my (ben weldon) dot

a creative whiteboard since 1999

Author: me

  • Beach club furniture from Java!

    Beach club furniture from Java!

    I recently work on the Fira Phuket Beach Club project involved extensive design and sourcing, including furniture, lighting, and interiors, aimed at creating a cohesive brand experience. The project emphasized modern interpretations while maintaining authenticity. You can read more about the project here.

    However a new and exciting part of the project was furniture design. When designing for coastal luxury, the right furniture makes all the difference. Beach clubs demand pieces that blend durability with style, standing up to sun, salt, and sand while exuding laid-back elegance.

    Why Java?

    Java is renowned for its craftsmanship, using sustainable materials like teak and rattan. These materials not only withstand harsh coastal climates but also age beautifully, enhancing any beach club’s aesthetic.

    Design-Led Solutions for Modern Beach Clubs

    Working on projects like the Fira Phuket Beach Club, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtfully designed furniture can transform a space. By sourcing directly from Java, working with Erie at Permarta Furni, I ensure each piece is both functional and visually striking, tailored to complement the surrounding environment.

    Craftsmanship Meets Modern Design

    Combining traditional Javanese craftsmanship, reclaimed teak with contemporary design principles allows for unique, high-quality pieces. This fusion caters perfectly to beach clubs seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

    Partner with Me for Your Next Project

    I can help with designing, sourcing, and manufacturing furniture that not only looks stunning but stands the test of time. Let’s bring your vision to life.

  • Restaurant Branding in Shanghai – Pizza!

    Restaurant Branding in Shanghai – Pizza!

    So, I’ve been wrapped up in this project lately, and I figured I’d share a bit about what I’ve been up to. Remember how I mentioned working in branding? Well, this recent gig was quite the ride. Picture this: a pizza joint over in China called Homeslice Pizza. Yeah, they serve up some pretty tasty pies, but they were feeling like their brand just wasn’t hitting the mark with their crowd. They had this whole vibe going for them—think New York slices with that unmistakable New York attitude—but their branding didn’t quite match up.

    So, yours truly got roped in to help out. We dove deep into research, held some brainstorming sessions, and got down to business. It was all about figuring out what made them tick, what their customers wanted, and how to bridge that gap. After some serious soul-searching (and a fair amount of pizza tasting, of course), we came up with a plan to give their brand a whole new lease on life.

    From brand strategy to creative direction, design, and even some slick copywriting, we covered all the bases. We wanted to make sure every little detail was just right, from the logo to the signage hanging outside their door. And let me tell you, when we finally launched their latest product, it was like music to our taste buds.

    Oh, and speaking of keeping up with what’s happening in the world of design, I’ve been checking out Behance like it’s my morning paper. Found some seriously inspiring stuff on there lately. You should definitely give it a look sometime—lots of cool projects to like and follow.

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/168628177/Supporting-HOMESLICE-PIZZA-to-their-delicious-future

    Anyway, that’s the scoop on my latest adventure in branding. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Catch you later!

  • Mavis gets a website update!

    Mavis gets a website update!

    Mavis Chen, a London-based Art Director & Multi-disciplinary Designer, announces her diverse expertise in Art Direction, Branding, Digital Marketing, Digital Design, Content Creation, Photography, and Styling. With a focus on delivering results and creating impactful visual experiences, Mavis Chen’s portfolio reflects a commitment to quality and collaboration. For more information, visit wavymavy.com

  • New Painting – Intimate Reverie

    New Painting – Intimate Reverie

    Title: “Intimate Reverie”

    “Intimate Reverie” is a captivating, vertically elongated painting that captures a moment of vulnerability and affection between a young woman and her canine companion. The artist masterfully blends realism with a hint of dreamy abstraction, inviting the viewer into this tender scene.

    In this evocative work, the subject, a lithe girl with a graceful posture, stands tall, her lithe figure commanding the viewer’s attention. Her eyes, imbued with a gentle wisdom, seem to gaze into a distant world, as if lost in her own thoughts. Adorning her body is a minimal ensemble of black underwear, which boldly contrasts with her creamy skin, while also highlighting her innate strength and confidence.

    The girl’s delicate hands tenderly caress the dog, a symbol of unwavering loyalty and companionship. Their bond is tangible, as the dog rests its head on her thigh, its eyes closed in contentment. The artist captures the subtleties of the dog’s fur with extraordinary detail, emphasizing the warm connection between the two.

    The painting’s background is an ethereal blend of soft, muted colors, evoking a sense of mystery and depth. This artistic choice further enhances the intimate atmosphere, as if the girl and her dog are suspended in their own private universe.

    “Intimate Reverie” celebrates the beauty of vulnerability and the profound connection between humans and their animal companions. The artist’s skillful rendering of the girl’s subtle emotions and the dog’s trusting demeanor invites the viewer to experience a moment of pure, unadulterated love and tranquility.

  • What am i painting?

    What am i painting?

    Something that started off as a doodle i guess!

  • Breathing New Life into Botani Villa:

    Breathing New Life into Botani Villa:

    A Look at the Renovation Project in Bali

    Hiding out in Bali during the pandemic, i’ve been doing this!

