by Miriam Hara | May 27, 2025 | Design, Marketing
by Miriam Hara | May 6, 2025 | Agency, Branding, Creative
Spring is a season of renewal, an open invitation to reflect, reset, and reimagine. As nature begins to bloom, so too does our perspective. For those just discovering me or my agency, both are deeply tied with the colour purple. As with every year, this season invites reflection. It’s a time to look back with hindsight and forward with hope.
Branding in the Making.
Over 36 years ago, I branded the agency with violet purple as the primary colour and mustard as the accent. Back then, purple wasn’t used in corporate identities. Amidst a sea of blues, burgundies, and greys, our business card stood out.
Branding and Evolution.
Over time, our primary colour remained consistent. In 2008, however, we swapped mustard for titanium. This shift marked our entry into the digital era and underscored our growing expertise in the digital space.
Adding to this punch of colour is the fact that I wear purple, every single workday. Weekends are my break, but with a wardrobe dominated by purple, it sneaks in anyway.
Branding Isn’t…Or Shouldn’t Be Personal.
I am often asked if purple is my favourite colour. Full disclosure: it is not! Purple was chosen based on a specific set of criteria back in 1988:
1) Was this colour unique? At the time, corporate palettes were dominated by blue, grey, and burgundy. Purple was rarely seen.
2) Would this colour be impactful? After 36 years, every time I hand out my business card (yes, I still do), it sparks a comment about the colour… and of course the design! (what is colour without design!)
3) Would it be memorable? Absolutely. Whether it’s a business card or a cold-call package, purple leaves an impression.
The Purple Culture.
Over the years, our team has made 3H synonymous not just with the color purple, but with what it represents: Creativity. Originality. Passion. Boldness. Authenticity.
They’ve embraced our Purple Culture. It’s who we are as a brand.
You’ll see this passion for branding the moment you walk through our agency doors, or when you visit us online. You’ll be immersed in purple because that’s the first step in towards establishing a brand… being immersed it on all levels, and for all the senses.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us. Let’s talk about your brand or your next branding initiative.
by Miriam Hara | Apr 16, 2025 | Agency, Creative, Design
Constructive Criticism… ugh! That’s all I have to say. In the world of marketing creative the use of the term constructive criticism is as prevalent as the air we breathe! Whether designing a campaign, writing a headline, or capturing the perfect shot, everyone has a say on that creative component. It’s part of the creative process and it is integral in crafting and improving the creative asset. But let’s not sugarcoat it: feedback can sting.
Creativity is personal
Despite me telling my team that feedback, “Is not personal” , I do understand that, innately, it is. It’s difficult not for it to feel personal when you’ve taken the germ of an idea and spent hours perfecting it before you even present it. And then someone comes along, squints at your masterpiece, and says, “Hmm… it’s not quite there.”How can it not feel personal?
But when constructive criticism is given, that is the defining moment. Feedback isn’t just about hearing what needs to change, it’s about how you respond to it.
To my way of thinking, constructive criticism is the way any professional can up their game. Become really, really good at their profession. Seriously good!
Understanding the why behind the what.
Giving feedback is an art. It should, by it’s very nature, be directionally but not specific. Alas, too often that is what feedback looks like….Make this bigger. Change this colour. Tweak that headline.
Turning that feedback into being constructive you need to decode the feedback. It’s not about just doing what is requested, it’s about understanding why the change is being requested.
- Why did they ask for more space?
- What’s the real concern behind this change?
- What outcome are we trying to achieve here?
Start thinking this way, you will become a true professional, a collaborator.
Personal or not? Understanding the distinction.
Feedback isn’t a reflection of you. It’s a reflection of the work. And that distinction makes all the difference. When feedback is given, and the understanding of the feedback gets crystallized, the outcome is something everyone will get behind. Feedback isn’t an attack, it’s a way to make a creative stronger…better. If a creative concept or asset cannot handle the modifications, perhaps there’s a bigger issue about the creative.
Constructive Criticism: It’s a mindset.
Feedback is the thing that tells you where to focus, where to sharpen your edge, and where to let go of what isn’t working. If you are truly listening. It’s part of the process that continuously stokes the fire of passion… and refines natural.
