Independent industry news for marketing, advertising & media execs
Louise Marsland’s (@Louise_Marsland) pick of new product, packaging and design launches.
New look bank branch for ABSA; a well-known graffiti artist creates street wear designs; flexible new ways to sample; competitive fast-food interiors; and a new brand CI for an IP firm.
When we think of the exemplars of the human spirit, it’s easy to think of sporting heroes, artists and other remarkable people who have truly excelled. One’s mind easily turns to extraordinary South Africans like multi-award winning paralympic swimmer Natalie du Toit; or the internationally acclaimed singer Miriam Makeba; or renowned author and anti-apartheid activist, Alan Paton. Then there’s the man who suffered greatly but overcame to lead a nation and in the process became a global icon – Nelson Mandela.
All these people have something in common: a spirit of determination to persevere, to overcome and to triumph. These are the kinds of role models we hope our children will emulate. But there are other, more everyday heroes, whose successes don’t always play out on a public stage.
Recently I heard a story from a friend who stopped at a garage near Estcourt, and happened to pull up alongside a KZN hospital outpatient bus. Whilst filling her tank, she watched as the emergency worker helped an old man with Parkinson’s up the bus’s narrow stairs. One slow step at a time, the man painstakingly climbed the vehicle’s stairs to take his seat.
All the other pensioners in the bus were grumbling and impatient, waiting to be taken to the local hospital timeously for their check-ups and medical visits. It must have taken at least 15 minutes for the man to board, but not once did the medical employee show any sign of impatience. He just calmly and compassionately supported the old man, as they worked to achieve a common objective.
by Kim Penstone. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear Jupiter Joburg’s Alison Deeb describe the current state of affairs at the agency, post the soul-destroying loss of the Edcon account in March this year, as “very exciting”.
Building a bank brand on straight talk turned a micro-lender with banking ambitions into South Africa’s fastest growing retail bank. Herman Manson finds out how.
In a bid to share the enthusiasm about the Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup, and inspire all South Africans to stand behind the national team, Absa bank has teamed up with The Jupiter Drawing Room (Jhb) to create an epic advertising campaign built around a rousing battle cry – Bafana Kaofela! The closest approximation is ‘in the spirit of togetherness’.
If you are your people … A photo essay for Mark magazine by Lami Sambo celebrating South Africans at work. Does the uniform define your people? Here is Albert Stein – a Fedility guard at ABSA bank in Jozi’s main street.
Joh Del (Johan de Lange) is one of South Africa’s most sought after illustrators and designers. His work has been described as whimsical and uniquely individual while his clients range from small indy outfits to giants like Nike seeking to regain street cred and cool. Here is his portfolio.
Decrypted, unredacted 590 page report on the South African banking industry.
The Jupiter Drawing Room (Jhb) set out to create a campaign that would differentiate the bank from its competitors in every sense and take into account Absa Capital’s positioning of ‘Born to Redefine’. The 60 second television commercial features exquisitely intricate animation. The team was headed up by Jonathan Deeb – creative director – and all animation was carried out by McGuff.
