“For two hundred years visual images of the extinct Thylacine, or Tasmanian ‘tiger’, have played an important role in influencing attitudes and actions toward the species and suggesting how this animal is perceived”. Imaging the Thylacine from Trap to Laboratory was an exhibition held at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and is thoroughly documented online here. Read more

Background: As we’ve already discussed here, a big part of how good brands work is through the communication of meaningful values. The current Tasmanian brand values according to the Government website are: Trustworthy, Resourceful, Creative, Pure, Friendly, Distinctive Quality. Is this really us? Can we narrow it down to a potent mix of 3-4 key ideas that really mean something?

Question: What do you think are the main values that sets Tasmania apart from the rest of the world?

(Please answer below via comments. A poll will follow to gain a consensus.)

It’s been quite a whirlwind few days since being featured in The Mercury and on ABC statewide radio with Tim Cox. We’ve really enjoyed the feedback and lively debate and whilst we were totally prepared for controversy and the odd questioning of intentions, it has been truly overwhelming to see the massive ground swell of support and participation. Thank you everyone! We hope to ramp this project up to the next level over coming weeks and months. Stay tuned.

When approaching any identity or branding project, it is important to conduct a complete review of the current brand footprint. This audit looks at all aspects of the brands communication strategy and evaluates effectiveness, strengths, weaknesses, and potential for improvement. A crucial aspect of this journey is also to understand the visual landscape that the brand inhabits. Read more

We’ve had some very interesting discussions already about the visible issues of symbolism and we’ve also opened the lid on the topic of typography. Before making a decision to employ a symbol, or a type style, as brand designers we first have to establish a clear picture of the heart and soul* of what we are trying to communicate. Read more

As we have discovered (although not entirely unexpectedly) when discussing the possibilities of an alternative brand for Tasmania, a lot chatter has focused on the symbolism of some fairly obvious furry inhabitants of the Island we all love so dearly. So far there has been no discourse around an equally; or as some might argue, the most important element of the logotype, the typography.

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Background: The Thylacine, Tasmanian Devil and stylised map of the state are the three most heavily used symbols of Tasmanian identity.

As a Tasmanian campaigner who’s been a successful catalyst for change over many years, we thought we’d ask Rodney Croome for his perspective on our little project. Read more

Big thanks to all who were involved and attended last night at Room 11’s studio. There were some really interesting ideas floating around the room and it was great to have a chance to discuss Rebrand Tasmania over a gentle drink or two.

Author, historian, researcher, journalist and President of the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian National Flag Association (to name a few of his titles) Reg Watson, was kind enough to give some thought to a few questions I posed to him about our project. Read more

I stumbled onto this interesting and kind of related site today. The Australia Project seeks to explore and challenge stereotypes, as they relate to our cultural identity. Great to see that public debate is alive and well.