Here are my key takeaways on turning feedback into an opportunity to grow and become better (yes, even after 40 years!)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Ask smart questions. “What’s not landing here?” or “What’s the bigger goal we’re aiming for?”
- Pause. Take a walk, sleep on it, let your thoughts settle.
- Look for patterns. If you’re hearing the same note over and over, it’s not a coincidence, it’s an indication that you’re not learning from the feedback… but just doing!
The true professional creatives are the ones who know how to use the feedback to make what they’ve initially created, even better.
Don’t just do.
At the end of the day, addressing feedback isn’t about getting the job out the door. It’s always an opportunity for growth. Evolving your craft, sharpening your skills, and building a resilience will serve you long after the project wraps up.
Consider that every critique is; a chance to become better. An opportunity to think deeper, create smarter, and deliver something that doesn’t just work, it wows.
How you handle feedback will determine your professional trajectory… and subsequently your professional opportunities. Contrary to the very iconic Nike slogan, Don’t just do it, learn from it!
by Miriam Hara | Mar 28, 2025 | Business Success, Marketing
Canada Local, buying into it is trending, imagine that! That’s one silver lining in all this chaos and craziness with our southern neighbour. Canadians are finally waking up to the power of buying Canadian. We’ve always had the resources, the talent, and the ingenuity to thrive. But for too long, “buying Canadian” has been more of an afterthought than a movement. That changes now. Because when global forces shake us, we don’t crumble, we double down.
Buy Canada Local: Understanding the various Maple Leaf Labels
In the frenzy of supporting the Canadian economy and Canadian businesses, let’s get clear on what’s actually made in Canada. Those tiny labels on the packaging? They matter. Here’s what they really mean:
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“Product of Canada”: Think more than Maple Syrup Ontario or BC Wines. Any home grown local business falls into this category, artisans, entrepreneurs and that are regionally, provincially or nationally minded, in both in packaged goods and business to business. You can’t get more Canadian than this. This means 98% or more of the product’s total direct costs, including ingredients and processing, originate from Canada. If you want to truly support Canadian farmers, manufacturers, and suppliers, this is the label to look for.
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“Made in Canada”: A little looser. The product was manufactured or processed here, but the ingredients? They could be from anywhere. However, at least 51% of the total direct costs must be Canadian. A step in the right direction, but not quite homegrown.
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“Prepared in Canada”: The most flexible of the claims. The product was assembled or cooked in Canada, but most of its components were sourced globally, including the USA. But it also means that being prepared here… provides and optimizes Canadian jobs.
Bottom line? If you want your dollars to matter and fuel Canadian businesses, “Product of Canada” is your best bet.
The Brain Power Behind the Maple Leaf
Canada can take a page of the hundreds of individual self help and validation books! As a country we really don’t value what we are all about, looking always for validation externally. Our humble-nous has been so ingrained we’ve lost the ability to recognize our true strength and value.
The real problem? We haven’t fully embraced ourselves yet. And that’s where the real identity crisis begins.
We are the first to acknowledge our worth in terms of raw materials and of course, natural beauty. But Canada is a powerhouse of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial grit.
Think Shopify, a homegrown e-commerce titan that’s revolutionizing online retail. Or DeepMind, the AI powerhouse with Canadian researchers driving global advancements. Even Cirque du Soleil, an international entertainment phenomenon, was born out of Canadian creativity.
It goes without saying our sense of humour is second to none, having provided millions of people with the best laughs with the most awesome comedians.
From AI and biotech to sustainable manufacturing and entertainment, we have been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking industries in the world. But unlike other nations that shout about their accomplishments, Canada tends to shrug it off and blush.
It’s time to change that.
When Buy Canada Local… Really isn’t
Think about it. Some of our most iconic brands we’ve all grew up with, aren’t actually Canadian-owned anymore.
Hudson’s Bay Company: A Historical Past owned by the USA
Founded in 1670, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) is North America’s oldest company. It practically wrote the book on Canadian commerce. But in 2006, American businessman Jerry Zucker acquired HBC for $1.1 billion. Two years later, NRDC Equity Partners, another American firm, took over. It may still feels Canadian. But its ownership says otherwise.
Tim Hortons: More American Than You Think
Tim Hortons—the brand that fuels our hockey rinks and morning commutes hasn’t been fully Canadian for years. In 2014, it merged with Burger King under Restaurant Brands International (RBI), a Canadian-American multinational. Yes, RBI is headquartered in Toronto, but its corporate roots run deep into American soil.
