www.ansteydesign.co.uk

Let me start by doing the honourable thing and blogging a bit about AnsteyDesign...

AnsteyDesign Ltd is a graphic design studio based in Alton, Hampshire. It prides itself on innovative design solutions which combine creative thinking and writing to produce the 'right' results. The creative writing aspect can be demonstrated quite clearly in the article I've included later on!

AnsteyDesign is a small studio with big ambitions, and having specialised skills in the financial services market presents it with a good platform on which to build (following a successful start to the year).

To celebrate Christmas AnsteyDesign wrote a creative article which I have included below. Light hearted and entertaining it also aimed to promote the importance of getting branding and identity right:

Who put the fizz in Santa’s style?

Christmas is always a busy time of year for Santa, but we’re pleased to say that he has taken time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about his latest look and where it originated.

AnsteyDesign: So, Santa, what do you have planned for this year’s style?

Santa: Well much the same as previous years really, my red outfit is so well recognised it would be silly of me to change it! Imagine if I went back to wearing my green robes and you spotted me on your roof – you’d have me arrested before Rudolf could say ‘Mince pies’. But that’s the power of a good brand – it makes sure you’re recognised and gets you noticed.

AnsteyDesign: What do you think makes your brand so strong?

Santa: It’s because it is so recognisable. But this isn’t something that I’ve achieved over night – it’s developed over hundreds of years. Also, I’ve moved with the times, making sure I keep my style modern and up-to-date which is really important.

AnsteyDesign: You know Santa some people say that your current style, your red coat, black boots, white beard and even your round belly – they were all created for you by Coca-Cola… is that true?

Santa: Honestly I don’t know where these stories come from. I can tell you categorically, by Rudolf’s nose – no it is not true! It was my good friend Mr Thomas Nast back in 1881 who created my current look. Before then I used to wear this lovely green fur lined robe, very warm and comfortable but very tricky to keep clean. Coca-Cola saw the original drawings that Thomas had created for me and adapted them for their advertising campaigns in the 1930s to 1960s.

AnsteyDesign: Actually they still feature you in their campaigns today…

Santa: They do? I really must get my television fixed.

AnsteyDesign: Just one more question Santa as I know you are very busy. Are you ready for Christmas?

Santa: Oh I’m getting there. We always seem to make it some how, but it does seem to get a bit tighter every year!

AnsteyDesign: Santa thank you for your time and make sure you enter our Christmas competition on our website!

Santa: Oh yes, I certainly will. Thank you for inviting me into your studio, and Merry Christmas to you and all my blog readers!

Many thanks and I hope you have a very happy New Year!