Creative Ideas for Creative Brands: Its all in a name...

In creating a brand name the agency, The Reactor, took the children’s toy paper dolls and transformed it into a brand image for a fashion stylist. The brand name and image beautifully communicate the product attributes and evokes fond memories in the minds of the target audience. The image sticks. Nostalgia creates a powerful connection.

So sending happy thoughts to gen y content readers… these are a few of content’s favourite things. Bubble O’ Bill, The Faraway Tree, Tomorrow When the War Began, The Little Mermaid, Captain Planet, Chatterboxes, Gumby, Myticos, Clinkers, cardboard attached to bikes spokes, My Aunty Anna, Care bears and first kisses.

When we were young

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  Do you remember Johnson and Friends, Bangers and Mash, Furbies or colourful leggings and scrunchy socks?? 

  
  

  Chances are if you were born in the late 80’s, like us here at content, your mind has raced back to fond childhood memories. It’s funny how comforting these memories can be. How often favourite childhood TV shows, primary school games, past fashions or even rites of passage pop up in general conversation. Not only do these memories bring happiness, but there is an immediate connection between people who share these iconic and endearing symbols.

  
  

  The reason nostalgia can be so powerful is simple. The emotional association is already there and, more often than not, it’s positive.

  
  

  One of content’s favourite examples of nostalgia in marketing can be found at http://wedontdobeige.blogspot.com/2011/03/remember-when-we-didnt-need.html. 

Is it just the winter blues?

“The winter blues have hit…... Which got us thinking in winter we are less able or less likely to spend time in outdoor communal living environments. Parks are freezing and wet. Chapel street is dreary and at over $20 dollars most art galleries are a once off event. So what do we turn to? Technology? At content, the thought of crawling under our doona’s and having a scroll through the internet is much more appealing than facing the current Melbourne weather. But how will the rise in technology affect our desire to enter public spaces outside of the seasonal conditions? If we are dependent on technology as a generation and are increasing our use of it daily, will the life of ‘picnic in the park’ cease as we find virtual interactions which meet our socialisation needs? Or will the ever-increasing stress on living conditions and availability of housing remain a key factor in keeping the outdoor social interaction alive? But then again maybe it is just these winter blues which are crowding our thoughts…”