Just Creative Design

Vegemite iSnack2.0

This is breaking news in Australia - we’ve released a new ‘creamier’ version of our much loved Vegemite (a vegetable yeast spread similar to Marmite). No joke it was on the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald website.

Kraft Foods yesterday announced the winning name: Vegemite iSnack 2.0.

West Australian web designer Dean Robbins, 27, beat more than 48,000 entrants to come up with the winning name. Other entries suggested were Ruddymite, Wow Chow and 2ritemite.

“It was all a bit tongue-in-cheek, really. The ‘i’ phenomenon and web 2.0 have been recent revolutions and I thought the new Vegemite name could do the same.”

Simon Talbot from Kraft Foods said: “The name Vegemite iSnack2.0 was chosen based on its personal call to action, relevance to snacking and clear identification of a new and different Vegemite to the original. We believe these three components completely encapsulate the new brand.”

When I first saw it I was like “Oh no, this has got to be a joke” but nope, it’s the real deal. A half smart marketing ploy but I wonder how long this name will last?

Update 29th September:

There may be a legal battle on for the name ‘iSnack’ but not with who you may think.

Update 30th September:

Kraft is considering axeing the name of  iSnack2.0. (Thanks to Cameron for the tip.)

What are your thoughts?

Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

It’s that time of year again - October 15th is Blog Action Day.

Blog Action Day is an annual event that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day on their own blogs with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Blog Action Day 2009 will be the largest-ever social change event on the web. One day. One issue. Thousands of voices.

This year the topic is Climate Change (of which I voted for back in August) and am glad it was picked as this years topic of choice as Climate Change is effecting us all (and our children) whether we like it or not.

I don’t want to bat on like some Greenpeace activist but Blog Action Day is for a good cause and you should consider getting involved - at least check out the video below.

Only last year did this blog raise USD$1620 in funds for the Blog Action Day Poverty Fund so it shows that you can help.

What can you do now?

Blog and Twitter about it, let others know about Blog Action Day and line up a story to be posted on October 15th too. Register your blog and get more information by going to the official Blog Action Day website.

You could also add a banner to the side of your blog such as the one you see on the right side bar of Just Creative Design.

Murray Raine Puppets Website Redesign

Thought I would share with you a recent project of mine: the rebranding of The Murray Raine Puppets logo and website.

Murray Raine grew up in Newcastle, New South Wales. His initial interest and love of puppetry was triggered at the early age of six. Following a performance by the iconic “Marionette Theatre Of Australia” at Waratah Infants school, he new a career in puppetry was his destiny! Now four decades later Murray is regarded as Australia’s leading “cabaret” marionettist.

Please feel free to have a look through the old and new websites and let me know what you think. It was a real pleasure designing for Murray and his star studded cast.

Website Before - Click to view old website (opens in new window).

Website After - Click to view new website (opens in new window).

The 960 Grid

When designing for the web, it’s often a good idea to follow a grid based approach. I personally use the 960 grid system and highly recommend it. Below you can see how I have used the 16 column grid system to build a structured and stylistically coherent web site.

You can click on the images below to see them at full resolution.

960 Grid System - 16 column grid with guides.

960 Grid System - 16 column grid with guides & coloured columns.

Front page without guides.

Front page with guides.

Front page with guides and coloured bars.

Further Web Design Resources:

• 9 SEO Tips You’ve Probably Forgot About
• How To Make Your Next Website Design POP
• Top 7 Most Cliche Stock Images Used In Web Design
• 9 Of The Best Ways To Present A Website To A Client
• 10 SEO Rules for Designers
• Designing an Accessible Site Without Losing Your Mind

Comments and questions are welcome, as always.

Funny & Odd Emails Received

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Over the past few months I’ve been storing the emails that have made me raise my eyebrow. Some rude, some funny, some odd and some you just can’t help but cringe at.

I’ve left all formatting as it was received and it goes with out saying, I’ve made each email anonymous. I’ve also provided some general commentary just in case any of the authors are reading.

Please note that my comments are all just for a bit of fun are not meant to offend. Read more »

39 comments thus far »