Some simple thoughts and hopefully some entertaining / educational / useful / useless bits and bobs to help you get through the day.

go to pinkfrogcreative.com

Friday 23 December 2011

Style and humour...

...and no I am not talking about the leading men, but the film. If you enjoyed the first, fast paced film, you will love this one. Pay attention though, try not to get distracted by your dropped popcorn... because every second counts in this masterpiece of modern film making.

Tuesday 13 December 2011

Logos with hidden depths

So you look at a logo, you've seen it before a million times, but have you ever really seen it as the designer intended? Here's a little insight into what those creative brains were really trying to achieve when they developed the logos that we know and love, and maybe a few that we don't.

We like this... check out the web article for yourselves here.

Heaven and hell combined

Well thank you to Joe for flagging up this wonderful piece of creative genius. Ray Villafane has managed, through some of the most challenging temporary mediums, to create heavenly sculptures using some hellish subject matter. Not all of it is hellish mind you, there's a lot of science fiction and fantasy focus in there too...

Monday 5 December 2011

Farewell to old pals

A sad start to the week as we say goodbye to the pinkfrog unofficial mascot 'Harry the fire bellied toad' (technically a frog, but due to their bumpy skin – known as toads) and his tank chum 'Lucky, the fire bellied newt, who both died this weekend, aged 7 and 9 years respectively.

Thursday 1 December 2011

Frog bread...

Yes that's right, frog bread – how cool is that! This was brought to my attention by Mandy (thanks Mandy) and is a fabulously creative way to make bread more interesting (bound to be a conversation piece at dinner parties too...) If you want to adapt the recipe to make pinkfrog bread (highly recommended), just use red food colouring, easy peesy. Check out the recipe and method for yourselves here...

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Movember madness...

No, you haven't entered a time warp, men everywhere really are sporting moustaches of the most outrageous variety... and all for a mighty fine cause. I have seen and indeed met, participants of the Movember movement, a movement dedicated to raise awareness and funds for testicular and prostate cancer.

Tuesday 15 November 2011

The face of things to come?

So, we have all been using facebook for years, or maybe you have just got around to embracing the facebook culture, but wait, all change... Google pages is here and is all set to change the way we do things. Of course, social media is a vital part of most business marketing strategy these days, whether it's blogging, tweeting or just keeping people informed of what you are up to. So it stands to reason that new versions and options for its use will emerge. So the question is, do you need to set up a google + page, perhaps you have done it already? Well, if not, you can find out more about it here...>

Monday 14 November 2011

Immense, impactful...

Yes, It's the one we've all been waiting for 'Immortals'. Henry Cavill (you may recognise him from the acclaimed 'Tudors' series) plays an excellent peasant hero (Theseus), who wins the hearts of the audience from the start, while the Gods make strategic moves to shape his future, without appearing to do so...

The cat's paws!

Amazing, people really do go above and beyond for their feline friends. You have a flat, you want a cat and you don't want to keep it as an indoor only cat, what is the solution? Of course, build your furry pal their very own, customised access route!!! You may think that this is a stand alone installation, but no, this is a trend that is apparently taking the world by storm. Yes, this is a real cat stairway and yes, there are more featured here...> enjoy and if you know of more or have an ingenious solution of your very own, let me know...

Friday 11 November 2011

Here be dragons...

Man, this is so cool I just had to share!

Origami pushed to it's limits and beyond. Take five minutes to have a look and be blown away by the skill involved in these amazing creations here... Sadly there is a language barrier, but you don't need to read to appreciate the creative talent.Thank you for Mandy for directing me to this.

If any of you think you can come close to this, then send me a photo and remember, pinkfrog creative are running a creative competition at the moment, so you never know, you could win something...

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Orange squash

Yes, I confess, I completely got into the spirit (excuse the pun) of Halloween, In fact I could even say I got in, swam a mile and spent a fair amount of time just floating about in it, am I sad, or is it nicer to say just 'young at heart'?