So, next time you grab that double-double, know that while the nostalgia is ours, the ownership isn’t.
Buy Canada Local Your Purchase Statement
Every dollar spent on Canadian products is a direct investment in our economy. It creates jobs. It sustains industries. It ensures that the families who grow, manufacture, and innovate here continue to thrive. And in a time when economic uncertainty looms large, that kind of impact matters.
This isn’t about waving flags or blind patriotism. It’s about making choices that keep our economy strong, our communities thriving, and our identity intact.
The Silver Lining
Trump’s tariffs may have set off alarm bells, but they also sparked something else: realization. We don’t need to rely so heavily on imports. We don’t need to play by the rules of an unpredictable trade partner.
What we do need? To recognize that Canada has its own rhythm, its own strength, its own identity. We’re not just an add-on in the global economy. We’re a force.
So, Elbows Up. Choose Canadian. We all have a part in making this time a turning point in Canada’s history.
by Miriam Hara | Mar 11, 2025 | Advertising, Agency, Marketing
Test Marketing Needs a Great Concept
It’s always exciting being part of something new. To have a brand venture into a new territory. Reaching out to new audiences with a brand is bold. Often, media costs and full outreach takes dollars… and that’s where test marketing comes in. Suddenly everyone’s talking numbers, timelines, and geographic reach. SO what about the creative?
If you’re rolling out a test market without fully investing in the creative, you’re not testing your brand’s true impact. You’re just guessing. And guesswork has no place in serious strategy.
The Pitfall of Ignoring Creative
When implementing a test market, the focus is often on logistics: which channels, which regions, and what budget. Those things matter, for sure.
But here’s the thing: they only matter if your creative concept is strong enough to deliver
We all know this: creative isn’t just a pretty picture or window dressing. It’s the most essential element in any campaign. Creative is the core of your brand message. It’s what your audience will see, feel, and remember. Skipping over creative development, whether to test a channel or save budget, is a costly mistake.
Think of it this way: placing a “meh” ad in prime real estate is like putting up a billboard with a dense paragraph of unreadable copy. Sure, your brand is in the right place, but without compelling creative, it’s not going to grab attention or make an impact.
“Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough
Think of it this way. You’re trying a new channel, like TV, radio or digital, to reach new audiences. These are people who may not be familiar with your brand. What kind of impression do you think a lack lustre ad will make?
Test marketing is about seeing if your idea can resonate, but resonance starts with a strong, compelling message, and that’s all about the creative, not the media. (albeit, they need to go hand in hand).
Half-hearted creative efforts lead to muddled results. Instead of testing the potential of your idea, you’re testing a watered-down version of it. So when that version fails to connect, you might assume the whole idea doesn’t work, when the real issue is that you didn’t give it the chance to shine.
Test Marketing isn’t Tactical
It’s tempting to think of test marketing as a purely tactical exercise. You’re testing TV vs. radio, or digital vs. print. But here’s the truth: channels don’t sell ideas, creative does. The channel is just the stage. The performance rests on your creative concept and execution.
If you’re exploring a new medium, your creative has to adapt without losing the core essence. TV needs visuals that captivate. Radio requires messaging that paints pictures with words. Digital demands agility and interactivity. Print needs to speak volumes. Regardless of the channel, all creative adaptations must be remarkable and memorable. The best campaigns understand the nuances of each channel and craft creative that works within them while staying true to the brand.
Test Marketing: Show Up Like You Mean It
Your test market audience doesn’t know they’re part of a test market. For the audience, this is the first impression of your brand. And if you show up with “just good enough” creative, that’s the impression they’ll walk away with. Think of test marketing as opening night for a smaller crowd. You’re not rehearsing; you’re performing. Show up like you mean it.
Creative Is the Test
So the next time the you’re working on a test market initiative, pause and ask: is the creative ready? Is it compelling? Does it reflect the brand’s essence and true personality? Without great creative, you’re not testing your campaign’s potential. You’re testing what happens when you don’t take your own idea seriously.
Test marketing is a chance to learn, refine, and validate. But to get real insights, you need real effort. Don’t just dip your toes in the water. Commit full on. Dive in with creative that makes waves!
