Incredible detail, but straight lines everywhere…

Super-Geometric

Incredible detail, but straight lines everywhere. If origami was graphic design technique, this would be it.

Don’t be fooled by apparent simplicity though — the level of skill and attention required to produce this kind of work is not for the faint-hearted. That’s probably why this design style is trending, similar to the Handiwork example above.

Inspired by Ashburton Intermediate

Inspired by Ashburton Intermediate

Late last year we were honoured to be asked by Darren Butler, a gifted teacher from Ashburton Intermediate, if we could find time to talk about marketing and design with a few students in relation to a unique project the school was working on.
The possibility of our professional experience being useful to local young minds is rewarding enough, but we were inspired to do as much as we could once Darren explained the “real world” nature of the project, which involved teams of students working  together over the term to develop, manufacture and market a product which would be sold at a Market Day. 
JFM Senior Designer Nik Sweeney initially spoke with the students about fundamental aspects of good logo, packaging and poster design. Cue: blank stares as to how any adult could get so excited about colours. But with some expert coaxing from Darren, a question and answer session soon revealed that some students had a real gift for the marketing and advertising concepts behind the design. One young lady even raised her hand and confidently asked what she should be studying now to get into marketing. True story. Her JFM business cards are being printed as we speak.
To our delight, Darren reported that the students felt they had learned a lot from our presentation. We were even asked to continue our involvement with the project by “judging” the resulting posters, packaging and stall designs. Easier said than done. Upon seeing the clear effort each student team had put into the design and marketing of their products, it became apparent that picking the best of the bunch was going to come down to tiny degrees of difference. With such a close race we felt the only fair reward was an Olympic medal system. The resulting gold, silver and bronze certificates included an explanation of what unique efforts we recognised and made the entry more successful than the competition. 
Visiting the Ashburton Intermediate Market Day itself was a heartwarming revelation. Each team had developed a product based on a different country and the students had entered into the spirit of the event by dressing to match their product. The stall decorations were outstanding and the quality of the student sales people would put any Melbourne or London market to shame. The only fault Nik could find was that he arrived too late to sample all the international foods.
The stalls, happy students, cheerful noise and (no doubt sugar fuelled) atmosphere had visitors totally engrossed in the experience. By all accounts, the culmination of the project was a great success for the students and teachers. Here’s the final word from Darren Butler;
“Thank you for your time and effort as it has made it extra special having a professional give some insight about marketing and critique their hard work.  The event was more successful than anticipated with food selling out by 12.30 (and we had a lot at the start) and many of the stalls just about selling out also (must have been that great marketing advice).  We made about $4600 towards Ashburtion’s cancer society + Cole Beeman raising a similar amount by himself to shave his head, so hugely successful. Thankyou and the team.”

One Month already down…

One Month already down already

2015 feels like its going to be an action packed year, full of new and exciting marketing and strategic projects.
We hope you had a safe and happy holiday season, and welcome you back to another year. January and February are great months to plan any marketing projects for the year ahead and set new goals and objectives. Whether its signage for the upcoming agricultural shows, or help with your strategic direction and brand identity, the JFM team are on board and ready to support. Our goal for 2015 is to be more proactive and responsive to your needs, and will be out and about visiting you more regularly – so put that coffee order in!
Wishing you all the best for another successful year. Talk soon.

Minimal Mind

Minimal Mind

Negative space takes center stage in current packaging design trends, according to Stylesight in its Prints & Graphics.

This “Minimal Mind” graphic design trend favors immaculate white space and minimal graphics over decorative graphic design elements.
“Pristine packaging alludes an über contemporary feel,” states Stylesight.

Additional design elements that define this trend include:
– Immaculate white is used as a basis for all materials and packaging
– Minimal graphics and type
– Pure and simple branding
– New organic approach
– Small and subtle pops of color appear through paint drips, tiny circles, type and simple illustrations

Quigley Contracting and JFM had a brainwave…

Quigley Contracting – Graphic design of Vehicle Signage

The Ashburton A&P Show is a real highlight for JFM

Seeing our clients put their best foot forward and present themselves to market is great to see. For us though, it also creates design and deadline chaos – which we love! With 10 working days notice, Quigley Contracting and JFM had a brainwave. New vehicles coming. Show days looming. Lets get creative!

