Identica Vancouver

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2010-06-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

On your marks, get set, criticize

Love it or hate it, the London 2012 logo generated an enormous amount of discussion and debate as to its fit with an international event of Olympic scale and stature. Now, the mascots have launched and are expected to set the web all a-twitter. Meet Wenlock and Mandeville, the London 2012 mascots. Both formed out of molten steel, these characters are destined to be the must-have items on children’s (and a few adults’) Christmas wish lists. At Identica, the debate is molten hot. Love ‘em or hate ‘em; either way we wish them the best of luck and hope they steal the show. www.london2012.com/mascots

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2010-03-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Growing Brands

Spring has sprung, as have numerous new ways to express your brand’s commitment to the environment. Each ‘garden’ featured here expresses green fingered creativity and makes a bold green statement that Mother Nature, and her many fans, would be proud of. These creations allow those brands with a green thumb to create their ‘garden’ indoors, outdoors or even on the go. Whether you frame your garden, carry it around in your purse or send it in a postcard, just add water and watch your brand spring to life.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2010-03-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Art is rubbish

Japan born artist, Sayaka Kajita Ganz, creates works reminiscent of her experiences growing up in several different countries, of being disconnected from the place she was born. She finds discarded objects from peoples’ houses and give them a second life, a new home. For her sculptures she only selects objects that have been used and discarded as the human history behind these objects gives them life in her eyes. Each object then transcends its origins by being integrated into an animal form that seems alive. These sculptures represent the human relationships that surround us and that even if some people don’t feel at home here and now, there is a place where they belong and that they will eventually find it.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2010-03-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Mascotmania

Nothing (or no one?) is hotter right now than Muk Muk and his pals Sumi, Miga and Quatchi, the quartet of mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. They’re so hot in fact, that we think they might be the reason for our spring-like Olympic weather. They’ve also inspired us to take a look at some other great games mascots over the years… can you spot our favourites? They are: Barcelona, Nagano, Munich and Vancouver. We’re starting to wonder what London will do…. a fish & chip? a badger? a beagle?...

IDENTICA RUN WITH THE OLYMPIC TORCH

2010-02-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Optimum's David Brodie, who earlier ran in the torch relay, we got our hands one of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic's most coveted items. Thanks David, we promise to give it back... honest.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-12-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

Here is our latest edition of Hoot.

This edition is called BIG Thinking and features ideas larger than life. You may need a bigger bath for this rubber duck.

We hope you enjoy it.

Click on the picture above for the full story.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-12-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

This edition is entitled What a relief. Sometimes great design is born from within, and is just dieing to get out.

We hope you enjoy it.

Click on the picture above for the full story.

OUR WORK - DAVID SUZUKI LEGACY LECTURE

2009-11-20T15:28:00.001-08:00

We have just developed the brand for an amazing upcoming event - David Suzuki's legacy lecture. The design is serious, reflective and draws on cues from David's Canadian-Japanese roots (click on the image above for a clearer picture). It's going to be a seminal lecture, and will form the cornerstone of a film on David's life and ideas which will be released next year. There are still a few tickets left to the lecture, check out www.chancentre.com for more info and for tickets. Big thanks to Steve Campbell for the use of his beautiful photograph.

OUR LIVES - PROVIDING PERSONALITY

2009-11-19T16:16:00.001-08:00

Featured in this weeks Vancouver Sun (with a full colour, full front page image no less) are David Keeler and Robert Quinnell from Provide, one of Vancouver premier lifestyle and home accessories stores. David, one of Identica's Senior Designers, and his partner Robert, opened the doors to Provide 2 years ago and they have patiently grown and developed it in to one of the cities most loved lifestyle stores dedicated to helping their customers enhance their environment and their lives. It is a destination featuring unique works from artists and designers working in ceramics, glass, wood, metal and textiles as well as quality, contemporary design from smaller boutique brands sourced from around the globe. We recommend that you make a visit soon. That is assuming you can squeeze past the crowds.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-10-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

This edition features Sculpting Nature 2010. Reflecting on Beijing 2008 and making some predictions for 2010.

Click on the picture above for the full story.

We hope you enjoy it.

OUR WORK - IDENTICA WINS NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE BRANDING PROJECT

2009-09-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Cantos Music Foundation has selected Identica to develop the brand for its proposed $100m National Music Centre at the King Eddy in Calgary.

Identica was one of more than 40 agencies that submitted proposals to develop branding for Canada’s first music centre, and we are delighted to have been chosen.

Check out the plans for the centre here.

We can't wait to get started.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-09-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

This edition reveals typography in everyday life.

Inspiring work by typographer/artist, Bela Borsodi.

Click on the picture above for the full story.

We hope you enjoy it.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-08-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

This edition showcases the art project 'Bodies in Urban Spaces'.

A piece of work that challenges social norms and tolerance.

Click on the picture above for the full story.

OUR WORK - APTN NATIONAL NEWS STUDIO

2009-08-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

As part of our recently completed rebrand of APTN National News we have created an entirely new studio. The design expresses a natural, modern and Canadian aesthetic and the mood can be changed through the backdrop LED lighting. The new format went live in June.

OUR LIVES - PHOTOGRAPHY CURIOUS SESSION

2009-08-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

Shane O'Brien from Gallery Jones - one of Vancouver's top contemporary art galleries - led today's Identica Curious Session on modern photography. Thanks Shane for a very interesting debate. Shane talked about the history of photography, what makes him tick, and his passion certainly led to a great discussion. Check out galleryjones.com for some of the artists and photographers Shane represents (featured photograph above 'Dwelling Series #1' by James Nizam).

