Ash Morgan

BNI 60 seconds with Ash Morgan from Goosebumps on Branding and Graphic Design

ash — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:51:07 +0000

BNI meeting this morning on YouTube . Ash Morgan talking for 60 seconds on helping businesses in 2012. Goosebumps is a Canberra based branding and graphic design studio.

What a great trip

ash — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:10:23 +0000

Just back from one of the best holidays ever, to the UK visiting my homeland, family friends including one or two old classmates. people who I have known for almost 40 years.

As you get a little older, some things start to mean more to you than perhaps they did earlier in life. Rather than focus on the career, the car, the new house and other material things, I find myself these days, appreciating the memorable experiences in life, much much more.

That was special, more about that later, but first I want to talk about friendship and bonds with people. Someone once said to me that if you can count three real friends in your life you are very, very fortunate. If that is the yardstick, then I would consider myself richer than Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch put together.

People who may not be around all the time, but when they are, they are never any different. They don’t care about what you do, how wealthy you are, or what your share portfolio is like. All they want to know is, are you the same person that they always knew. Nothing else matters to them.

What has this got to do with anything you may ask? Well a lot really, you see, I have like most of us been striving hard to achieve results, more leads, more sales, more money. All very important stuff and something we must never ever sway away from, a life without purpose isn’t very fulfilling. But, at the end of the day, what is it that matters the most?

I have memories of over 30 years, reliving some of the hell raising, yet harmless antics we got up to, and I can replay those moments in my mind over and over and still laugh, even more than when they were happening. Yes, they were wonderful days, and we are all mightily grateful for them

See the following two photos, one from 1981 at TOTS nightclub in Southend, the other taken on January 5th this year at the Crumpled Horn pub Upminster. Same people, same pose left to right Tony, Bill, Pete and me on the right, yes the one with the curly hair!!!!! The fact that we are still such great friends 30-40 years later, will tell you a little about the values and principals of myself and the people I choose to call friends.

In this particular photo, there was just the four of us, however there are enough photos taken 30 years ago, with over a dozen faces that would still be around for a follow up shot today. Ok it might mean a quick trip back to Blighty once again, but you get my drift.

Now back to my earlier comment and the pilgrimage to the battlefields of both World Wars. Visiting the towns of Amiens, Albert, Pozières Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval, Villers-Bretonneux was spine chilling. Pozières was a strong Aussie foothold, and the village actually remembers and pays tribute to our lads with the “Aussie Digger Hotel” We walked in expecting to see a coachload of Aussies singing “The Road to Gundagai” but know just a couple of locals and a French barmaid who couldn’t speak a word of English. I overcame that with my “Delboy” spreckensie Francais “Excusem moi madam, Est que vous deux pints a la Gervray Chambretam, Si’l Vous Plait. Mange Tu, Mange Tu. She gave us two cokes.

My focus was the Battle of the Somme and the 1st day, July 1 1916. The memorial of the 1st Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont Hamel, has a beautifully preserved trench network, where you can walk through to the frontline and the Hawthorn Ridge crater. This was the underground explosion that the British set off underneath the German lines, to kick off the battle, Beaumont Hamel, close to where the Battle of the Somme began, hoping it would lead to a quick and decisive victory. Not a chance.

Just looking at the fields of battle was moving enough for me. Of course they look beautiful and peaceful now, but there was a time where these muddy, charred paddocks were full of men charging with bayonets, going over the top, doing it for “King and Country”. legendary cliches like “Fritz don’t like it up em chaps” those wonderful morale boosting songs like “It’s a long way to Tipperary” Pack up your Troubles” etc.

It was bad enough that the men were having to sleep in waterlogged rat infested trenches, no food, no warmth, and constant shelling, that they had to face the thought of first thing in the morning climbing out of the trench knowing you would almost certainly be shot by an enemy gun.

The 1st Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont Hamel was almost entirely wiped out. Out of 801 men, only 68 made it to roll call the next morning. Over 500 were dead.

