Client: Hatters Hostels Limited.
I was originally approached by the Hatters to present brand and marketing concepts for a new hostel opening in Manchester. The initial meeting lasted several enthusiastic hours, with both parties becoming increasingly excited about the possibilities that lay ahead. That was in 2002.
In 2003 the Hatters opened their hostel doors, proudly displaying their new brand, complete with website, marketing materials and signs for the building.
Today the Hatters have four hostels throughout the UK. J.Wood Creative has remained the creative force behind the brand, working closely with the client to develop a leading online presence coupled with promoting the hostels through more traditional printed media.
Hatters brand design.
Less infoThe main brand has changed very little since its creation six years ago. The challenge has been to maintain the strength of brand whilst diversifying the product.
As the Hatters have expanded to different UK cities it was imperative to adapt the brand to each city. Coupled with this expansion a strap line was developed to sum up the accommodation and atmosphere whilst setting the Hatters apart from the competition.
Hatters website & blog.
Less infoWinning the award for best website at the British Youth Travel Awards 2008 this, the third incarnation of the Hatters website, complies with modern web standards.
Built with the future in mind, the site can be upgraded easily and integrates seamlessly with a blog, both designed to be updated by the client.
The website provides information on each hostel and is ultimately aimed at selling beds whilst the blog informs the online traveling community (and potential customers) of upcoming events. The combined result integrates social networks and services to open up every possible channel of communication with the customers.
Visit the site. Visit the blog.
Hatters stationery design.
Less infoConsistant with all other Hatters material, the stationery design emphasises brand through a strict use of colour, fonts and layout.
As with any stationery design, important information must be clear and concise. Here, colour is used to provide hierarchy of information and reflect the vibrancy of the Hatters Group.
Hatters marketing.
Less infoCoupled with online marketing, the Hatters produce a range of printed promotional material including DL sized flyers and brochures – a standard format which fits into the majority of leaflet displays in tourist information offices and other hostels.
This is the latest brochure, designed for the whole Hatters Group, which holds details on all four hostels. A lot of content was required including information on each hostel and city plus suitable images and photography – this was a real challenge given the strict format of the brochure.
The finished article achieves a good balance between written and visual communication and expresses the young and lively character of the Hatters Group.
From my client.
"Jonny Wood (J.Wood Creative) has been the inspirational genius behind our branding since we started trading in 2003.
We give him an outline of what our requirements are, be it for a website, brand design or just a tee shirt and he comes back with ten better ideas and then shows us how they can all work.
Jon has always been meticulous in his research and has taken the time to understand fully what we require no matter how frustrating and demanding we have been.
Being involved with youth tourism requires Hatters Hostels to have a strong presence online and Jonny has given us the best youth tourism website for 2008 as judged by BETA members as well as helping us develop a framework around which to increase further our interactive social media content that is key for a business such as ours.
In short we think Jonny is great... and he is a pretty good all round guy too."
- James Clancy
- Managing Director
- Hatters Group of Hostels
Contact J.Wood Creative.
You can also reach me on +44 (0)161 861 0739.
Full contact details can be found on my contact page