Orwell Lady

Orwell Lady, a family-owned business, decided to commemorate its 25th year by evolving its brand identity. To achieve this, they enlisted our help for a rebrand.

Our Approach

Our process began with a thorough discovery phase, brand audit, competitor analysis, market research, and invaluable insights from the Orwell Lady team. Recognising the confusion stemming from the dual branding of Orwell River Cruises Ltd, we suggested a transition to Orwell Lady to enhance brand recognition and coherence, particularly in signage and website traffic.

In addition to consolidating the brand name, we repositioned Orwell Lady’s marketing focus from the boat itself to the experience it offers on the river. “Join us on the River” became their new tagline, accompanied by a shift from “cruise” to “River Trips” for a more approachable and SEO-friendly terminology.

Brand Identity

Crafting a brand identity with authenticity, warmth and tranquillity, we employed a gentle brand-mark complemented by elegant typography and a subtle flourish suggesting the serene ripples of water. We drew illustrations, reminiscent of nostalgic storybooks, to depict the ever-changing landscape along Orwell Lady’s voyages, emphasising the unique experience each trip offers.

Understanding the importance of showcasing Orwell Lady’s diverse trip offerings, we designed a map to highlight the varying landscapes and trip lengths, serving as a visual guide across all communication channels.

Photography

Our photography captures the essence of Orwell Lady’s experience. We created a visual library to enhance brand storytelling.

Website: orwelllady.co.uk

The redesigned website seamlessly integrated the existing booking system while prioritising user experience, allowing customers to immerse themselves in the experience of Orwell Lady’s river trips.

Film

Collaborating with filmmaker Luke Tomlinson, we captured the essence of the Orwell Lady experience and the breathtaking views along the river. Our vision was to create a film that not only showcased the picturesque landscapes but also evoked the emotive experience of being onboard. Drone footage mapped out the flow and course of the river, offering viewers a bird’s-eye perspective of the scenic route. From winding bends to serene stretches, the drone film captured the beauty of the river’s journey.

Results

Our collaboration resulted in a revitalised identity that not only celebrates its rich heritage but leads the way for an exciting future of exploration on the river.

We asked Wendy and Tim to evolve our branding after 20 years in business. We were worried we had become a bit stale and we wanted to come out of the pandemic with a new look and feel. We were not prepared for the incredible lift they gave us – their holistic approach led us to not only fall back in love with the experiences we offer, but also to think about what we say and what we do. We have seen an uplift in sales since our new website, and they have helped us with everything from photography to marketing. Really recommended.

Emma Lightfoot