I know it probably seems like an age ago that Halloween week passed us by (I say week, as it seems to get longer every year...) but I have to say that this year had to be the best Halloween I can remember. I wonder if I am becoming slightly influenced by our American cousins, who take it all so seriously...

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Slicker than a slick thing...

Wow, I so want one of these! I challenge anyone not to love the concept...

I stumbled upon this gem only recently, although by all accounts they have been around a in various states of development for a while. The ultimate, stylish smart phone accessory for any design conscious gadget-meister.

Monday 17 October 2011

Tinker, taylor...

So you want a film that grabs your attention and holds it? Look no further, Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy has it all. Filmed on location in London, Hungary and Turkey this is surely set to become a classic. A great cast come together and create a masterpiece of modern cinema. The Guardian and The Telegraph award it 5 stars, with the independent being a bit stingy with only 4. Some people have called it indulgent, but I just appreciate quality entertainment and as indulgent as it is, the verdict is pretty unanimous – this is movie gold.

Your chance to win – creative competition

As you will most certainly know by now, I encourage creativity at every level and as such, we at pinkfrog creative, have now launched the Christmas competition that I just know you have all been waiting for.

Complete creative freedom awaits you. Either create something in a medium of your choice (we don't mind what it is just as long as it is creative) or you can devise a fabulous 5 minute skill for the rest of the world to learn.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

In de Nile

Well OK maybe not in the Nile (too many crocodiles) but on the Nile. Yes that is where I have just spent the last 7 days. I have to say that when I booked it I was a little unsure... I always thought I was a little young for cruising. But no, trust me, on this trip the more youthful you are, the better it will be. Less of a holiday and more of an expedition is how I would describe it, and an excellent one at that.

Getting your priorities straight with O2

Ok, for those of you who are already O2 customers and you haven't taken advantage of their priority moments offering – why not? It's free and they carry a huge amount of promotions at any given time, you have nothing to lose. Well apart from the two minutes or so it will take you to register for the service.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Winning isn't everything, but...

...well maybe not everything, but it does feel pretty good. For those of you who don't know, I stepped into the next decade at the weekend. I hope with a certain amount of grace, helped by the tutu and feather head dress(another story...), but so far 40 has been pretty good to me.

Friday 16 September 2011

5k for 10k

Just a quick note to let you know of a charity run (or walk!) taking place on the 25th September on Wimbledon common. It's a great opportunity to tackle a short run for a good cause and the location is fabulous too, so it' definitely worth a look...you could even win something.

I, will be taking part, despite celebrating my 40th the night before, so there really is no excuse (you may spot me walking very slowly at the back with shades and a green-ish complexion...).
You can sponsor me online here... virginmoneygiving

For those less energetic, they do need volunteer marshals, so you can do something to help without even breaking into a sweat!

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Jane Eyre 2011

Ok, so you got me, it's a weak spot a crack in my science fiction and fantasy armour, but I do love a good period drama and Jane Eyre has got to be one of the best around. It has everything, drama, undertones of the thriller/horror and of course it's a timeless love story...

Free films for Orange folk...

Yes that's right, non -orange customers will be green with envy for this one. This is an app that will let you download a free film every Thursday, pretty good we think. There is a slight cost involved which is associated with the request for the week's film code (35p) but we think that is a pretty acceptable cost all things considered.

It works for all Orange customers, although there are different procedures to follow depending on the device you use (ipad, iphone, Orange tablet etc.)You can find full instructions here: Orange film to go.

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Glamping...?

Ok, so I have a question, when does 'camping' become 'glamping?' I thought that most camp sites these days come equipped with showers and toilets, but apparently, this sort of camp site is for 'glampers!' I just want to be sure I know what category I fall into...

As you may have gathered by now, I went... away in a tent... for the first time in many a year and I loved it! I have a fabulous new tent, which is roomy enough to sit inside if it rains (highly likely) and even has room for friends to lodge, impressed? I was!

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Worth every penny!!

So there you are, at work, it's hot, it's summer.You may love your job, but hot days go so slowly... Why not inject your day with a little creativity? Master the art of origami, using only this simple tool: The origami sticky note pad – pure genius!

