Flyer design for Aitchisons Convenience Store

 Last week I designed a flyer for Aitchisons Convenience Store at Bridgend Service Station in Duns. They have recently improved the choice and selection of food available to grab and go when getting your fuel.

Is there a need for standardized Gluten Free labelling?

 As I am a graphic designer and I am coeliac, or also spelled celiac, I have noticed that there seems to be a need for some standardization of the Gluten Free symbol. Some companies use the Coeliac UK symbol and others don’t. Perhaps the ones that use the CUK symbol are registered. Some simply say Gluten Free where others also have a symbol. Supermarket own brands have different symbols, which is understandable, but wouldn’t it be better if they all used the same symbol?

Even with a GF symbol, I still check the ingredients. I’m not expecting independent butchers or restaurants to use a symbol. A simple GF on a menu is enough, but with GF food that comes in packaging it should have a uniform GF symbol.

A Nutrition & Diet Resources UK leaflet states that: "Foods labelled 'Gluten Free' are suitable for all people with coeliac disease. Only foods that contain 20 parts per million (ppm) or less of gluten can be labelled as gluten free. The Crossed Grain symbol certifies products are gluten free and suitable for a gluten free diet."

But this still is a grey area. Should I only consume food products that use the crossed symbol? 

Patak's Curry Sauce Rebranding

 Patak's have rebranded their curry sauce which is a good refresh and I think it is in line with current food packaging trends to a less traditional image. This will appeal to a younger market and I'm sure will boost sales. They have also released a TV advert to go with it. Very good. However I have one small issue with their design. The Gluten Free symbol is a bit too far fetched. The Celiac Gluten free symbol should be a picture of a grain plant with a cross through it. There is no cross through the Patak's Gluten Free symbol and I think there is the room for it to be misleading.

New Banner Design

 This week I designed a new banner for A Heart For Duns. They are a local community volunteer organisation who do many great things for the local Duns community. This banner is produced in conjunction with Duns Community Action Group. These 2 organisations have a community larder and fridge where anyone can leave food or take food, in order to reduce waste. There is also a Sentry Box where anyone can leave or collect books, DVD's and toys etc. This banner design was a very quick project to work on and they are a good client to get along with.