Cracking Open #1 — It’s what’s inside

Ready-to-Drinks are thirsty for a twist. Even if they don’t know it yet. The category is ripe with real-time opportunities.

4 Minute Read

Cracking Open #2 — Dress to impress

This is the second article in our series exploring trends and posing "What if?" scenarios for RTDs

3 Minute Read

Cracking Open #3 — Gotta catch ’em all

Welcome to the final part of our trilogy exploring trends and posing "What if?" scenarios for RTDs

3 Minute Read

A Cloud of Familiarity: Michael Wolff on Branding By Lucy Davies

Last week, NB welcomed friends and clients for an unforgettable conversation between the legendary graphic designer Michael Wolff and Patrick Burgoyne, writer and host of the In-House Agency Leaders Club.

He’s going to tell you anyway

On the 11th of September 2024, NB and Michael Wolff celebrated the launch of Michael Wolff’s book, Leap before you look, The heart and soul of branding. The book celebrates Michaels’s unorthodox journey through the swinging ’60s, as creative director of Wolff Olins and a roving freelance global consultant.

No thanks necessary

I can't bear it any longer. I have been frequently and systematically congratulated for the design, production and publishing of Michael Wolff's magnificent book; "Leap before you look". I didn’t really have anything much to do with it. So I thought I should confess.

The harder the brief the better

Last week Nick and I talked at the Typocircle about rules and how to bend, break and ignore them. It was also an excuse to share 27 years of our favourite work and the stories behind them. The next day I was sent this picture and it got me thinking…NB has always thrived creatively on tough briefs. The harder the brief the better.

AdTech branding: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

AdTech’s innovation revolution has failed to translate into memorable AdTech branding. That’s embarrassing, especially given that these brands live in the world of media, advertising and publishing.

Guidelines: I’m never going to give you up

Time to celebrate the beautifully imperfect guideline rollout.

3 Minute Read

The Joy of Collaboration

At the beginning of 2022 when we rebranded off-broadway theatre Vineyard Theatre we had high hopes of collaborating with the design community across the pond.

Some brands easily stretch into new categories, others don’t. And I know why

The world’s most successful brands share one thing in common: they are all stretchy. Apple started life as a computer company. Now Mac sales are eclipsed by phones, services, home products and accessories. Lego was a carpentry workshop. Toyota used to make looms for weaving. And Wrigley’s sold soap long before it sold chewing gum...

2 Minute Read

Is Virgin playing a dangerous branding game that’s become unsustainable?

The true value of the Virgin brand is at the centre of a high court battle. NB Studio argues that Richard Branson’s baby has lost its once boundary-breaking lustre.

2 Minute Read

What if you could create your way out of a recession?

Everywhere is doom and gloom. Sterling is hovering at its weakest level in decades. Energy prices (and prices more generally) are spiralling out of control.

3 Minute Read

Refreshing the refresh

New work by NB for Mindshare and GR8 People illustrates our commitment to relationships and our belief in adaptive branding.

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Elite doesn’t have to mean elitist

‘Art for arts sake’ is no longer an acceptable motivation for leading cultural institutions. Shifting expectations and increasing scrutiny are leading many cultural organisations to rethink both their approach to art and how they present themselves.

2 Minute Read

About 37 years too late, I think I’m turning Gen Z

A long time ago, I left university with a Philosophy degree and found myself virtually incapable of making a decision: “On the one hand yes but on the other hand no,” became my catchphrase.

3 Minute Read

Creative courage takes two

Audiences love to be astonished but it takes guts from both designer and client. Amazing things happen when informed passion meets visionary ambition.

3 Minute Read

We don’t like cricket (we love it)

NB flips conventional cricket logic and considers redesigning a more tribal experience for non-traditional audiences.

3 Minute Read

Imagination beyond the brief

The best briefs open doors, says Michael Wolff, who praises those with the courage to let go of what they think they want.

3 Minute Read

Follow your Desire Lines

Alan Dye asks, "Is there a connection between the natural paths that people take to make life easier for themselves and creativity?" Tom Lynham, a friend and associate of NB, gives a lyrical response...

3 Minute Read

What is timeless design?

Unfortunately, design classics don't just happen overnight. Effortless design requires effort, argues NB, and the true test of timelessness is time itself.

3 Minute Read

Put away the Pantone

Designers looking for the most impactful colour choice won’t find it in CMYK. In fact, the answer’s right here in Black & White.

1 Minute Read

What if bugs became food?

We’re heading towards a nutrition crisis. By 2050, we’ll have 9 billion mouths to feed.

1 Minute Read

Role reversal

Here’s what happened when NB decided to put on a play in South Africa. Suddenly, the tables were turned and NB experienced life as the client.

2 Minute Read

Treasured symbols

Has the idea of a trusted brand run its course? We assess the value of branding, looking back from the year 2040 where deep fakes and disinformation have de-branded our world.

2 Minute Read

Tech gets a British accent

Why does 'disruptive' have to look so boring? If only FinTech could embrace its inner Karl Pilkington, it could give us our own British game-changer argues NB.

2 Minute Read

What if age got a makeover?

There's a British road sign that features a silhouette of a stooping elderly couple with a walking stick. It's a patronising image. So, we challenged the design community to help us change the image of ageing.

1 Minute Read