Seattle is a city that attracts creative people and companies. Innovators choose this city to relocate as they want to be around like minded people and leave traditional values behind. The city has an abundance of creative artists, innovators, people with big ideas with forward thinking attitudes. With a population of only 600,000 people, Seattle is home to some big brands like Boeing, Starbucks and Microsoft.

Residents believe that their inspiration comes from the surrounding natural environment. Green space in the city has been considered in the master plan of the city. The plan included a park or playground close to every house. An inspiring city for anyone who is creative.

It shows the power of the Apple brand when a company releases a product with such high expectations. Their previous big release of the iphone was such a huge success that the benchmark for this new product was so high.

With all the hype around the release of the ipad, there has been a continuous stream of comments posted over the web. Supporters of Apple products all appreciate the company’s core brand attributes of design, technology, innovation and simplicity. Although there are very mixed reviews, the true brand advocates seem to be as passionate as ever about the new technology even though some have not physcially seen or used the ipad. Based on Apple’s track record they are certain it will be great. They feel assured that Apple always knows what they’re doing and they have a great track record. Such trust! That really shows the power of Apple’s branding.

The highest profile tennis players greatly influence the sales of fashion brands. They are chosen to market a brand not only for their tennis skills and performance but also for their personality, charisma and appeal to their fans. Their beauty, style, cuteness and appeal are all marketing tools that are used by brand managers.

Tennis players used to wear white, simple outfits as the whole focus was on their tennis. There used to be strict regulations and guidelines around their dress code. Now, tournaments like the Australian Open are watched not only for their tennis but also for the fashion. The outfits are colourful with new and interesting designs to create attention, inspiration and sales.

The fans connect to a player’s sense of style and personality and are highly influenced by what they’re wearing. During the Australian Open, the tennis fashion brand, Lacoste who sponsors Roddick, notices a huge increase in their product sales every time he plays a match. His fans are inspired by his look and Lacoste sells anything he wears.

Illustration is a great way to help tell a story around a brand. At a glance, the illustration creates a sense of personality and character. It is a very effective way of communicating especially for packaging design where shelf appeal and a point of difference is essential.

Firstly a brand consultant will determine the concept behind the product. What is the core message they want to convey. Illustration helps bring this message to life, develop the story and create emotive visuals that can engage in a way that is sometimes more effective than words or photography.

An illustrator can add a touch of quirkiness, cuteness or create a looseness or unstructured feel around a brand. A sense of fun has been captured on the packaging for Asda’s milkshakes with illustrations in the shape of a strawberry and chocolate but with the personality of a cow.

Prince Charles has used his royal position to his advantage and established his own homewares brand. Of course, in line with his status, the brand represents luxury and sits along other high profile companies such as Tiffanys, Wedgwoods and Waterfords. The delicate collection of china, crystal and silver, called Traditional Arts, has been designed by graduates and young designers.

The brand’s point of difference is in the decorative design style of the products which is inspired by old manuscripts, motifs and myths. The brand is committed to restoring the tradition of arts and crafts. Also unlike other brands in their market, they take custom orders.

Prince Charles is among a whole line of celebrities who are starting their own brands in the homewares market.