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.

Challenge
Greening Australia required a brochure to promote their global warming solutions and carbon offsetting initiatives.

Process
Voodoo developed an eye catching design to detail Greening Australia initiatives. We then print managed the project for them producing the brochure on environmentally friendly recycled paper stock.

Result
The brochure has been used to educate an audience on the importance of carbon offsetting and tackling global warming. It has played an integral role in encouraging people to take part in the initiatives of Greening Australia.

Challenge
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of the ACT approached Voodoo to design and typeset their Annual Report. The not-for-profit organisation wanted to lift the image conveyed through the document and were looking for an interesting and professional design on a budget.

Process
We created a strong black and white layout throughout the book and finished it off with a vibrant cover. Due to Voodoo’s involvement from start to finish with print management, the MS Society was able to reduce their expenditure on print materials.

Result
The MS Society ended up with a very impressive publication and were overjoyed with the result that our team produced for them within budget.

Challenge
Tiger Beer wanted to update their web presence with a fresh new image and easy to use content management system.

Process
Voodoo developed an integrated online business solution for Tiger. The site contained customised submission forms, customer log in areas, secure content, a simple to use content management system, and e-marketing tools.

Result
In addition to their fresh new online image, Tiger Beer now have the facilities for better management and further market reach for promotional campaigns such as their Tiger Translate competition and events.

www.tigerbeer.com.au

Challenge
The CIT fashion department runs the biggest fashion event on the ACT calendar. They required branding and marketing for their graduating fashion parade, 12th Hour.

Process
Through discussions with the organising committee, Voodoo developed a branding strategy to carry across all marketing of the event. From here we created a logo, shot the photography and developed a strong visual message which was communicated and reinforced consistently through all marketing material created for the event.

Result
The branding and marketing which Voodoo developed for the parade was a key factor in what was quickly a sell out event.

Challenge
The National Capital Authority required Voodoo to layout and typeset their Consolidated National Capital Plan, a document that had been written over a number of decades by a variety of authors and was in need of a unified presentation.

Process
Voodoo formatted the plan in both hardcopy and online versions to create an easy to follow resource for the end user.

Result
The Consolidated National Capital Plan now has the unified and professional presentation required of a document of its stature.

Challenge
A new jewellery label required a logo design and brand mark that would stand out and give the label a special feel.

Process
Our creative team developed a simple but intricate logo design that plays with typography and shape.

Result
Applied to branding imagery the Tesori logo conjures a unique and stylish story.

Challenge
The Australian Trucking Association required design and typesetting for their Environmental Best Practice Guide. The publication aimed to reduce negative environmental impacts caused by the trucking industry.

Process
Voodoo Creative used colours and images synonymous with the environment to create an overall ambience for the publication. The finished product looked polished and presented the information in a professional yet approachable manner.

Result
The guide has been used to improve the trucking industry’s environmental behaviours and performance. It has played an integral role in encouraging the trucking industry to employ sustainable business practices.

Challenge
The YWCA of Canberra required Voodoo to design a publication for an initiative to boost youth self esteem throughout the region.

Process
Our creative team developed a fun and engaging booklet design, with every page laid out uniquely to reflect the uniqueness of every individual. The booklet was full of positive messages, tips and tools, exercises and stories supported with strong images.

Result
The booklet was launched by the best selling and award winning author of Girlosophy, Anthea Paul. Be (YOU)nique was well received by youth around the country and was a great starting point for further youth initiative publications by the YWCA.