When I watch some of the old newsreels I am still amazed how they remained so seemingly cheerful and calm about it. All of them had to be shitting themselves, but the biggest concern for some of the men, was the thought of letting their mates down. Unbelievable…

Is it a morbid fascination that I have? It sure ain’t bravery, because the thought of going within 50 miles of the trenches to sample what they went through, would scare me to death. I couldn’t do it, and I cannot fathom how they did it. Even today 96 years after the Battle of the Somme, -which is no time really- I fail to see how the super powers of Europe could contrive to create an almighty scene of chaos and living hell for such meaningless purpose. Oh my, how cheap was life considered back then.

Field Marshall Douglas Haig, was a fine upstanding aristocratic Scot, who apparently thought 40,000 casualties on the first day of the battle could not be considered severe, given the enormity of the attack. Later that day someone would have had to break the news to Dougie that it was in fact 60,000 men that had perished. I wonder how he reacted to that, a touch of indifference I expect?

I guess it’s easy to attack Haig and his contemporaries and accuse them of incompetence, but on the other hand, back then it was different era and expectations on a different planet. What we today call barbaric and cruel , was then deemed acceptable. Haig was merely doing what he’d been brought up to do, and he believed he was right. Whatever your view, I still fail to see why General Haig, is immortalised with a memorial in his honour at Westminster.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and I wonder if in 1914 the leaders of these great Empires, could have fast forwarded to 1918, would they have spared us the carnage, and said, “forget it lads not worth falling out over dead monarch is it?

We finished up at the Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, where the 4th & 5th Division of the Australian Imperial Force held up the German advance and recaptured the town in April 1918. It came at a cost of over 1,200 Australian lives. Enormously sad to read some of the headstones which indicated some of the men had died in December 1918, weeks after the end of the war. You would assume many died of wounds received weeks earlier, but I also wondered how many could have been taken out by German snipers who possibly didn’t know about the Armistice.

After a couple of days on the Somme we travelled north to Normandy, and followed the trail of the D-Day Invasion on June 6 1944. First stop, Bénouville Bridge (later named Pegasus Bridge after the emblem of Howards unit) near to the ancient city of Caen. In the early hours of June 6, Major John Howard led a team of British soldiers into battle with a battalion of Germans defending the bridge. An important strategic point for both sides as it linked up with the British landing at nearby Sword Beach. Anyway the team of British Commanders glided in, landed feet away from the bridge, attacked, took it and held it against strong German counter-attack for several hours until finally relieved.

We stayed overnight just up the road, in the coastal town of Ouistreham, and had some fantastic mussels for dinner. Then set off next morning visiting Sword Beach, Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. Omaha, was of course the most moving. Anyone who saw Saving Private Ryan, can relate to what I’m saying. Looking down on the beach from the German vantage points where their defences lay, gave a strong indication of how tough this would have been for our American cousins, who landed there that morning. What a nightmare. Utah and Sword seemed tame in comparison, but you still wouldn’t have got me there for quids.

We finished off at the old town of Sainte-Mere Eglisé, where some of the 81st and 101st Airborne landed the night before the invasion, only to be cut down by German machine guns. There was a great and famous story of a Paratrouper called John Steele who’s parachute got stuck on the belfry of the town’s church. He lived to tell the tale, amazing.

Driving into these towns with Vanessa in her Mazda convertible was a highlight. Although it was early January, the mild weather was conducive to taking the rooftop down, and a blast of her CD featuring classic songs, Jerusalem and Abide with Me ‘ were very appropriate in allowing us to pay our respects to so many heroes. Truly, truly amazing experience and life changing.

The experience of just treading the same ground as these men, has changed my perspective on life somewhat, and has made me feel a little more grateful. How could it not? Makes our lives today seem insane when compared to theirs. We take it for granted, we complain about getting up, going to work, fighting the traffic and all. Those poor lads didn’t have a choice, with their whole lives in front of them, they sacrificed them. Sometimes I think the universe delivers us messages designed to have us rethink our priorities, and inspire us beyond belief. This experience was a great leveller for me, and one I hope stays long my thoughts. Lest we forget

Anyway, cheers and my thanks to everyone back in my country of birth who helped make the trip the most memorable one ever. I have come away with a most amazing sense of gratitude and inner peace.

