The Whiteboard
rebranding english national ballet
This very first month of 2013 seems to have presented itself with quite a number of brand revamp from all over the world, especially the States such as the Microsoft, the American Airlines, Office Depot, but I am way more impressed by the English National Ballet in UK. This overhaul is successful in the sense that it’s really bringing forward the vision of ENB in a holistic manner, To be the most creative and most loved ballet Company in the UK. Brand identity is only part of this transformation and it does not end there, the photography brings out the spirit of ENB aspiring to be bold, creative yet sustaining the trait they are respecting the tradition and history of ballet. Together with the new logo which adapts the font Aktiv Grotesk, the new color palette, the new brand-mark is inspired by the quotation mark which resembles ballerina’s point-toe gesture I must say is abstract yet expressive. Several punctuation marks have been widely used in many brand such as {}, | , & , ” “. It’s very challenging on how to give these visual components a new life and representation in a relevant manner. ENB further makes a bolder statement by launching the collaboration with the legendary Vivienne Westwood who is renowned for being untamed, wild, uncompromising and simply creative in the fashion realm, but stepping in the water of the ballet hemisphere just synergizes both brands further. Vivienne will continue to style the dancers and art direct all the photography for the ENB marketing material throughout 2013. The whole exercise resonates extremely well with their claim that ENB is an ambitious arts organisation, Tamara Rojo’s creative leadership is bold and confident – just like what the headline says “Looks like a doll. Dances like a demon.”
general assembly landed HK!
Many of you should know about General Assembly in New York, and this community landed in HK offering many courses and resources for activists who strive to become better in life through technology and designs. I attended a 4 hours workshop this Saturday called “Using UX to validate your business model” and find the class simply inspiring. My expectation for the course is sharing of techniques and tips on designing better user experience on websites. But this class is actually pulling us further away from micro-managing our business ideas or concepts and stimulate us to think from a much higher level. Something like UX Design Principles, Problem Reframing, Rapid Prototype, Ideate Solutions, Storyboarding are all great topics the instructor, Elaine Ann, shared. Elaine has comprehensive background in technology and psychology, she graduated from Carnegie Mellon and Stanford Executive MBA program. Her consultant experience for multinational conglomerates and startups has equipped her with numerous case studies from HK Post to Herman Miller and many others in the region from USA to China. There are many more other courses line up and go check them out at General Assembly website now.
Converse x CLOT Pro-Leather
The CONVERSE x CLOT Pro-Leather collaboration is part of a global series that brings artists, street culture and urban creativity to different neighbourhoods. Join us at the opening party tonight from 7-10pm at Juice, 9-11 Cleveland Street, Causeway Bay.
iStay.Inn X start from zero
Best friend has just started an urban art hostel, iStay.inn in Singapore, which aims to offer another creative yet comfy choice for those who are running on a tighter budget. And studio friends Start from Zero collaborates by giving this Lion City another street art flair and vibe with their painting. Next time you swing by, take a look at this little indie joint where many free souls and creative minds meet and greet.
iStay.Inn – An Urban Art Hostel
211A South Bridge Road, Singaore
taking bag sunday
No, we don’t mean the rock band… but rather, a new funky bags and accessories brand started by our friends here in Hong Kong.
In their recent collaboration with We Are Hairy People, Taking Bag Sunday came out with special edition bags that marry the most beautiful colour and shape combinations…. and of course, made with TLC. Love!
