Blacksheepdesign

Two Fridays ago, we hosted a Practical Marketing Strategy Workshop in collaboration with Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), welcoming 22 business professionals from our local community. Although the attendees came to learn something from us, we actually learnt a few things ourselves. Here’s some of them: 👉 Holding a workshop, originally designed to be a 1 to 1, for 22 people is no small feat - we had to round up the flock. 👉 Packaging years of knowledge into a straight-forward process, is not a straight-forward process. 👉 We actually found that we needed to refresh our own strategy - so we’ve booked a day with the BSD team early next year. 👉 Imposter syndrome is only temporary - do the hard things. 👉 Find moments of unexpected delight – like showcasing our friends Udderly Organic, a perfect example of how a clear strategy drives growth. (Plus, everyone went home with a bottle of organic milk, which was a hit!) 👉 To enjoy the journey - and celebrate the wins. A big thanks to everyone who joined us, we look forward to seeing these strategies in action 😉

Look who flocked back to the farm! 🐑 Azza, our second-ever BSD employee (now living it up in Canada), dropped by while visiting NZ. Meanwhile, ex-flock designer Nathan popped in for a catch-up lunch with current designer Matt. It was like a three-generation reunion—with "Grandad" (Mark) holding court. 😂 Bonus: Azza reclaimed his long-lost portfolio, which we’ve lovingly hoarded for nearly 20 years. There's some design history! Always great seeing past BSD legends return. Once a Flocker, always a Flocker.

Ayyyyeee, today was a bonnie day for celebrating Hot-Desker Andrew's 39+1 Birthday 🥳 We took him back to his origins, complete with: Irn-Bru, Canned Haggis, Kilts and Bagpipes. He might be happy to be free of us after today. Not as free as Matt's feeling in that kilt. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

"Survive to 25" is the theme for many businesses―ours included. Budgeting for marketing in a recession can feel like playing "The Price is Right" but guessing won't get you far. In our latest article, we dive into how a solid strategy can help you uncover where the true value lies in Marketing your business. Curious where to invest? Start the new year with a clear direction. Read on to find out how 👇 #marketing #budgeting #strategy

Turns out, "Health & Safety Meeting" at BSD is code for surprise party! Not sure what’s scarier—turning 31 or Halloween—but Donna’s homemade cake and Hell’s pizza made it way sweeter. 🍕 Thanks, team! Now I'm off to get extensions 💁♀️😂 — Ash

Udderly Organic’s Proper Organic Milk doesn’t just bring the boys (and girls) to the yard; it’s drawn stockists in by the herd, for a whole year now. When Wayne and Ange first approached us, they were genuine, full of character, and backed by a business they had dedicated over 50 years to - crafting the perfect organic milk. From farm to fridge and beyond, it was clear they were bringing back the traditional milk-making process – but with a modern twist. Initially the plan was to deliver to the doorstep, but with further thought, decided on wholesaling to committed stockists across the Lower North Island. Udderly had to connect with everyone—from the milk drinkers to the sellers. They knew they needed to invest in a brand identity and voice that was Udderly true to them. And it paid off, with Udderly growing from 1 to 21 stockists within 12 months, as well as sponsoring fresh organic milk to 2 local schools. From the logo to a mooing fridge, it’s been great to work alongside a true passion brand on their journey thus far, which we will share more of in part 2: Udderly Organic Takes On the Digital Space. Stay tuned. #Udderlyorganic #Organicmilk #Branding #Creative #Creativeagnecy

Matt's year 6 arts and crafts skills are finally paying off this week as he dives into an exciting collab with Central Environmental —stay tuned. #design #branding #creative #collaboration

Did we find someone through our help wanted ad, or has someone just been hanging around the office, drinking all our coffee? ☕ It's both :) Meet Ash, the newest member of our Flock. She's managing our digital channels, starting with this post because the team weren't kidding about needing help—they're all busy doing good work for nice people.

We don’t build websites for our customers. There, we said it. We build them for their users and here’s two examples that demonstrate this for the same organisation. Windsor Park Hub Limited operate Small Fries Early Learning Centres and Windsor Funerals in Auckland. The users for these sites could not be more different and the sites reflect their different journeys, emotional state and objectives 🖤

In marketing, speaking your customer's language is key. When Mark described his presentation as "bussin'" and "not at all skibidi," we knew we had to send in a true pro to speak to year 11 students at Palmerston North Girls' High School. Matt covered off branding and design principles to help them in their business project. He's the goat.