Thursday 28 July 2011

Simply – Harry Potter

Ok, so I am a self confessed Potter Fan. At the very start of this epic journey I even went onto the website and made sure that the sorting hat put me into Gryffindor...

I have watched all of the films (several times) so it was a big thing when the final film(s) came out. I went to see it in 3D, because, well, lets face it, I will buy the DVD and see it in 2D anytime I like, so there! I also chose a late night showing, so that the audience were of a more mature variety. God forbid that an over enthusiastic child should interfere with my viewing pleasure...


Thursday 14 July 2011

Simply amazing

I Just had to share this, turn the volume up loud and close your eyes, I think you will find it just as awesome as I did. It really is creativity at its very best. Enjoy.

Monday 4 July 2011

Drum Roll please...and the winning frog is...

I have been reliably informed that, due to a technical glitch, many of you may not have heard who won the jumping frog competition!! So, I have been tasked with announcing it on the blog. Our sincere apologies for those of you who have been waiting with baited breath all this time. You can breathe normally now...

Advert Amnesty revisited

Yes that's right, you are not going mad. As the advert amnesty we ran in April was so well received we have decided to enter into a bit of Summer madness and offer the same fantastic deal in August.

So if you have an ad campaign planned in August, then all you need to do is take advantage. This is open to existing clients of pinkfrog as well as new ones, so everyone gets a fair deal, which is:

Any press advert, any size for a special discounted rate of £50. That's a discount of approximately £200!! Adverts can be based on an existing, or can be something completely new – the choice is yours...

No, we are not bonkers, but we are determined to see an end to badly designed advertising and we are confident that once you have your advert professionally designed you will want to come back to us in the future.

Just make sure that you get the brief in to the pinkfrog creative team before the end of August to qualify.

We look forward to working with you.

What we did on our holidays...

I know, I know, you don't want to read about my hols, but trust me there is more to this blog than just holiday snaps. We went to the Maldives looking for Manta Rays, which were elusive this time... anyway, what we did find, were reef sharks (grey reef shark pictured here and yes, it is my shaky hand behind the camera) This guy was 5 - 6ft long and just stunning to watch.

But what I really wanted to tell you about was this...

Sunday 19 June 2011

Get creative with words...

So, you have a few minutes between meetings, perhaps you are a smoker and want to do more than gaze out to a brick wall (or whatever your smoking area view may be). Well I have discovered for myself the perfect constructive, time filler app. It allows you to flex your brain and get creative with words, but beware, it is highly addictive.
Available for iphone, ipad and ipod touch.

Yes, words with friends! It truly is marvelous, and as with all of the apps I point you to, it has a FREE version.

Tuesday 31 May 2011

Something for everyone...

Since I last spoke to you, my life has been full of all sorts of varied activities: Fly fishing, theatre, and bats (all will be explained). Quite frankly I have been very busy. However, the prime reason to write to you today is to tell you of two, yes two, wonderful theatre productions which are quite simply awesome, and very different from each other! I don't see myself as a critic, but both of these performances have impressed me to the extent that I want to tell you what you are missing...

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Drum roll please...

As the summer has well and truly arrived, or so it would seem... I may well get the canoe out. Let that be advance warning to all of you who are brave enough to venture onto the Thames this summer.

Well that's it guys, with a little extension to the original competition closure date, the paper frog competition is officially closed for entries. We are, even as you read, assessing the entries with a critical eye... good luck and a big thank you to all who entered.

As soon as the winner is announced, you will of course be the first to know. Well technically the winner will be the first to know and receive a box of pinkfrog goodies, but you will definitely be the second to know... we promise!

Talking of boxes... (smooth link huh?) – It has come to my notice that a great many of you, are, unaware of the glories of Dropbox...

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Calling all Creative frogs!

OK, just a heads up as we come towards the end of the month, the Creative frog making competition is due to close, so this is your last chance to send pictures of your creative frog.

