We decided to wag school

One of the commitments that I made when I returned from Hawaii was to take a break at least once per quarter. So last week, the Frenchman and I wagged school and went to Sydney for five days to play tourist. One of the things we treated ourselves to was seeing La Traviata at the Sydney Opera House.

The first time I saw the Sydney Opera House was as a 12 or 13 year old on a family holiday to Sydney. Not long after it’s completion. I had no idea of the controversy that surrounded this iconic building. Last week was the first time I saw the inside of the Opera House. Whilst recently refurbished, I was struck by the graceful design of the building. The vision that Utzen had created.

As you approach the Opera House you see the full expanse of the sweeping stairs leading to the entrance. The “sails” dominate the landscape, as she sits against the backdrop of the harbour. (The Opera House is definitely a “she”.) It’s a moment when man and nature come together and complement each other perfectly. Standing under the soaring sails, you gain an appreciation of the true grandeur of this building. As we took the flight of stairs to our seats, I was struck by one small architectural detail. The concrete staircase extended beyond the profile of the window. As I looked through the window the shape of the staircase contrasted with the blue of the harbour. Strangely enough, it reminded me of a perfectly crafted brand story.

Brand stories are created with the same passion that Utzon put into his drawings of the Opera House. The passion to create something that stands out amongst its peers. The attention to detail that sets a brand apart from its competitors. The timeless craftsmanship that stands the test of time. This is what a compelling brand story should be. If you’d like to craft yours, book in for a chat to learn more.