationally or at their online shop.

Branding is to undergo a slight change: the Petline range will not disappear off the shelves, but Animalzone branding will become more prominent and the two will be integrated. We will keep you updated on what direction their branding takes and what other exciting projects are in the pipeline...

Animalzone revamp and integration with Petline

Connecting with the Hospitality Industry: Rusticana

Rusticana Hospitality Estate is a hugely popular wedding and function venue in the heart of the Boland. The estate is run by the Theron family, who thoroughly live up to their reputation for extravagant hospitality and will make anyone feel at home. Rusticana’s friendly service, beautiful setting and delicious food are enthusiastically recommended by their many satisfied guests. Check out their site at www.rusticana.co.za.

We were thrilled to work with Rusticana as we enjoy connecting with service providers in the hospitality industry. ARTribe has recently launched its own event stationery division: Lunchbox. We do invitations, menus, table seating, labels, ceremony booklets and more ... from design to printing. For exceptional event stationery for weddings, corporate events, bridal showers, baby showers, kiddies parties, birthdays and other functions contact Michaela at info@lunchboxstationery.co.za.

Smart-IT Accounting Software gets a new look

Smart-IT Accounting Software is one of our latest exciting projects. Their product is a very efficient software program that co-ordinates and streamlines the day-to-day workings of any business, from bookkeeping to management. After getting a personal demonstration of Smart-IT, we were utterly impressed with their product and felt inspired to get to work.
  

Currently we are in the process of revamping the website, designing product packaging and creating a striking billboard. In addition we are creating a buzz for their company online with articles and news releases.

Which reminds me: are you working in their industry? Want a link to Smart-IT on your website? They will return the favour.

This one’s still in the early stages. Proof that we actually do planning! DTP by Michaela, edited by Johan. I’m doing the copy, but you can’t read it yet! So no credit for me here ... :( 

New Website for Tomcat Chippers

A distinguished company like Tomcat Chippers really needed a top-class website to showcase their extensive range of products. They are a leading supplier of wood chippers in South Africa, their machines being specifically manufactured to handle harsh Southern African conditions. In addition they are strongly affiliated with Bandit Chippers Africa. If you need a wood chipper...look no further than these companies, experts in their field.

For both sites a strong focus was given on the catalogue of products. The new vibrant Tomcat website was recently completed. Have a look:  www.tomcatchippers.co.za. Bandit Chippers is still under construction, but the basic structure is in place. See what we’ve done so far. www.banditchippers.co.za.

Wynberg and Sun Valley Pharmacy take on new branding

Wynberg Pharmacy has a well established reputation in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, so we were flattered to be given the opportunity to work on their interactive account. They are the huge friendly, family-owned pharmacy in Wynberg, stocking the widest range of products at competitive prices. They boast a primary healthcare clinic and also stock an impressive range of disability aids. The Wynberg group includes their sister pharmacy, Sun Valley Pharmacy in Noordhoek; Winfar Surgical (who are also wholesalers for disability aids) and their photographic division, FotoFusion.

We’ve been involved with the Wynberg Pharmacy group for a while, helping to shape their branding. With the new websites we wanted to accentuate a clean fresh look. Also, the site needed to be adaptable for future developments and to be flexible enough to look good regardless of the quantity of recent content added. The end product will be a site that’s tailor-made for the client.

Coming up with Something Quirky

Choosing your company name is more than driving in your car and coming up with a quirky phrase. It is the single most important phrase or word that will communicate your company profile to an audience immediately.

We have taken the liberty to quest the Internet ocean in search of the ultimate guide to help you decide the route to go. The truth is – there are endless articles on this topic. Endless opinions on exactly which way to go. Some long and exhausting, some quick and entertaining. I came across an amazing article listing some company names that have gone huge on international branding. Some of these comply with the most basic outlines given in most business guides concerning the creation of a company name. Many do not. Ergo...

In an article by successful entrepeneur Micheal McDerment (http://www.thinkvitamin.com/features/biz/how-to-name-your-company), he suggests a procedure that companies can follow to pick their name.

Look for something that is:

● Easy to remember
● Easy to spell
● Describes the business category
● Describes benefit
● Describes difference
● Short (no more than one or two syllables)
● Start with a strong consonant (Plosives) (BCDGKPQT)
● Fun to say and easy to pronounce

He suggests that you pick a few of these constraints as a guide, and then stick to it.
Start by, not looking for a name, but words that best describe the following:

● Your product category
● What distinguishes you from your competition
● The benefits of your product or service

The following step is to let things simmer. Sleep on all your ideas and be ruthless. Make sure that your ideas satisfy all the constraints .

The final step is to test your name, McDermont says:
Make some phone calls, run a survey, post the name on a forum and see what people think Whatever you do, get some feedback from target customers outside your organization. (McDermont: How to name your company)

Here is another simple quick checklist from, How to change your World (February 21, 2006)

● Begin with letters early in the alphabet
● Avoid names starting with X and Z
● Embody verb potential
● Sound Different
● Embody Logic
● Avoid the Trendy
● Avoid the commonplace and generic

These guidelines are theoretical guidelines and serve to supply advice to help you get started. So, plunge in and pick a phrase that defines your company, its service and something you’ll love to say every time you answer the phone.