As part of a self-initiated project to investigate how the older generations are affected by the huge changes in the way we communicate, I sat down with nine people who could give me a first-hand account of the societal and cultural developments throughout their lifetimes. They shared their stories with me and answered eight questions.

A limited run of fifteen books was published and distributed to the contributors and their families. One daughter wrote, "I have found out more about my own dad than I have ever known – especially about the war as he never would talk about it."

DOUBLESHOT

Brand development and
onscreen identity

Doubleshot is a production company with a can-do attitude and an innovative approach to every project. In a competitive industry, their commitment to tackle any project with confidence gives them a real point of difference.

The brand and onscreen identity communicates Doubleshot's creative approach to every job. The logo is simple and strong, and each ident is based around a play on the company name – a double paint bomb, two layers of poured liquid, a couple of ink injections, overlapping lights and two hits of a stamp.

Designed with the team at Everything.

BODEGA

Research project and
book design

There are few records of Wellington’s original Bar Bodega, a somewhat grungey icon of New Zealand music history. By adapting archaeological methods to a design methodology, historical fragments were pieced together to build a visual representation. A number of people with differing connections to the bar were interviewed, and their experiences recorded. For visual documentation, old promotional posters and other ephemera were donated, including a collection of unseen photographs.

Many thanks to Horst Puschmann for kindly providing images of the bar.

This project received an award in the New Zealand Best Design Awards.

BABYLON GARDENS

Brand development

Babylon Gardens is a young landscape design and construction company. The husband and wife team create spaces that enhance their clients' lifestyles, with a preference for natural products and locally sourced materials. Their landscape designs serve several purposes, wherever possible incorporating edible gardens and engaging spaces for children.

The use of natural stock and nostalgic imagery reflects the company's values, while the fluoro green accents and light-hearted T-shirt design deliver a definite youthful edge to the brand.

Designed with the team at Everything.

This project received an award in the New Zealand Best Design Awards.

CHAMPION

Self-initiated book design

As a Christmas present for my mother, I designed a book filled with photographs, drawings, letters and song lyrics.
My mother is a 'quiet' hero, so to communicate this the typography and materials used were understated and simple. To me and my siblings she is a champion, and this is shown with a single gold foil.