Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s New Campaign: A Bold Rebranding Effort

Rewriting the Rules of Heritage Branding

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard boasts an impressive collection of historical naval artefacts, but engaging a new generation with maritime history is no mean feat. To entice visitors young and old, the dockyard has launched a new campaign that bursts with a re-energised appeal to its leading attractions, from The Mary Rose to HMS Victory.

A New Identity

While there’s no formula for creating impactful branding, Portsmouth Dockyard’s new identity is a prime example of how simple visuals paired with playful copy can inject a dose of personality to build a punchy brand. With a bold colour palette and strong typography, the new campaign expertly blends heritage with contemporary flair.

The Design

The initial design took inspiration from the dockyard’s 6 main attractions – HMS Warrior, HMS Victory, The Mary Rose, HMS Alliance, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, and Dive the Mary Rose 4D. Design studio SomeOne took the word ‘ship’ and gave it a brand new meaning, transforming it into a series of playful new slogans.

Breaking Boundaries

Breaking the boundaries of traditional heritage branding, SomeOne transformed the traditional notion of a ship into a modern, bold, and playful concept. The design team used a unique vibrant colour palette for each ship, paired with bold typographical design, giving the campaign a thoroughly modern feel without losing sight of the dockyard’s history.

Working with Rockabye

Partnering with design and motion studio Rockabye, the creative team introduced animated visuals into the headlines to create an immersive campaign that packs a punch through visual intrigue and memorability.

Discovering Compelling Stories

Beyond the immediate visual impact of the ships at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the design team discovered a trove of compelling stories beneath the surface. These stories provided the creative catalyst to create a campaign as bold as the ships themselves. From the visceral impact of battle to world-class technology – now was not the time to mince words in headlines.

The Results

The campaign has been praised for its modern feel and attention to detail. The design team used the language of first-time visitors to form a provocative and contemporary new campaign. The result is a unique and memorable campaign that is both visually striking and historically accurate.

Conclusion

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s new campaign is an artful blend of history and modern playfulness, subverting the conventions of heritage branding. The campaign’s bold and playful approach has successfully rebranded the dockyard, making it appealing to a new generation of visitors.

FAQs

Q: What inspired the new campaign?
A: The campaign was inspired by the dockyard’s 6 main attractions and the stories that lie beneath the surface.

Q: What is the unique feature of the campaign?
A: The unique feature is the bold and playful approach, which combines traditional heritage with modern design.

Q: How did the design team approach the project?
A: The design team used a unique vibrant colour palette for each ship, paired with bold typographical design, to give the campaign a modern feel without losing sight of the dockyard’s history.

Q: What is the goal of the campaign?
A: The goal is to entice visitors young and old to the dockyard’s leading attractions, such as The Mary Rose and HMS Victory.

Postage Stamps as Ambassadors of Culture

Postage stamps may be only a tiny canvas, but stamp art can have a lot of significance. Some stamp designs commemorate national or global events and occasions, some simply celebrate culture and art for the sake of it. Stamps are sometimes described as ambassadors for their country, so I can totally get behind this new ‘myths and legends’ set from Royal Mail in the UK.

Celebrating Folklore

The set of illustrations celebrates folklore, including some regional myths you may not know. Illustrated by London-based artist Adam Simpson, each of the eight stamps focuses on a different myth or legend, from mischievous Cornish piskies to a grindylow from up north. A Scottish selkie slips off her sealskin, the Loch Ness Monster emerges from the deep and the East Anglian Black Shuck bares its fangs.

Design Process

Adam, who previously designed a Royal Mail stamp for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, says it can be challenging to find a composition that works at such small scale. The Beowulf stamp was particularly difficult because it required multiple illustrations, with Beowulf, the monster Grendel and the mead hall, Heorot. He also had to avoid making it look too gruesome. "I wanted to give a sense that Beowulf is about to tear Grendel’s arm off without it being too gory!," he says.

Adam used a mixed-media approach. He began with a separate sketchbook for each piece, which he filled with ideas, drawings and notes, immersing himself in each myth. From rough ideas for compositions, he created multiple iterations. Once he’d decided on the direction for each piece, Adam scanned his work and made more edits using digital art software. He submitted working drafts to the Royal Mail Stamp Advisory Committee for regular feedback, refining things over the course of a year.