Just back from one of the best holidays ever, to Europe visiting my homeland, family, friends in the UK including one or two old classmates. people who I have known for almost 40 years. Also crossed the channel on two occasions to spend a few days in Belgium and France.
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To put it in perspective, let me first talk about how I fulfilled an ambition, that I have held since I was about 14. Always a keen student of History, I wondered what it would be like to see the places and experience a little of what our heroes from World War One and Two, did, how they fought against tyranny and gave their lives for us.
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That was special, but more about that later, first I want to talk about friendship and bonds with people. Someone once said to me that if you can count three real friends in your life you are very, very fortunate. If that is the yardstick, then I would consider myself richer than Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch put together.
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Not Facebook, where the one with 5,000 Friends (some of whom have never met) on Facebook wins, it is about the quality of the people you hold dear. Real friends, people who know every thing they possibly could about you, and still like you, even when they probably shouldn’t.
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People who may not be around all the time, but when they are, they are never any different. They don’t care about what you do, how wealthy you are, or what your share portfolio is like. All they want to know is, are you the same person that they always knew. Nothing else matters to them.
What has this got to do with anything you may ask? Well a lot really, you see, I have like most of us been striving hard to achieve results, more leads, more sales, more money. All very important stuff and something we must never ever sway away from, a life without purpose isn’t very fulfilling. But, at the end of the day, what is it that matters the most?
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What is it that gives us the most satisfaction? Sure material things do matter, but only if they can lead us to real happiness. If not it all counts for nothing. The moments we experience with the people we care most about, are the things that no one can ever take away from us and these are priceless.
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I have memories of over 30 years, reliving some of the hell raising, yet harmless antics we got up to, and I can replay those moments in my mind over and over and still laugh, even more than when they were happening. Yes, they were wonderful days, and we are all mightily grateful for them.
--
See the following two photos, one from 1981 at TOTS nightclub in Southend, the other taken on January 5th this year at the Crumpled Horn pub Upminster. Same people, same pose left to right Tony, Bill, Pete and me on the right, yes the one with the curly hair!!!!! The fact that we are still such great friends 30-40 years later, will tell you a little about the values and principals of myself and the people I choose to call friends.

Also got to see the Hammers play up at Pride Park in Derby on New Years Eve. Met up with my old school mate Phil now living in Warwickshire the night before for a couple of beers, then went to the game next morning in time for the lunchtime kick-off.

Not a bad game, but, unfortunately not a great result, West Ham were 2-0 down within 10 minutes and although they got one back before half-time, they were disappointing. The “boot it up in the air to no one in particular’ style of play, they have adopted under Big Sam Allardyce, is not in keeping with the old West Ham tradition, of attractive, flowing football. But then Sam’s job is to get them back in Prem, no matter what, so he has to do whatever it takes. All said and done, this approach must be kind of working. They are currently in the top two, despite that loss. Signs are good that they will be back in the top flight soon.

In Bruges

Straight after New Year, my mate Glenn arranged a two day trip to the Belgian city of Bruges. which needless to say involved a tour of the beer museum and the sampling one or two of Belgium’s finest beers.

Was an achievement to even get to Bruges. Following a very long lunch on New Years Day, we had a drive against the clock to reach the 8am ferry from Dover to Dunkirque, but we made it, even though Glenn decided to add another lane to the M25 on the way.

