Posters are normally one dimentional but this poster series takes graphic design to another level. Not only are they well designed, the material used to print the graphic has been chosen based on the sound it makes. The fire image is printed on a paper that crackles, the typewriter uses bubble wrap which clicks. It’s such a great effect and clever idea, perfect for promoting a Brazillian sound company. The company, Saxofunny, have created a memorable promotional piece. Their copyline ‘Every image has a sound’ also reflects the interactive concept.

The market for high quality extra virgin olive oil is very competitive but Robinvale Estate found a way to position themselves a bit differently with their product range. This family operated business found that the demand for quality oil lessened over the years and they needed to add value to their product range in some way.

The marketing manager decided on a fresh approach, create a variety of flavoured olive oils using fresh fruit and herbs. They diversified their production from just olives, into other varieties of fruit and vegetables. They also branched out into flavoured salad dressings with combinations like balsamic and oregano, lemon and verjuice.

By targeting and appealing to the domestic market, their sales are very strong. The graphic design used on the label also has a very fresh appeal and captures the lightness of the oil and the lemon and garlic flavouring. Sometimes strategic thinking can allow you to step away from your competitors and be known for something unique.

This french cafe is named ‘La Corde à Linge’ (meaning the clothes line) as it’s located in the old wash houses in Strasbourg, France. The name sets the theme for the concept and strategy behind the interior design and also the graphic design of the menus and marketing collateral. The concept for the company is based on haberdashery, laundry and a clothes workshop with the use of related props to enhance the theme, such as spindles of cotton, clothing patterns, pegs and hangers.

The interior has been designed with an industrial feel, emulating a garment factory. There are also Art Deco influences in the design of the interior along with the branding, through the use of typefaces and graphic design elements from the 30’s. These are used for branding elements on the menu, website and signage. I could imagine this design strategy working very well for a cafe housed in an industrial space here in Melbourne. The combination of industrial, cool theme and art deco are all design concepts people seem to love, especially in the city areas.

The prediction for 2011 is for growth in sales of luxury brand products like Gucci, Burberry and Louis Vuitton. This has been forecast by Bain & Company, a consultant firm who produce an annual study on the luxury brand market. The main reason for the growth is the demand in China by the newly rich looking to promote their wealth through buying luxury products.

The strategy for growth by Versace and Max Mara is to invest heavily in marketing to the Chinese consumer. Gucci has also been successful in introducing their brand to this market by making their products accessible through the design of simple wallets and accessories. Both Gucci and Louis Vuitton have been the most successful luxury brands in China. The key to their success is understanding the tastes and habits of their new consumer.

Luxury brands had record sales in 2007, but the prediction for 2011 is for sales to outperform this record. Leather bags, jewellery, shoes and watches are forecast to see the biggest demand and growth.

There are always new cafes opening up, but how does one cafe stand out from another? How can you make your cafe memorable? Well this Manhattan cafe has created a library feel but with a difference. The rows of books are flipped on their side to create a brand that has an impact when you enter the cafe as well as attracting attention when passing by.

The book images are printed on tiles which cover the floor, ceiling and walls. The floor boards are featured on the walls. This has been a great business strategy, creating a memorable brand through clever use of design. The whole upside-down feeling of the cafe creates interest and a visual experience that invites the customer to explore their surroundings. The interior design adds another dimension to the cafe experience. It is a brand story that customers can pass on to people. By investing in clever design, this cafe has developed a marketing strategy to grow their business through word of mouth.