Conclusion

The set of stamps comes amid a resurgence of interest in folklore. Adam hopes the artwork will create intrigue and prompt people to learn more about the origins of each myth. He’s since been working on a project around Norse mythology and has been illustrating Brothers Grimm tales.

FAQs

Q: What inspired Adam to design the myths and legends stamp set?
A: Adam was inspired by the rich and varied mythological heritage of the British Isles and wanted to celebrate the stories and legends that are associated with different regions.

Q: How did Adam approach the design process for the stamps?
A: Adam used a mixed-media approach, beginning with a separate sketchbook for each piece and filling it with ideas, drawings and notes. He then created multiple iterations and refined his work over the course of a year.

Q: What was the most challenging part of designing the stamps?
A: The most challenging part was finding a composition that worked at such small scale. Adam had to be mindful of the level of detail and the amount of information he could include in each stamp.

Q: What does Adam hope to achieve with the stamp set?
A: Adam hopes the artwork will create intrigue and prompt people to learn more about the origins of each myth. He also hopes to inspire people to explore their own cultural heritage and the stories that are associated with different regions.

About Cleonique Hilsaca

Cleonique is a Honduran illustrator whose art is featured in picture books, newspapers, magazines, board games, and galleries. Her work is infused with whimsy and a hint of horror, influenced by her love of fantasy and mythology.

Her Artistic Style

Cleonique’s artwork is a reflection of her fascination with the mystical and unknown. Her pieces often feature creatures from mythology and folklore, such as witches, owls, and black cats. Each piece is imbued with a sense of wonder and enchantment, drawing the viewer into a world of fantasy and magic.

Featured Artworks

1. Catapples
   • Created for the Ethereal Orchard show at the WOW x WOW gallery, this painting was inspired by her precious cat, Fig.
   • A whimsical depiction of a cat’s face held in a human hand, showcasing Cleonique’s skill with color and composition.
2. Snack
   • Another WOW x WOW piece, this time for the Monochromagic 7 show, this was an exploration piece created from loose sketches to a finished painting.
   • A hauntingly beautiful image of a child standing by a tree, capturing the essence of childhood wonder.
3. Lechuza
   • Made for Giant Robot Store’s Creatures of Flight exhibition, this piece showcases Cleonique’s ability to blend fantasy and reality.
   • A stunning depiction of a lechuza, a witch that transforms into an owl in Mexican mythology, highlighting the artist’s attention to detail.
4. Fairy Tale Land
   • Created for the show Tiny Doors & Friends at ABV Gallery, this piece was inspired by her love for fairy tales.
   • A captivating image of a black cat in a wood, transporting the viewer to a world of fantasy and magic.

Getting Started with Digital Art

If you’re inspired by Cleonique’s artwork, you can start creating your own character illustrations using the best digital art software. Check out our guide to the best digital art software to get started.

Conclusion

Cleonique Hilsaca’s artwork is a testament to the power of imagination and creativity. Her unique style and attention to detail have captivated audiences worldwide, making her a sought-after illustrator in the industry. Whether you’re an artist or simply a fan of fantasy and mythology, Cleonique’s work is sure to inspire and delight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What mediums does Cleonique work with?
A: Cleonique works with a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, and digital art.

Q: What inspires her artwork?
A: Cleonique’s artwork is inspired by her love of fantasy and mythology, particularly creatures from around the world.

Q: Where can I see more of her work?
A: You can see more of Cleonique’s work on her website, as well as in various galleries and exhibitions around the world.

Q: How can I get started with digital art?
A: Check out our guide to the best digital art software to get started with creating your own character illustrations.

Coca-Cola’s Latest Campaign: A Cultural Icon’s Moment in the Spotlight

A Brand with Serious Cultural Clout

Not many brands can claim to have serious cultural clout, and even fewer have a history of cropping up in literary classics. So Coca-Cola’s latest campaign can’t help but bring to mind the phrase, "if you’ve got it, flaunt it."