Each month Identica invites a speaker from a complimentary industry to talk about their passion. We've had a lighting designer, a materials engineer, and a graffiti artist in over the past few months. If you want to come and have a chat with us about your passion we'd love to hear from you.

(Image copyright Gallery Jones and James Nizam)

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-08-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hoot is a collection of ideas and items which appeal to us. Check out the latest edition of Hoot by clicking on the picture above. This week we look at the revival of Neon. Dust off those shoulder pads and leg warmers, the 80's are well and truly back.

OUR LIVES - KILL BEATS VOL 4

2009-07-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

Here at Identica we're not just branding and design specialists. We like to mix it up in as many other areas we can. One of Identica's account people is a helicopter engineer, one of our production team is an award winning gardener, and one of our team of designers has been involved in the breakdance community for over a decade. While Andrew no longer gets down (fear of going bald!) he stays active in the community by throwing one of the largest breakdance events in British Columbia. He also lent a hand with his design skills. Check out Kill Beats Vol 4 at Capri Hall on Fraser St. on August 7th.

OUR WORK - OAKRIDGE CAMPAIGN

2009-07-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Oakridge is Vancouver’s most stylish shopping centre. During our 14 years partnering with them we have enjoyed many successes together. However, 2009 has been a year unlike any other - the entire retail industry has been hit hard by the recession; the digital commerce revolution has continued to gather pace; and Oakridge is celebrating its 50th year as the fashion hub of the Vancouver community.

This 50th year deserved a special campaign. The insight that drove the campaign was over the past 50 years, Oakridge has always been a place that has created positive change – for shoppers, retailers, employees and the broader community. From this we created the 'Defining Moments' campaign – showcasing moments that can happen when you least expect them, but change the way you look at things forever. Moments where you realize fashion isn’t just a great dress or a perfect pair of shoes, it is the difference between getting your perfect job or failing, it is the difference between impressing the guy of your dreams and him ignoring you.

It can affect who you are, how you feel and how you live. Oakridge has the power to make these moments happen with the best brands, the right advice and an appreciation of personal style.

The tools that have been bringing this campaign to life include signage throughout the centre; a new website complete with blog and online fashion collection; a contest which allowed Vancouver to select their own Style Agents; radio fashion reports and style makeovers; traditional media including magazine and billboards; e-newsletters and SMS offers; plus a series of exclusive fashion and charity events at Oakridge.

Not only has the year so far been a success for Oakridge and their retailers (some of whom continue to grow in spite of the recession) but we are well on the way to our goal of raising $50,000 in support of Dress for Success – a charity that helps women in the community overcome barriers to employment.

check out the Oakridge website for more images.

OUR LIVES - MJ RIP

2009-07-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

In tribute of the late, great Michael Jackson, the people from Identica entered our moonwalk onto the fantastic website eternalmoonwalk.com. Go to the site and type 'Identica' into the search box to see us strut our stuff.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-07-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

This week we look at using everyday items to create spectacular designs. Recycling at its most stylish!

OUR WORK - CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE

2009-06-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Identica has won a project with the Canadian Paralympic Committee to create their look for the 2010 Games in Vancouver. With the Paralympics receiving the same standing as the Olympics for the first time in its history, this is a monumental opportunity for the Canadian Paralympic Committee to increase awareness for their athletes, and for the sports they play. Home soil advantage could be huge for the CPC in 2010 as they are looking to get to number one in the medal table. Watch this space for our work.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-05-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

All Change. The coinage of the United Kingdom is changing. Familiar designs that have served for almost 40 years will be replaced by a new set of award winning designs, contemporary in treatment yet grounded in the traditions of the coinage. Now, in a new age, the time has come to rejuvenate the coinage by seeking designs that treat traditional symbols in an innovative and modern way. The series that has been chosen brings new life to the coinage and, like the decimal designs 40 years ago, draws inspiration from the very fabric of British history.

OUR WORK - ALBERTA REBRAND

2009-04-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a few months it has been. But it is done, the Province of Alberta has been rebranded. It's probably the biggest challenge Identica has undertaken, with the most complex stakeholder set. We're delighted to say that the work - which covers everything from a new brand positioning to train design, looks fantastic.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-04-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

Forming Function. Function inspired form in these everyday items.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-03-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hip Hootel. 61 rooms. 21 artists. 1 inspirational hotel. Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, Hotel Fox celebrates design and the imagination. Designed by graphic designers from all over the world, each room is used as a blank canvas to create a unique and individual experience.

OUR WORK - BCLC REBRAND

2009-03-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

We have worked with BCLC (formerly the British Columbia Lottery Corporation) to redevelop their brand and identity. Identica helped make the BCLC brand about fun and entertainment while not losing site of the organization's huge list of responsibilities. The new BCLC is a little less 'corporation', and a lot more 'inspiration'. They are more open, innovative and friendly while still working hard to maintain players' trust. The new BCLC is about the balance between having fun and keeping it fun. This brand has been freshened up and really shows the organization's true colors. It has a renewed spirit and embraces the future. It’s easier to say, nicer to look at and relates well with people.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-03-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

It's Spring Break. It's Play Time! To celebrate Spring Break we thought we’d give you some inspiration on how to keep those terrors busy.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-02-15T17:22:00.000-08:00

(DON’t) play with your food. Some tasteful and inspirational use of food in communication.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-02-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

Low Impact Media. Advertising is getting easier on the environment. Creatives are seeking greener and more innovative ways of getting the message across.

OUR OPINION - HOOT

2009-01-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

Inspiring design, one fold at a time. While the art of paper folding is nothing new, its application is popping up everywhere.