This project has been a slow boil for over 18-months, but I’m finally able to share it with you!
Last year, I was invited to submit design concepts – initially for t-shirts – for a new range of souvenirs being developed by South Bank Corporation for their Visitors Centre. The project was devised in conjunction with and facilitated by Artisan with the idea of procuring and nurturing long-term relationships between local designers and South Bank’s Visitors Centre. After this initial product launch, it is hoped that successful products will be reordered or recommissioned, or perhaps even new products developed, with the relationship transitioning to a direct one between designer and South Bank.
It’s the first time that the South Bank Visitors Centre has committed to a specifically designed product range to offer their clients and customers and it has been wonderful to be so involved in this development. I submitted a whole range of designs, some of which were picked up to run across multiple merchandise offers from t-shirts for men, women and kids to bucket hats and caps, a tote bag and even a specially boxed key ring. These offers make up more than 80% of the total products which have been initially procured. And, I’m delighted.
I’m also delighted to have my new products keeping company alongside Jess Daybro’s beautifully handcrafted Flower Bird toys, Dan Cox’s Palm Charms and brooches and Claire Treston’s simple, yet considered postcards.
All my designs draw specifically from research undertaken into the South Bank parklands and precinct. The Bougainvillea flower, which covers the linked walkway through the parklands inspired the designs I created for the eco tote bags and women’s t-shirts. The adult peak caps, men’s tees and key ring all feature a new marque I designed for the merchandise collection referencing the Wheel of Brisbane tourist ride, which has become iconic to the area. And, the kid’s tees and bucket hats drew on the fun at play that kids of all ages have at South Bank, especially at the inland beach and spell out the words ‘South Bank’ as paper cutouts set into balloons tied with string. The colours across this initial offering include white, black and red, making a striking and cohesive display in store.
I’m also glad to have been able to offer some of my knowledge in visual merchandising to display the new and original products at the Visitors Centre by sketching and planning the displays and designing point of sale collateral. Installing the new product displays using existing display furniture was a challenge, but an interesting one.
Set on the waterfront of the Brisbane River, South Bank really is a wonderful destination… It includes our cultural precinct, with the state galleries and performing arts complex, award-wining restaurants and great shopping. From the Wheel of Brisbane you can take in 360 degree panoramic views and most year round, the inland beach is great for a swim!
If you’re in Brisbane, I highly recommend a visit to South Bank and of course, stop in to the Visitors Centre to garner some local knowledge and perhaps a keep-sake to take home with you! The Visitors Centre is located on the Ground floor, South Bank House Cnr Ernest & Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank, Brisbane, Australia.
