Introducing TownBrands: Local Charm with a Playful Twist
Launching March 2025, TownBrands is a brand-new project celebrating the charm, humour, and quirks of South East South Australia through fun and unique designs. Inspired by the branding and marks made by big corporations on fashion and merchandise—sometimes with entirely fictional names— I thought, why not do the same but with real places and stories?
What is TownBrands?
TownBrands is an artistic and playful take on local pride, turning regional towns into fun, wearable statements. Each design draws from the heart of our communities—sometimes historically accurate, sometimes playfully exaggerated, but always with love. Whether it’s a nod to local history, a cheeky joke, or a reimagining of what could be, these brands bring our region to life in a fresh new way.
What’s in the Collection?
I am kicking TownBrands off with the first wave of designs celebrating some of our most loved (and underappreciated) regional gems. Through a range of shirts and other merchandise, you can take a piece of your town with you wherever you go.
Southend Seaweed Spa – Relaxation in tote-bag form, inspired by Southend’s coastal beauty.
Rendelsham Rumble Brewing Co. – A cosmic nod to local UFO folklore and craft brewing.
Lucindale’s Llama Drama – Because nothing says fun like a little llama-induced chaos.
Wattle Range Whisky Works – Paying homage to our rich distilling history.
Carpenter Rocks Chisel & Chip – A tribute to craftsmanship and resilience.
Why TownBrands?
Living in regional areas means celebrating our own identity, and TownBrands offers a fresh way to do just that. Whether you’re a local wanting to show off your town’s unique personality or a visitor looking for a one-of-a-kind keepsake, these designs capture the humor, creativity, and stories that make South East SA special.
Beyond celebrating local identity, TownBrands is also an opportunity for me to rebuild my creative portfolio after years in teaching. As an autistic ADHD teacher, my creative energy was often channelled into designing engaging lessons and materials across a wide range of subjects, leaving little time for independent artistic work. Outside of a few course guides and yearbook designs, I had little to showcase in terms of professional graphic design. This project allows me to reconnect with my art, experiment with design in a new way, and build a body of work that reflects both my passion and the unique spirit of our region.
A Project by Pat Smith Art
TownBrands is a cheeky artistic initiative by Pat Smith Art, blending local storytelling with visual creativity. It’s about embracing where we come from, having a laugh, and making our communities just a little more fun.
Coming March 2024—get ready to wear your town’s story with pride!
