Profile
The National Grid (TNG) is a creative thinking & design company, based in Sydney.
The National Grid (TNG) is a powerhouse in Branding, Placemaking, Design, and Marketing. Our expert team crafts captivating brand identities, seamlessly integrates strategy, aesthetics and functionality, delivers innovative design solutions, and utilises cutting-edge marketing strategies to maximise visibility and engagement. Experience the unparalleled prowess of TNG for outstanding results.
If you're seeking a unique approach, you require a distinct branding agency. TNG has been established on the principles of prioritising innovative ideas over egos, implementing a process that celebrates clients willing to challenge the status-quo, resulting in work that defies conventional norms. We will push your boundaries, inspire transformation – and together – we can contribute to positive change.
Our Services
Insights & Strategy
+ Brand strategy, Positioning & Naming
+ Market Analysis Research
+ Place Making
+ Marketing Strategy
Brand Creation
+ Creative Ideation
+ Identity Design & Guidelines
+ Brand Architecture
+ Tone of Voice
+ Brand Guardianship
Marketing & Activations
+ Internal / External Communications
(B2B, B2C & B2H)
+ Marketing & Advertising Campaigns
+ Photography & Videography
+ Environmental & Way-finding
+ Illustration
+ Signage
+ Sales Suite Design
+ Print & Packaging
+ Apps
+ Websites & E-commerce Applications
+ Social Content
Communication covers all that we do — across everything we see.
Our passion for our craft has lead us to establish a reputation – not only for approaching things differently and being of great value – but delivering compelling, effective and beautiful designs for our clients.
Partners & Clients
We work with those that like to do more.
From energetic, entrepreneurial start-ups to ambitious leaders looking to remake and re-energise their organisations for today.
Our Senior Team
Together we have an eclectic, friendly and professional team from across the globe with over 60 years of experience working both collaboratively & independently across all mediums of design.
Lara Allport (Horsley)
Co-Founder & Boss Lady
As one of TNG’s original founders, Lara has seen the company grow from fledgling idea to big time operation. Her role involves overseeing the creative process, business development, offering inspiration and generally keeping things running smoothly. Lara is a talented illustrator and art director in her own right, having worked for the likes of Patron, CommSec, Crown, Apple, Intel, Philips, Samsung and Westpac. She is much loved for her sunny disposition, enthusiastic can-do attitude and fine nose for talent.
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lara@thenationalgrid.com.au
Simon Barrett
Co-Founder & Executive Creative Director (retired)
TNG’s other founder and leader is Simon Barrett. A true craftsman with countless years of experience, Barrett is relentless to his pursuit of great ideas. Sitting at the helm of the Grid’s creative team, he leads the process with great passion, enthusiasm and energy. Notches in Barrett's belt include SilverNeedle Hospitality, General Pants, Harpers Bazaar, MTV, Apple, Cadbury, Coca-cola, Jim Beam and Westpac Bank.
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simon@thenationalgrid.com.au
Iain Clarke
Account Director
Iain has been working within the advertising and marketing environment both in Australia and the UK for over 25 years. Iain has worked for some of the biggest network agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi, M&C Saatchi, J. Walter Thompson, Ogilvy, Clemenger BBDO, The Campaign Palace, R/GA and VCCP. Iain’s core skillset lies within production, delivery, operations and project management. He has led many agency production and delivery departments, implementing systems that allow integrated, efficient and effective output solutions that ensure quality, on-time and on-budget delivery. During his career he has had the opportunity to work across many of the great blue chip organisations globally, covering all the major sectors – Property, Banking, Automotive, Telecommunications, Alcohol, Airlines and Travel.
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Iain@thenationalgrid.com.au
Alice Wilson
Creative Director
Alice joined TNG off the back of several years freelancing at some of Sydney’s best design agencies. With a passion for branding, she has a strong eye for elegant design and brings sophistication to branding and web design projects.
Positive to the core, she provides exceptional creative concepts to bring your vision to life.
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alice@thenationalgrid.com.au
Ben Ware
Art Director
Ben has been designing, art directing, photographing, filming, video editing, retouching and delivering motion graphics since 2014. It’s all this creative and technical experience that makes Ben a solid all-round creative designer that’s adaptable to any project. He’s worked on clients of every scale – from an international automotive business, to a local artisanal purveyor of pesto – where he’s been involved in every facet of communication, adding his visual flare to every project he touches. Ben thrives working collaboratively with the client, as well as the strategic and creative departments to create work that not only looks great, but deeply engages with the audience and builds on a brand’s equity.
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ben@thenationalgrid.com.au
We believe great design comes from the pen up. Our process means we understand & define a clear vision for each project; we explore from idea to execution & think across cultural, creative & generational experience to deliver brands that are meaningful, exceptional & true.
Our Processes & Collaborators
Every project requires thought & strategy to ensure that it goes to market with the best possible design across every brand channel & touch-point.
We partner with the best and most ambitious collaborators from copywriters to signage installers and beyond, to ensure that each project is crafted and executed to it's absolute best. Our passion for our craft has lead us to form long lasting relationships that continually deliver fast, compelling, effective design to each and every one of our clients.
Our Studio
The National Grid studio has long been recognised as a creative hub, hosting art exhibitions, events and shows in between producing brand identity work from page to pixel both globally and locally. We share our space with our sister agency The Drawing Arm.
Get in touch today
Or pop by and grab a coffee with Lara.