Treading the ground of war and terror

We walked in expecting to see a coachload of Aussies singing “The Road to Gundagai” but know just a couple of locals and a French barmaid who couldn’t speak a word of English. I overcame that with my “Delboy” spreckensie Francais “Excusem moi madam, Est que vous deux pints a la Gervray Chambretam, Si’l Vous Plait. Mange Tu, Mange Tu. She gave us two cokes.
-

Our focus was the Battle of the Somme and the 1st day, July 1 1916. The memorial of the 1st Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont Hamel, has a beautifully preserved trench network, where you can walk through to the frontline and the Hawthorn Ridge crater. This was the underground explosion that the British set off underneath the German lines, to kick off the battle at Beaumont Hamel, close to where the Battle of the Somme began, hoping it would lead to a quick and decisive victory. Not a chance.

It was bad enough that the men were having to sleep in waterlogged rat infested trenches, no food, no warmth, and constant shelling, that they had to face the thought of first thing in the morning climbing out of the trench knowing they would almost certainly be shot by an enemy gun.
-

The 1st Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont Hamel was almost entirely wiped out. Out of 801 men, only 68 made it to roll call the next morning. Over 500 were dead.
-

We stayed overnight just up the road, in the coastal town of Ouistreham, and had some fantastic mussels for dinner. Then set off next morning visiting Sword Beach, Omaha Beach and Utah Beach.

Omaha, was of course the most moving. Anyone who saw Saving Private Ryan, can relate to what I’m saying. Looking down on the beach from the German vantage points where their defences lay, gave a strong indication of how tough this would have been for our American cousins, who landed there that morning. What a nightmare. Utah and Sword seemed tame in comparison, but you still wouldn’t have got me there for quids.
-

He lived to tell the tale, amazing.
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Anyway, cheers and my thanks to everyone back in my country of birth who helped make the trip the most memorable one ever. I have come away with a most amazing sense of gratitude and inner peace.

RIP Gary Speed

ash — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:03:55 +0000

Such tragic news to hear that the Manager of the Welsh Football team, Gary Speed hung himself on the weekend. Just over a week ago, while attending the Lifeline Taboo lunch, I heard a number of prominent Australians, talk about their own battles with depression and attempted suicides. Former Australian Rugby winger, Joe Roff, who is an ambassador for Lifeline Australia, spoke about the difficulties ex- elite sports people face when their playing days are over.

Who knows why 42 year old Speed, chose to end his life so unexpectedly, but he obviously had in his own mind a reason to do so. Trouble is though, it seems no one else had a clue, what was going on inside his head.
What is clear, is that this much loved guy who played more than 500 Premier League games for Leeds United, Everton and Newcastle, has left a huge hole in the footballing world. The tributes have been pouring in from just about everyone who played with him and against him. Ironic really, that since he became the Manager of Wales, their results have improved out of sight, and giving the Welsh real hope they could make it the 2014 World Cup. Absolute tragedy. See BBC Report

It’s all about Driving Traffic/Customers to your Shopfront or Website

ash — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:45:18 +0000

Are you aware of the massive Paradigm Shift, that has taken place over the past decade, revolutionising the way business is done around the world?

It used to be a lot easier. A customer needed to find a service provider, a Plumber, a Car Mechanic or maybe a Lawyer, so they went searching through the Yellow Pages, or possibly through the Classified section of their local Newspaper.

That is not happening anymore, or if it is very rarely. Yellow Pages has become virtually redundant, particularly in Canberra.

These days a high percentage of people find businesses by searching Google, so much so that Google has become the lazy persons solution to life’s problems.

The Internet has changed everything,

In many ways for the better, certainly from the consumer viewpoint. It has given them more access, more choice, but with it more confusion. Too much choice, and a whole heap of Information overload.

We are time poor to begin with, so when we now search Google for something we need, we are unlikely to look any further than the first page of search results

So what does this mean for the Service Provider who tries so hard to grab the attention of potential customers?

Well, if you are not on the first page of Google results when prospects search your keyword, you are losing business to your competitors. No other way of saying it, Money is staying on the table.

You might be spending thousands on TV or Newspaper advertising, which is great for brand building, but if you haven’t taken care of your online presence and made it easy for your customers to find you, then it’s likely that your competitors will benefit from your own advertising.

