This week I got my first taste of Bowen’s quirky side, with the unveiling of the island’s new brand.
Fortunately, I first heard the tagline “Tell your friends it’s awful here” on the same day I ventured outside of Bowen’s touristy area for the first time – and actually explored the other side of the island.
As I gazed out at sweeping views of Howe Sound, I got the sentiment behind the slogan. Islanders are protective of their slice of paradise.
Bowen resident Chris Staples, the marketing guru behind the new brand, alluded the island had been going through an identity crisis, during his pitch to council Monday. “If Bowen was a person, that person would be getting their wardrobe in the dark … and changing it every day,” he said.
Going forward, Bowen will sport its eccentric character on its sleeve, or T-shirt rather. Those will be for sale shortly, along with postcards and bumper stickers declaring “Tell your friends it’s awful here.” But of course it’s not.
It’s commendable so many Bowen residents stepped up and donated their time or expertise to help develop a brand for the island. It shows they take pride in their ‘awful’ community.
