How to tackle a Phuza Thursday t-shirt head on…

by Jonathan Whelan (guy that designed it)

When I heard there was a need for a new Phuza Thursday logo and t-shirt design I couldn't resist taking on the challenge. I make a living doing something that I am passionate about, so I am permanently searching for new ways to express myself and get what I do out there. Oh and if I didn't mention it already I work as an art director/designer for an agency in Cape Town by the name of HERO Design and Advertising (OK boss, I did promise)

There are many ways I could have tackled this and I did actually try a few options that were more illustrative and "out there". But in the end I opted for one that was simple, to the point and would get the "Phuza" message out to the public in a big and bold way.

So I basically just made use of the wording to make up my design element and worked a concept around that. In short I simply turned the "u" of Phuza into a glass and placed a swizzle stick/straw into it, so it doesn't have to relate to "booze" alone, and can still appeal to the younger 5FM listeners. I know that there are a thousand and one different fancy and gimmicky ways I could have done this (I have read the forums, and the criticisms), but I thought that the simple way would have the biggest impact. And it has.

5fm and the breakfast team were kind enough to send me quite a few (ie 100) t-shirts for my family, friends and colleagues. In the office we had our very own "Phuza Thursday". Which doesn't mean we all got hammered - we just all wore our Phuza t-shirts that day. I was very proud of them for being such a great bunch of sports. And while out and about, the feedback from the public has been very positive and the shirts were well received.

Phuza Thursday to me really means that the weekend is that much closer (i see it as a small Friday). Not really an excuse to get sloshed (although having a drink is not a bad thing)  but do it responsibly and hand your keys to a sober friend to drive you home if you know you are over the limit.

Well that's that really. I have taken many pics of my colleagues, family and friends for you to see "how we roll" down in Cape Town. I'm not sure if the team will upload them all. But there is one that illustrates Phuza Thursday to a tee - my almost 2 year old daughter Emily, looking very full of herself in her over-sized t-shirt.

Thanks 5FM and the Gareth Cliff breakfast team for the honour and the opportunity to take part in this contest. Keep up your great work and entertaining show…

Check out the gallery below... pics of Jon himself, his wife Dominique, friends Alex, Jason and Perry, his colleagues from HERO design in Cape Town - Charmaine, Gideon describing his shoe size, Ian, Kim, Mari & Shameer.