Creativity and ideas are what motivate us at Corban & Blair. This is how we attract energy and intelligence to our values and vision, how we create our product collections and product solutions year after year.

A forum to exchange ideas and share possibilities is the aim of this blog, A discussion between ourselves and others to help us grow, clever and sustainable businesses in 21st century Australia.

Assistance and inspiration from other business people is important, it is something we have always reciprocated with. It is often fundamental to enjoying success.

Design gives us a competitive edge. We believe to be sustainable we need all the edges we can invent to compete in a global economy.

Ideas came very easily in our first collections- the energy, exuberance and excitement of starting out, establishing a market and then a brand, just flowed. Once established with market acceptance and others watching, creating new products, treatments and concepts did not always come intuitively. Clever processes are now utilized to ensure ideas still evolve on a daily basis for product solutions. For example:-

• keep creative invite artists and other designers for conversations about their experiences and inspirations, brief design consultants to challenge the boundaries with possibilities way beyond the current base lines. Ask for advice. Hold creativity and ideas workshops -these can include customers, suppliers, friends, young and old. Share ideas with other business people- formally or informally.

• new business strategies- look for strategies others are using, large, small, Australian or other. Have reciprocal mentor/coaching relationships with other businesses, collaborate on projects with others, read, research, and constantly question your boundaries and filters.

There are many fabulous books available eg:
A WHOLE NEW MIND by Daniel Pink is a must read. It had a major and positive effect on how we understand the essence of the Corban & Blair brand.

We are happy to share more detail with you or hear of your successes, tips, experiences or current challenges.

Some early products (which incidentally are still some of our biggest sellers)

(style items using various recycled elements)