Most businesses or organisations need assistance with marketing and graphic design at some stage or another. But it is how creative agencies work with these businesses or organisations that makes all the difference.

John Yanny, Voodoo Creative’s director of client services, says collaboration is the key to gaining great results for clients.

“We apply a collaborative process to every project we work on,” John said, “Rather than just working for our clients, we partner with them to create outstanding solutions for their business or organisation.”

Voodoo Creative is a full-service marketing agency based in Phillip, offering marketing and design services, from advertising and brand strategy through to award-winning web design and implementation.

Voodoo’s collaborative approach has paid dividends for both Voodoo and their impressive client list which includes Tiger Beer Australia, Greening Australia, Coffee Guru, Australian Federal Police, and the National Museum of Australia. Voodoo’s work with upcoming Australian jewellery designer Damselfly saw them presented with a Print and Graphic Excellence (PAGE) award for Excellence in New Media in 2009.

Most recently Voodoo collaborated with the YWCA on their largest publication to date – A Work in Progress: A history of the YWCA of Canberra 1929-2009. The book documents the achievements of the YWCA in Canberra – a non-profit, community-based organisation – in providing community services and representing women’s issues in the Canberra community over 80 years.

“With the increased focus on electronic communication these days, it’s important not to forget the benefits of using print material as part of any marketing strategy,” John said.

“Printed publications are a fantastic way for businesses and organisations to keep stakeholders informed about their achievements and growth,” John said, “Printed collateral comes in many different forms, from brochures and flyers through to annual reports.”

Rebecca Vassarotti, executive director of the YWCA of Canberra said, “Voodoo’s enthusiasm was wonderful. They really enjoyed working on our history. They were flexible and responded to the changing needs of the project, and above all they produced a publication which looks great!”

“It was fantastic to work closely with the YWCA,” John said, “Through the close working partnership we developed something we were not only proud of but the YWCA and their members are very happy with.”

For more information on Voodoo Creative, visit voodoocreative.com.au or to learn about the YWCA of Canberra’s, A Work in Progress, visit ywca-canberra.org.au

The power of colours stimulates our nervous system and evokes emotional states. The colours of our environment travels through our eyes to our brain causing various hormonal releases.
Understanding these means that you can sell to customers without ever saying anything.

The meaning of colours and your business

The meaning of colours varies depending on one’s culture, race, gender, and even age. So, it isn’t just the selection of colours in general but also which colours to use with your target customers. For instance, white is often associated with weddings in western cultures and is often related to innocence. In many eastern cultures though, white signifies death – it is the colour worn at funerals.

Colours can be combined to signify meaning to a culture. In the western world, green and red are associated with Christmas, while green and gold stand for almost any Australian national sporting team.

Several large brand name companies are associated with their corporate colours. IBM’s blue signifies stability and conservatism. Cadbury purple represents luxury and passion (and chocolate). A colour can be connected to a product like Coke; in the bold red packaging, you will be surprised how quickly you think ‘coke’ when you see red in a shopping centre aisle.

Choosing colours to associate with your brand can have a subtle but measurable difference on your business.

Consider how these colours are used in your company marketing materials from logos and brochures to business cards and uniforms. Are your colours projecting the personality and image you want? If not, you might want to re-think your colour choices…

In the end, remember colours are associated to meaning. A white flag means surrender, however, if you have never seen a war the colour in that scenario is insignificant. It all depends on the experiences of the observer. Consider your colours and customers to best choose the winning colour for your needs.