A long standing client, Blanc de Bierges have been acquired by Evans Concrete Products based in Derby. It’s been an interesting time as we have been moving the brand underneath the umbrella of Evans. Both brands have their own integrity – Evans for their skills and expertise in civil engineering projects whilst the Blanc de Bierges offer appeals to architects and specifiers as a more aesthetic consideration. Through careful revisiting of the logo, we modified colourways and rebalanced the classical roman typography to retain the ‘Blanc’ – elements of which were established back in 2005. Though Blanc de Bierges represents the more aesthetic side of stonework, Evans themselves helped to create one of the most impressive pieces of public art in the UK. The creation of ‘The Dream‘ for artist Jaume Plensa though a major project was all in a days work for Evans. You can spot this tantilising piece if traveling on the M62 toward Liverpool, where it’s projection above the treetops is quite surreal. Back down to earth, we’ve been adapting the Blanc de Bierges brand website to reflect their more extensive capabilities under the Evans wing- see for yourself here…
The same…but different
February 6th, 2013Broadening our fields…
January 14th, 2013AGCO is one of the the largest agricultural equipment manufacturer in the world. Their tractors, combines and other farm equipment are sold in more than 140 countries and are led by four global brands – CHALLENGER, FENDT, MASSEY FERGUSON & VALTRA.
In common with many organisations, their brand positioning relies on marketing support to reaffirm product identity and qualities. Getting Farmers to invest in the FENDT brand instead of budget alternatives is even more tricky when they’re faced with extreme economic and environmental challenges from year to year.
As part of the UK marketing support for the FENDT brand, Fluid Thinking to put together a testimonial brochure. Comprising of 7 in depth case studies, each resulting from full interviews with a range of current owners of FENDT tractors, covering all types of farming from arable to vineyards, with success stories to tell.
The concept was successfully followed up in the 2013 LAMMA show, where the idea was expanded to feature full size testimonial panels designed to brave the elements when sat alongside their owners Tractors.
With more AGCO work in the pipeline, we look forward to getting our hands dirty
Our sharpest work yet?
April 17th, 2012
Without a doubt, the Stanley knife has become a ubiquitous piece of hardware for trade and DIY markets. Enter the ‘Sharpest blade we’ve ever made’ from Stanley Black & Decker and there’s even more riding on reputation. We recently produced a full launch package with POS/ video and print to cut through the swage of lower performing products in the marketplace.
Research findings and test data gave us the starting point to build marketing collateral around around the new Tungsten Carbide Blades offer. After building on graphic treatments used on the packaging, we developed a look and feel – expanding this into the storyboard for an instore video together with POS and leaflet materials which was reviewed by European marketing teams prior to production.
During the making of the video we discovered that the blades lived up to expectation – and beyond – taking safety gloves in their stride!! With our carefully controlled shoot, no-one was at risk - but a few bets were won!
Utilising the lastest Canon D series allowed us to film in lower light conditions – on site to create an authentic feel. The footage was augmented with some bold animations to drive home the message ’5x Longer life’
After translations, we’ve rolled out the programme across Europe and into 15 languages.
Tough tools – handled with care….
April 28th, 2011
Recently we created some corporate dressing panels and roller banners for Stanley Black & Decker. A series of stylised product photography follows the ‘gritty’ feel of their marketing materials. Whilst the products themselves are of top quality, when displayed at almost a metre across, a blemish can become a feature. Our careful post production ensured top quality reproduction on the finished print.
A face you can’t forget
January 19th, 2011
The font was designed in 1994 by Vincent Connare, a Microsoft employee engaged in developing educational software. Whilst reviewing a new program which was being designed to make computers friendly and accessible for IT virgins, Connare was alarmed by the Times New Roman which accompanied the animated dog called Bob. ‘Microsoft Bob’ was akin to the Micosoft paperclip animation, so beloved by users of ‘Word’. It’s purpose was to lead, through simple and friendly instruction, the user through the simple tasks of word processing and simple spreadsheets. The form & purpose where simply at odds with oneanother. Connare recognised the need for a simple organic type form and, inspired by the clarity and accessible look of comic strip speech bubbles. He set about designing a formal font with a strong legacy to the hand drawn letterforms more easily associated with Batman cartoons. The slight italic feel adds an immediacy to any text set in Comic Sans.
Unfortunately, ‘Microsoft Bob’ was not a success and was confined to digital oblivion – but not Comic Sans. Released as part of a set of supplementary fonts in ‘Windows ‘95’ the font was quickly recognised as an ‘anti font’ to the rigid strictures of Arial and Times Roman and absorbed into the ‘Desktop Publishing’ lovers toolbox.
In fact, Comic Sans has a serious side. Like another of Connare’s other font designs “Trebuchet’, it has been shown to be an excellent font for people with Dyslexia, where it’s clear and rhythmic form proves less confusing.
Next time you see it, however inappropriate – remember that it was orphaned early in it’s life and that it was designed with the very best intentions!