Highlighting Classic References

The brand’s ingenious new ‘Classics’ ad sees the brand highlighting instances of its name appearing in classic books, by replacing the words ‘Coke’ or ‘Coca-Cola’ with the logo itself. Couple the famous texts with one of the best logos of all time, and this is looking like one of the most iconic campaigns we’ve seen for a while.

The Visual Approach

Visually, it’s a pretty simple campaign featuring typewritten extracts from classic novels and, occasionally, the famous bright red Coca-Cola wordmark. And so it should be – since so few brands could legitimately pull this one off, it makes sense for the execution to be as clean and clear as possible.

Behind the Scenes

The ad comes courtesy of WPP Open X and VML New York, who used AI to scan the books of hundreds of authors seeking reference to everyone’s favourite carbonated beverage.

The Campaign’s Message

“Coca-Cola’s presence in classic literature is a testament to its enduring cultural impact. This campaign is the embodiment of our Real Magic ethos, celebrating those magical moments in fiction where Coca-Cola is a familiar presence in timeless stories," Islam EIDessouky, global vice president creative strategy and content at Coca-Cola, said in a press release.

A Refreshing Departure from Trends

While there seems to be a trend of brands doing away with their logo in ads right now, from McDonald’s to Kellogg’s, it almost feels refreshing to see another brand deploying theirs so iconically. Indeed, this seems like a campaign that even a Serious Literary Author would approve of.

Conclusion

Coca-Cola’s latest campaign is a testament to the brand’s enduring impact on popular culture. By showcasing its presence in classic literature, the brand highlights its ability to transcend time and connect with audiences in a meaningful way.

FAQs

Q: Who created the campaign?
A: WPP Open X and VML New York created the campaign.

Q: What was the process behind the campaign?
A: The agencies used AI to scan the books of hundreds of authors to find references to Coca-Cola.

Q: What is the message behind the campaign?
A: The campaign highlights Coca-Cola’s enduring cultural impact and celebrates its presence in timeless stories.

Q: What is the campaign called?
A: The campaign is called ‘Classics’.

The Iconic Hamilton Logo: A Journey Through Design

Ask a group of theatre fans what the most iconic musical logo is, and one name in particular is likely to crop up – Hamilton. While we’ve become accustomed to the iconic star logo created by Spotco, Lin Manuel has shared some of the potential logo designs that didn’t make the cut, each with its own unique spin on the American musical.

A Design Challenge

With each poster being visually captivating in its own right, it would’ve undoubtedly been a tough decision given the impressive array of shortlisted designs. Lin Manuel took to Instagram to share the designs with Hamilton fans, explaining that he was tasked with the tricky challenge of narrowing down over 40+ poster designs.

The Final Nine

“A half hour later, these nine finalists and the one you know well (which took another quantum leap with the silhouette pics of our company by @murphymade) were still on the wall,” Lin wrote. The final logo design, which features a metal star against a black background, has become synonymous with the musical.

Fan Reaction

“It’s amazing to hear how much thought and collaboration went into choosing the final artwork,” one fan responded, while another added, “These are absolutely legendary.” Despite the popularity of the alternative designs, most fans agreed that the original was the perfect choice.

A Masterstroke

“If Wicked owns the color green, Hamilton will forever hold gold. It was a masterstroke to forgo inky blacks and star-spangled palettes and instead select rugged metallic gold,” another fan commented.

The Original Logo

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Conclusion

The iconic Hamilton logo is a testament to the power of design and collaboration. While the alternative designs may have been visually striking, the final logo has become an integral part of the musical’s identity. For more poster design inspiration, take a look at the unapologetically bold art of Soho Rep theatre. If you’re after more stage news, check CO_LAB’s people-first rebrand that celebrates inclusivity and accessibility.

FAQs

Q: Who designed the iconic Hamilton logo?
A: The iconic Hamilton logo was designed by Spotco.

Q: How many poster designs were considered for the Hamilton logo?
A: Over 40+ poster designs were considered for the Hamilton logo.

Q: What was the reaction of fans to the alternative designs?
A: Fans were impressed by the alternative designs, with many agreeing that the final logo was the perfect choice.