    Follow the updates on insta https://www.instagram.com/botanivilla/

    Nestled amidst the lush greenery and picturesque landscapes of Bali, Botani Villa is a dream getaway for many. This hidden gem has long been a popular choice for tourists and locals alike, providing an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Recently, the management of Botani Villa embarked on an ambitious renovation project, aiming to elevate the guest experience and solidify the villa’s reputation as one of the premier luxury accommodations on the island. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Botani Villa Renovation Project and the exciting changes it promises to bring.

    The Vision

    The Botani Villa Renovation Project was conceived with the aim of preserving the villa’s unique charm while enhancing its amenities and overall guest experience. The project’s primary objectives were to:

    1. Modernize the villa’s facilities while retaining its traditional Balinese essence.
    2. Expand the villa’s capacity to accommodate more guests, without compromising the intimate and tranquil atmosphere.
    3. Emphasize sustainability and eco-friendliness in the design, construction, and operation of the villa.

    Key Renovations

    1. Guestrooms
    2. The renovation project will see a significant upgrade to Botani Villa’s guestrooms and suites. The new designs will blend modern luxury with traditional Balinese elements, creating an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. All rooms will be fitted with state-of-the-art amenities, including smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and indulgent rain showers.
    1. Expanded Capacity

    To meet the growing demand for luxury accommodations in Bali, the Botani Villa Renovation Project will include the construction of additional guestrooms and suites. This expansion will be carried out sensitively, ensuring that the villa’s intimate and serene ambiance remains unspoiled.

    Eventually we rebranded as Villa Seven Bees, find it here!

  • Is it possible to quantify branding?

    Is it possible to quantify branding?

    A conversation that comes up a lot while we’re talking to clients is how can we quantify value for money? And it’s a great question, no doubt branding is the number one differentiator for a business in the market, especially if your product or service is not unique. But if you have have even one competitor, it’s your brand that will ultimately set you apart from them. And if you think it’s price, think again!

    A simple change in brand position can be enough to change the perception of an existing product and take you global. If you don’t believe me, check out this video from Oatly’s brand partners in Europe.

    Once the position and design direction was set, marketing could be handled just by taking customer feedback and amplifying it. Social content and events can all be handled by your team and small partners.

    The financial success of Oatly is undoubtable, but how do we measure this for smaller projects. A brand fresh, an updated website, or new packaging. What if you don’t have the budget or confidence of stakeholders to change your position in the market.

    Fortunately there are a number of ways you can assess the value of a brand and brand marketing project. Ideally forecast what that value is worth to the business, then assign a budget that represents the return.

    Brand expert Denise Lee Yohn sums this up

    1. Financial value

    How much is your company worth. Company valuations not only consider perceived worth, but also the budget you’ve spent with a branding firm.

    2. Customer value

    How much more than your pre rebrand will customers pay for your product?

    Can you survey them and ask if they feel the price is high or low for what they received, how much will that change after a new or changed brand or packaging

    3. Business process

    Like the oatly case above, a strong aligned brand will make your marketing so much easier

    Can you quantify the money you save?

    4. Culture

    Are you getting more job enquiries? How much does that save on headhunters?

    Company pride? Lower turnover? What’s the cost of replacing a single employee?

    Conclusion

    When looking at brand or design projects, first decide the framework in which you are going to use to judge the value you will receive. Then spend!!

  • Beast of the East, a Branding project in Shanghai

    Beast of the East, a Branding project in Shanghai

    It’s been a while since i’ve posted here, I mean really, who uses their own website any more. But with the view to not let this page get dusty, here something cool Thread did recently. https://threaddesign.com.cn/projects/beast-of-the-east-brand-creation/

    It’s good to know

    we’re getting listed on creative agency sites around the globe too. Noteworthy listings are Core77 and AgencySpotter

  • 10 years of Thread

    10 years of Thread

    I can hardly believe it, it’s been a decade since I started an agency! And now almost 12 years in China. How did that ever happen?

    thread10yearparty-shaghai-0402 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0404 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0416 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0427 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0445 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0469 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0497 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0505 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0508 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0393 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0397

  • First Article in STATUS magazine by city weekend.

    First Article in STATUS magazine by city weekend.

    Was recently asked to write and article for a local publication as to how Thread approaches wechat marketing.
    Full text will in web format on Thread’s website.

    wechat-weldon-status-1

    wechat-weldon-status-2

    wechat-weldon-status-3

  • Disney Princess Party in Pu Tuo Shan!

    Disney Princess Party in Pu Tuo Shan!

    It’s been a while since I took the team on holiday, this year we decided to take a bus five hours from shanghai down to pu tuo shan, dress up as princess’s and play board games. obviously!

    thread10yearparty-shaghai-0202 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0155 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0183 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0190 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0192  thread10yearparty-shaghai-0204  thread10yearparty-shaghai-0208  thread10yearparty-shaghai-0229 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0261 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0265 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0271 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0277 thread10yearparty-shaghai-0282 thread10yearparty-shaghai-3372 thread10yearparty-shaghai-3375 thread10yearparty-shaghai-3401 thread10yearparty-shaghai-6682

  • Mercedes Me Launch in Beijing

    Mercedes Me Launch in Beijing

    Probably the biggest project over at Thread, I’m massively proud of the team for this one.
    A few pictures below of a real milestone in our evolution.

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