It's easy, just follow the instructions here on the creative section of our website, create your frog (extra points for creative flair an innovation) then take a pic, and send it to us.

The Best frog will win their creator a special prize!! So don't hang about, time is running out... Oh, and good luck ;)

Where does the time go?


It occurred to me today that I have been remiss in communicating with you and certainly have been forgetting to bore you with mundane discoveries and the general banality of life, so this is just a quick update on what has been happening in my world. For those of you who are looking for some life changing revelation – I would tune out now...

...Still here? still vaguely interested? Read on...

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Spring clean your marketing strategy

Image courtesy of Linda Wright – Photographer
Well it looks like spring is finally here and that the temperatures are on the increase, Hopefully you have all had a good weekend and taken advantage of the lighter evenings? I know I have – I filled my weekend with outdoor stuff like cycling along the Thames and walking around Hampton Court Palace gardens (which look stunning at the moment with all the daffs in full bloom). I may be saddle sore, but I am much happier for being outdoors.

I have builders at home, creating a mess generally, but doing a fabulous job, and so to have some good weather is fabulous as it enables me to get away from the dust and mayhem!

Anyway, as a proper spring clean is on the horizon for many (especially me, on the home front!) I was thinking about marketing campaigns and how a spring clean of out of date communications might be beneficial. I am a creature of habit in many ways, but sometimes you need to stop doing something just because 'it's always been done that way' and start thinking 'is it working?'

Tuesday 29 March 2011

Advert Amnesty

Well, as we are heading into April, I wanted to make you an offer that you would be foolish to miss out on!

As a designer, I often see press advertising that simply doesn't make the grade, poor design and zero impact, which makes for an expensive ad campaign that simply doesn't work. As it is spring, and we are now officially in British Summer Time, I thought it would be a great opportunity to clear out the old and usher in something new.

Tuesday 1 March 2011

walking the walk

Take a look at this image, yes, it's the Great wall of China, and just a tenny weeny section of it at that! Today, I wanted to bring to your attention to a group of 9 brave ladies who are, this very month, walking the wall for charity. It makes me feel tired just looking at this image and I hope that we can all get behind them (not literally you understand!) and support what they are doing.

Sunday 27 February 2011

Pure genius – turn your iphone into a scanner

It's been a busy old time for me, despite suffering from a tedious cold (which has had an annoying impact on my half marathon training!) and so I apologise to those of you who have had to cope with the stresses and strains of daily life without my inane blogging.

So a week off the gym, no time off work, but possibly keeping soothers profit margins up which is a bonus for them I guess...

Friday 18 February 2011

iphone app update – FREE USB function

Sadly after yesterday's shananagins, I was unable to function well enough to go to the gym (no sniggering please)! But the stairs seemed to be bearing up well.

I have high hopes for a full recovery from my fall by Monday and in the mean time I intend to enjoy the weekend to the full.

Thursday 17 February 2011

It pays to do the legwork

So, a great start to the day. I managed to run for a whole hour, which is no mean feat for me, although I am sure that all of you hardened runners out there will be muttering 'pah!' in my general direction. However, I have a half marathon to aim for in March and I am determined to at least reach the finish line.

Tuesday 15 February 2011

GBBO free websites

So, today has been yet another wash out, which has made me keep my head down and concentrate even more than usual. I chose today to input all of my contacts into a single organised file... it seemed like a good idea at the time! This resulted in me having little to share with you other than the news have clicked through to find out about...


Monday 14 February 2011

free iphone calls with viber app

When you see a wild deer, it makes you realise what a mess we have made of our countryside that we just don't see them that much anymore. But on the plus side, I was lucky enough to see two while I was out walking over the weekend.

Friday 11 February 2011

favicon creator

Rain, rain, rain, doesn't do much for the creative soul, but it does mean that you spend less time gazing out of the window (not that I do that!) and more time being productive (I have definitely been that today!)

I have to say that my morning was the most productive part of the day, while the afternoon seemed to whizz by in a coffee flavoured blur...