The result is two Holden Captiva vehicles for their sales reps, sign written with imagery of each of their services, which is incredibly effective.

Want to know more about Quigley Contracting? Click here to visit their website.

Blown away by a tank

Blown away by a tank.

Sebco manufactures fuel storage tanks. That sounds straightforward enough. But Sebco founders Ed and Leah Harrison are so engaging and so humble that you almost forget their products are light years ahead of anything else in the market. You almost forget that Sebco diesel stations are the ONLY storage tank in New Zealand to be EPA compliant. You almost forget the industry awards presented to Sebco for technical achievement. You almost forget the calibre of the customers they supply across New Zealand.

You ALMOST forget.

When Sebco asked JFM to design new display collateral for a trade show, we immediately took on board everything that Ashburton based Sebco has achieved so far in building their brand. No pressure JFM, no pressure at all. But that’s the way we like it – we believe it’s a real privilege to add our efforts to the momentum of a business.

The project became a challenging exercise in representing the true strengths, innovations and character behind the range of Sebco products. The display collateral needed to demand serious attention in an exhibit situation. It had to demonstrate an advanced level of achievement without blowing it’s own trumpet – something which the Sebco team would never do. In short, the display had to be noticed for all the right reasons, rather than being overlooked as another background player.

We created a visual strategy which would link the three main Sebco products and multiple customer benefits into one BIG story. When placed together, the individual display pieces work together as a visual block to completely claim any space. A “Sebco Wall” effect is created by the linking colours, layouts and simple messages of the banners and counter unit. But, considering the investment involved in banner printing, our design also allowed for the individual pieces to work powerfully as stand alone product displays for future use.

The final display definitely achieved the visual impact we had aimed for, but we were delighted to receive a happy note from Sebco at their trade show saying the display was “fantastic” – followed by a photo of Ed in action.

Click here to view the JFM Sebco portfolio

JFM host a Who! event with keynote speaker Sue Lindsay

JFM host a Who! event with keynote speaker Sue Lindsay

Helping business owners and leaders in my business community is a real privilege, and it’s a personal passion of mine to help build it’s full potential where I can.

On Tuesday 4th November, we were delighted to launch Who! and it’s inaugural event hosted by JFM which was enjoyed by over 25 local clients, business owners and managers.

Over breakfast we had the opportunity to gain real-world insights on leadership and transformational strategy from Sue Lindsay, multi award winning strategist, business coach and international speaker.

I’m delighted Sue’s real world approach to life & business may have not only been inspiring but also motivating…

Take a look over the photographs from the event, or like Who!
www.whoNZ.com www.fb.com/whoNZ

“Thanks for this morning, Sue is inspiring and it was an uplifting way to start the day.”

“Just wanted to flick you a quick email and say THANK YOU for this morning. It was fantastic. Sue is amazing to listen too and I think she gave everyone there some inspiration. I know that she’s given it to (name), she’s literary buzzing around here. And keeps telling the girls what she listened to. She was like a big sponge and taking it all in.”

“Just wanted to say thanks for inviting me along this morning, I really enjoyed the presentation from Sue! PS this email is not pp’d”

“Thanks so much for this morning we both really loved the opportunity to hear about Sue and I am so looking forward to talking to her next week.”

If you haven’t had a chance to read back over your presentation notes, why not make an appointment with yourself this week and take one action – who we need to be tomorrow, starts today! Or if you would like a copy of Sue’s presentation please feel free to be in touch.

The lead into Christmas is busy all round, there’s still plenty of time to complete your last project goals for 2014. If you have an opportunity in mind and you’d like some direction or creative strategy advice feel free to contact Hayden and myself – it’s our objective to be your professional helpful friend in business wherever we can.

Regards,

Jo Foster
Creative Director