If you find me asleep with a pen in my hand, please don't remove it, I maybe writing while I sleep.

Available for creative writing, copywriting, press coverage and random and creative blowout brainstorming sessions.

This blog is intended to provide a dolly mixture style round up of some of my work, thoughts which pop into my head and inspirations which, well, inspire me and hope they do the same for you.

I guess its a way for people to see what and how I write and how what little sane thought process I have actually works and brings ideas together. More than that I also want to show case work from others which sparks enthusiasm in me and lightens my soul. These little random finds I will label bedroom creatives for reasons which will become apparent as time progresses and I work out how to build a website.

I have labeled everything in this blog by Press Releases, Copywriting,Music reviews and My thoughts. Feel free to browse through what ever takes your interest and skip over what doesn't.

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Saturday, 24 July 2010

Archie Bronson Outfit Derdang Derdang

Hitting the listener like a thunderbolt, Archie Bronson Outfit’s Derdang Derdang is the follow up to their little known debut album Fur. Their new offering does anything but arrive on the scene quietly.

Not immediately catchy, but then not immediately conventional, this album gives something different with each of the 11 tracks. Although a feral ear bashing is prominent throughout, you have to merit this group for their original lyrical wonders and distinctive vocals. No track offered can be deemed relaxing but then again where would the fun in that be?

The acoustic track, “Harp for my Sweetheart,” is as close to relaxation you can hope for. “Cuckoo,” is probably the most catchy, and closest to mainstream that you will get from this album. The mass amount of sound that shoots out at you appears somewhat unnerving on first listen but you then begin to appreciate the uniqueness and depth this group is offering.

At a time when most so-called new material contains very little originality, The Archie Bronson Outfit goes that extra mile to offer well, that extra mile. This is an album that drips raw guitars and catchy riffs onto the very soul of anyone that is screaming for retro salvation. Its roots are very much planted in the gutsy sound of deep south American Blues.

With the amount of music of similar calibre out there at the moment I am unsure as to how well this album will do without major publicity, but it deserves at least a second listen as it will take this to even begin to appreciate it in this full glory.

Could a wink on Facebook stifle the creative spirit of business brand material?

Those who care about environmental matters must be jumping for joy as `generation wireless` continues to show an increased preference for electronic data delivery. As well as mass buzz over the debatable usefulness of the Ipad rather than handwritten memos.

Handwritten letters are now considered ‘snail-mail’, over flowing paper-trays are being replaced by overfull email Inboxes and with the Payments council in serious discussions, even the 350 year old cheque’s disappearance seems inevitable.

Easy access from anywhere in the world, information sent quickly on templates already devised for the consumer. What is there to moan about you ask?

However it’s the age of impersonal communication which lacks in individuality, which is producing problems for many businesses in the creative industry. All of whom, by tradition, place great importance on original thought, design and innovation.

Recent research conducted by a Cornish-based Graphic design company, Design Thoughts, has revealed a sharp decrease in the number of requests for business card design since 2009. Some designers have reported a 25% drop in the development of corporate stationary packs which include letter headed paper, compliment slips and the once must have of corporate life, the business card.

Liz May, Company Director for Design Thoughts said: “I have spoken too many of my clients regarding business stationary and the answer is almost always the same, the internet means they don’t feel business cards are a must have anymore.”

At the same time Web Designers have reported a definite increase in calls to build more interactive websites, blogs and email brand signatures for a variety of businesses. Currently, over 75% of UK businesses have some kind of online presence.

Research suggests that more and more people are directing potential clients to their Facebook pages as way of communication, rather than spending time developing brand stationary and using Twitter to promote their business voice. All of this could be a real wake up call that business cards are fast becoming a thing of the past.

The research also revealed that 13% of UK businesses conduct business relationships via the internet, 8% of these people have never even made a phone call to their clients or sent paper correspondence.

While many businesses are rapidly halting marketing and advertising spending during the economic downturn, many graphic designers are actively encouraging clients to see the potential in creative brand stationary to promote business.

Liz says: “It may seem an obvious move for designers such as myself to be promoting design, but I truly believe that businesses that put effort into their brand identity stand out from the crowd as businesses with creative spirit and who care about their reputation; business stationary is merely a continuance of this spirit

In a world that relies heavily on emails and impersonal contact, clients who put effort into the design of their identity have a unique edge. Business cards in particular are a powerful tool when used correctly.”

It would be naive to suggest that a pretty design is the answer to your business prayers, it takes far more than creative brand design to win over potential clients. However, while so many people are choosing to become social media sheep what harm can there be in choosing to boost your company credibility with powerful thought provoking design. After all as the age old proverb says, a picture speaks a thousand words.

Supermarket Names New Charity of the Year.

Press release

Supermarket Names New Charity of the Year.

Staff and customers from Sainsbury’s in Truro have chosen The Merlin Project, the fundraising arm of Cornwall’s MS Therapy Centre as its charity of the year for 2010.

Jean Main-Reade, Community Champion Sainsbury’s said: “The Merlin Project was chosen by the customers and colleagues to be our charity of the year. We are delighted to be able to support this very worthwhile cause and hope to make a difference by fundraising for them during the coming months.”

The Merlin Project held its first collection day at Sainsbury’s last month raising nearly £180. Such collection days will continue to take place over the coming months.

A diary of other collaborated events between The Merlin Project and Sainsbury’s are being discussed, these include a quiz night, a wine tasting evening, a teddy bears picnic as well as a sponsored slim by Sainsbury’s staff members.

There will also be a programme of festive fundraising events taking place over the Christmas period.

Jasmine York, Merlin Project Fundraising Manager said: “We are delighted that Sainsbury’s Truro has chosen us as their charity of the year, we hope that between us we can come up with some exciting fundraising events during the coming months.

Notes to Editor

The Merlin Project will be Sainsbury’s Truro chosen charity of the year until May 2010.

Because of exceptional fundraising efforts Phase Two of the centre is nearly complete, providing three new therapy rooms as well as purpose built conference facilities.

The money raised with the help of Sainsbury’s Truro will continue to fund the running of the centre and also make a huge difference as The Merlin Project turns its attention to raising funds for Phase Three; the hydrotherapy pool.