Every once in a while, a project comes along that results in something truly special.
Tony Griffin @tonygriffin.ie approached us last year about redesigning the new edition of his book, ‘Teenagers Book Of Life.’ This wonderful book was initially released in 2021 and serves as a roadmap for teenagers—and everyone raising one—on navigating the challenges of life. We were honoured to be asked, as we feel this book is so important in today’s world, which is dominated by the challenges of social media and constant connectivity. We also have a teenager and a soon-to-be teenager of our own, so we know the importance of the book personally.
After our initial chat with Tony, the first thing we did was bring the incredibly talented illustrator, @cathyhogan_ , onto the team. The way she interpreted the book is so inspiring; her illustrations are magical.
There was a chemistry to the team that I have rarely felt. From our first meeting to the sign-off of the book, it felt effortless—a rarity for a design project. This is mainly down to Tony himself, who is an incredibly inspiring and good person. When Tony does something, he is always thinking of the greater good and not personal gain. This shows in everything he does. He is also not just a client; he is a wonderful friend.
This book is something we are all incredibly proud of.
Special thanks also to Chenile Keogh of Kazoo for her incredibly thorough proofing of the book and @nataliemoriartydesign for her great work on the website. Thanks also to @neringa_norman_photographer for her photos of the finished book and of Tony.
The new Live Aid Exhibition we designed for the @nationallibraryofireland was opened last week by the ever inspiring Bob Geldof and Minister Patrick O’Donovan. It is on display in the National Photographic Archive in Temple Bar for the next two years. Thanks to @drewlaw.alb for the brilliant animation and @sparkyscoops1 for the launch photos.
@cafebuttermilk , the new café at Fairtree Village, Caherbreagh, Tralee, boasts a distinctive brand identity crafted by Anchor Studio. The design evokes a sense of 1970s nostalgia with a warm, earthy colour palette featuring burnt orange and browns. A retro-inspired typeface complements the aesthetic, while a swirling pattern subtly nods to the churning process of buttermilk. This visual language is further enhanced by a vibrant mural by @cathyhogan_ , depicting a magical woodland creature picnic in a style that perfectly aligns with the brand’s 70s-inspired aesthetic. It was such a pleasure working with Ronan and Linda on this cool project, their warmth and professionalism can be felt throughout the space. Pay a visit to @cafebuttermilk if you are in the Tralee area. #kerrydesign #irishdesign
Anchor Studio are proud to introduce the new brand identity we designed for the amazing @irishdesignshop . We have always admired Clare and Laura who alongside running their own stunning jewellery brand @namesjewellery also do so much to promote and nurture contemporary design in Ireland. It was an honour then to be asked to refresh their brand identity earlier this year. For the rebrand we retained the beautiful typeface Orga but moved from an all caps wordmark to upper and lowercase. We designed a new icon which takes inspiration from the Cló Gaelach (original Irish typeface) and also lettering in the Book Of Kells. The icon is a contemporary representation of a Cló Gaelach D (D for Design). A repeat of the D icon was used to create a new brand pattern that is used across packaging and signage.
The primary colour palette is a contemporary green and an off white. The palette evokes Irishness but does so subtly.
Finally, we spent a lot of time with Clare and Laura considering the materials used in the brand refresh and their sustainability. Natural materials and sustainability are a priority for Irish Design Shop, Where possible; recycled paper or paper from a sustainable source was specified for all print / packaging requirements. Natural materials were also selected for signage where wood and brass were used. Kraft paper was specified for the packaging. This material is made from wood pulp, is biodegradable and can be recycled. The logo pattern has been printed on the bag sides, with a green foil block adding a high quality finish for striking brand recognition. Foil blocking is also a sustainable process.
Thank you Clare and Laura for your trust in us. Its always a pleasure working with you. #irishdesign #kenmaredesign #kerrydesign
Have you noticed our branding has had a refresh in the last few months?
We enlisted @anchor.studio to redesign our logo, create a new colour palette, and brand pattern to be rolled out across our packaging, website, and instore displays. The new icon takes inspiration from the Cló Gaelach (original Irish typeface) and also lettering in the Book of Kells. The icon is a contemporary representation of Cló Gaelach D (D for Design) pattern. The icon has a modern feel, but it also evokes Ireland's incredible legacy in design. It has been utilised in our new brand pattern which looks class!
We have retained the typeface Orga (because we love it), but it is now presented in upper and lower case instead of all caps in our logo.
Delighted with the outcome, we think this new look gives our brand a fresh feel and reflects our ethos of promoting both traditional and contemporary Irish design. But let us know what you think!
#irishdesign
#branding
#theimportanceofgoodbranding
The new book we designed for @bosstudio and @rizzolibooks which features the incredible interior design work of Bryan O’Sullivan (Eamonn’s brother) and his studio over the past 10 years.
#irishdesign #bookdesign #interiordesign
We are proud to present RíRá Mullingar - A Fleadh Cheoil Chronicle. Anchor were asked to design the book for the talented photographer Noel McIntyre @motionpicturemediafilms . Noel documented the two years of the Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar and his beautiful photography has captured the atmosphere felt on the streets during this unique event. We selected a photo featuring an accordion for the front cover and were drawn to the red tones against the dark background. This colour combination became the strong identity for the book, along with the use of a contemporary typeface. The book also comes in a limited edition collectors box. Available to buy at rirabooks.com. Printed by @printertrento Photos of the book by @eoghan.kavanagh #irishdesign #bookdesign #fleadh #fleadhcheoil
We recently designed the identity for the new exhibition All Eyes on Us for @crawfordartgallery . The exhibition presents portraiture paintings, ranging from archive collection to modern portraiture painting. The unique feature uniting all these paintings is that all the eyes in the paintings seem to be looking directly at the viewer. Our focus was to select a typeface that allowed us to best highlight this recurring feature and by introducing a strong yellow, we were able to overlay the text for a modern contrast over the traditional style of painting. #exhibitiondesign #crawfordartgallery #irishdesign
We are finally getting around to sharing this post. We created the identity for a recent exhibition at Crawford Art Gallery in Cork. Following Threads showcases work by a selection of artists using textiles as a medium. We created a gradient of shading using dyed cotton cord to reflect the title. The cord was threaded into wooden board which was precision drilled to create the outline of the bold typeface using negative space. This allowed us to present a strong visual impact combined with the tactile nature of thread. The exhibition runs until the end of January. Photo 2 by @jedniezgoda #exhibitiondesign #crawfordartgallery #textileart #irishdesign
A recent brand identity we designed for POP (Pride Of Place) Kenmare.
A brand or identity is not going to change the World, but a small symbol within a community could make a difference in the life of an individual.
Pride of Place is an initiative to foster support for the LGBTQ+ community within Kenmare. ‘POP’ aims to be a visible emblem of progression and inclusivity within our rural Irish town.
Thank you to all businesses who have displayed the sticker in their window!
Window stickers for businesses/cars/homes are available in Bean & Batch or Anchor Studio, 2 floor, 6 Henry Street, Kenmare.
#kenmare #prideofplacekenmare23 #kingdompride #pride
The identity designed by Anchor Studio for the new single ‘Sammy’ by @thisischimeramusic and produced by @nadeemintheworld The single is out now and it is banging! 💪🔥
It was an honour to design KINGDOM for landscape photographer Norman McCloskey. KINGDOM is a photographic homage to the dramatic landscape of County Kerry. It is also the follow to BEARA which was the last book we collaborated with Norman on.
Up the KINGDOM!
#kerry
#henrystreetstudios
#irishdesign
#kerrydesign
#irishlandscape