The Internet is the most effective medium to advertise, and Google it’s main vehicle, but it too has it’s challenges. Google is a complicated beast and is not easy to conquer, unless you have an understanding of the complexities around it.

So what’s the good news?

Very few have figured out how to master Google. Do this and you can out-flank, out-perform and out-class your competition.

We can help display your business in the first page of Google search results when your prospects search using relevant key word.

Benefits to you

Most cost effective advertising medium that will save you money
Generated leads from Google search are highly targeted, and will gain new customers for your business.
Your return on investment can be tracked and calculated, so you can measure how effective it is.
Once established correctly it’s almost impossible for your competitors to push over you.

Call Ash Morgan at Goosebumps 0418 434 701 ash@getgoosebumps.com.au

Lifeline Lunch – Taboo or Not Taboo

ash — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:28:09 +0000

I recently attended Lifelines “Taboo or Not Taboo” lunch at Parliament House with my Goosebumps colleagues, Pete, Kath & Anthony.

Having worked with Lifeline Australia on a range of marketing and branding projects, we were honoured to be involved, working on creative ways to promote the event.

Hosted and facilitated by award winning journalist Hugh Riminton, the lunch featured a diverse panel of speakers including Chris Uhlmann, Jessica Rowe, John Brogden, Joe Roff and Professor Beverly Rafael. Together they covered controversial topics like mental illness, suicide, homosexuality, domestic violence, racism and more.

The result was an extremely interesting, honest and frank discussion about todays’ taboo topics, why we find them so hard to talk about and what we can do to break them down and talk about them as a community.

Pete created a brand for the lunch based on the famous pop art painting series by Andy Warhol – a nice way to introduce the ‘Can of Worms’ conversation.

It was a stirling effort from the team specifically Pete, Kath and Anthony in building a Hugh Riminton-sized can of taboo subjects to decorate the stage (see below), as well as table centerpieces, pledge cards, and associated collateral.

Aside from increasing awareness, the event also raised money for Lifeline’s new ‘Lifeline Foundation for Suicide Prevention’. The money raised will go towards helping the Foundation conduct research and disseminate knowledge about how we can prevent more suicide in our community.

Such an incredibly important cause, given that suicide is the leading cause of death for people under 45 in Australia.

Congratulations to Lifeline for organising such a polished, interesting and worthwhile event!

If you or someone you know is experiencing a personal crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information about Lifeline’s services, or to find out about their online crisis chat visit www.lifeline.org.au

Presentation to Federal Chapter

ash — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:17:40 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to present to the BNI Federal Chapter at ‘The Deck’ Regatta Point. I took the opportunity to enlightening the members on the range of services provided by Goosebumps, but I also highlighted the paradigm shift that has changed the way products and services are promoted.

The need for organisations to brand themselves, and to have a sound SEO strategy in place is vital. Your competitors are starting to step up, so don’t get left behind.

Jim Rohn quote

ash — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:47:25 +0000

‎Giving is better than receiving because giving starts the receiving process.

Goosebumps, Canberra’s newest creative/graphic design studio launched tonight.

ash — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:31:14 +0000

It’s been one hell of a journey to get here, and a bit of soul searching, but I’m delighted to say we’ve made it. Goosebumps has officially launched into the Canberra market, and tonight we celebrated in style with a few close friends and valued clients down at the Canberra Theatre Courtyard Studio.

Guest of honour Canberra Capitals and Australian Opals Basketball Coach Carrie Graf, challenged our guests to reveal what gives them goosebumps. Our wonderful friend and client Sharlene from Property Works, won an ipad, for being able to articulate her Goosebumps moment, and thus impressing Carrie into declaring her the winner. We had a memorable night, and really appreciate those of you who were able to make it.

My thanks go to my partners Anthony Nankervis for consistently producing such brilliantly crafted creative design. Brand specialist Peter Ring, who keeps us firing with strategic insights, and not forgetting the business brains, Rod Hattch and Andrew Eggleton, who always provide great practical business support, which in turns allows the creativity to flow.

Our thanks also to our website designer/developer Aaron Carter , and our administration support team of Charlene, Meagan and Zara.

And we have two new designers coming on board in the next couple of weeks.

Goosebumps is not so much about what we do, or how we do it, but about why we do it.

What gets us moving in the morning?

We love doing what we do, whether it’s creating a brand, evolving a brand, or devising creative ways to target a message to a specific audience.

Simply put, we want to make a difference to people’s lives, even if its in a small way. If we can share some insights with you or do something to add just a touch of value to your day, we are happy.

Whilst our motivation for what we do at Goosebumps is more about the WHY, rather than the WHAT, WHAT we do is important. Here is a range and diversity of our services. Branding, Strategic thinking, Graphic Design, Logo design, Stationary, Style Guides, Posters, Banners, Signage, Brochures, Typesetting of publications including Annual Reports, Flyers, Press/Magazine/ TV /Radio advertising production. Media placement, Copy writing & creative services, Web design & development, Search Engine Optimisation, Online marketing strategy and Social Media.

www.getgoosebumps.com.au

Changes at Art Direction Creative

ash — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:21:06 +0000

Stay tuned as there will be some big changes at Art Direction in the coming weeks, that are very exciting.

Herbalife’s Range of Skin Products

ash — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:55:41 +0000

Personal Care - Herbalife has an extensive range of Personal Care / Outer Nutrition products, which build on the foundation of optimum nutrition to soothe, smooth and noticeably improve skin and hair, which help enhance your overall well-being.

Skin Products including

Skincare Essentials

NouriFusion™ Multivitamin Skincare

Look your best with our nourishing skin care essentials!

NouriFusion™ skin care satisfies your skin with benefits from antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, as well as beneficial herbs and botanicals. Use NouriFusion™ products to cleanse, moisturise and protect your skin with state-of-the-art skin care technologies to help minimise the appearance of under-eye puffiness and SPF15 UVA/UVB sun protection.

NouriFusion™ gives you the best of what nature has to offer, with formulas made from ingredients such as tea tree oil, shea butter and Siberian ginseng extract.

Cleanser Lotion – Normal to Dry

Toner – Normal to Dry

Moisturizer SPF 15 – Normal to Dry

Foaming Gel Cleanser- Normal to Oily

MultiVitamin Toner – Normal to Oily

Moisturizer SPF 15 – Normal to Oily

Eye Gel

Eye Cream

Clarifying Mask

Moisture Mask

Night Cream

Exfoliating Scrub

Skin Revitalisers

Stress, fatigue, sun and pollution can all take their toll on your skin, leaving it dry, lined and dull. Skin Revitalisers include antioxidants, vitamins and botanicals to renew your complexion and help reveal your best-looking skin today.

Skin Activator™ Daily Replenishing Cream
Radiant C Daily Skin Booster

Radiant C Face Quencher

Radiant C Daily Facial Scrub Cleanser

Radiant C Body Lotion

Body Essentials

Your body looks and feels healthier with moisture and gentle care. So treat your skin to the soothing properties of Herbalife’s Body Essentials, and feel beautiful day and night.

Herbal Aloe Bath & Body Bar

Herbal Aloe Everyday Body Wash

Herbal Aloe Everyday Soothing Gel

Herbal Aloe Everyday Soothing Hand & Body Lotion

Herbal Aloe Everyday Soothing Spray

Herbal Aloe Hand Cream

Hair Essentials

Enhance your hair’s natural beauty and shine with the gentle, moisturising benefits of aloe vera and special botanicals.

Herbal Aloe Everyday Shampoo

Herbal Aloe Everyday Conditioner

Herbal Aloe Moisturising Shampoo

Herbal Aloe Moisturising Conditioner

Herbal Aloe Soft Hold Hairspray

Fragrances

Envelop yourself in a botanical mist, or turn heads with a dramatic signature scent. Herbalife’s state-of-the-art aromachology blends nature’s finest essences in fragrances that express the essence of you.

Man

Woman