What we do
10 things we are. And 10 things we aren’t.
We created these flash cards as a way to get away
from the dull and verbose PowerPoint deck — even the
word ‘deck’ feels a little dull. The cards convey what we are, but more importantly what we’re not. What we like best about them is that they’re a great reflection of our approach of designer as planner.
This is an early take on a film, this will be refined, so will the words, but it will certainly give you an idea of how we think we think.
1. We are communicators. We’re not decorators.
Design for design’s sake does not concern us. Making a difference does. The latest styles, trends and fads don’t interest us. We have no desire to be achingly cool. We want to be a catalyst for change.
2. We are planners. We’re not just designers.
Our approach is based upon designer as planner.
Boiling down our understanding of a product, brand or service into a single word or pithy sentence. Like a brand consultant, deciphering the personality, but with a critical difference, we can take that personality and give it a visual face. We can blur the lines between strategy and execution.
3. We are strategic. We’re not straitjacketed.
Even the word strategy can sound boring and straitjacketed. It’s dangerous; how many times have
you seen a design company desperately trying to act all grown up – but lose their special spark. Or, conversely, empty graphics with little substance? I guess it’s a case of just enough strategy, no more. Less, but better.
This freewheeling intelligence over rigid process works for us.
4. We are wordsmiths. We’re not lost for words.
We arguably think visually, but often the best way to conjure up an image is to start with words. For us,
a designer should write as often as they make pictures.
Be it the distillation of a brand strategy or actual copywriting, we write and work with writers much more than most design companies.
5. We are curious. We’re not complacent.
We’re inquisitive, questioning. Why is it like that?
Why does it work like that? Why is it built in that way?
Why? Why? Why? The minute you lose that incessant childlike curiosity and become complacent, it’s over.
6. We are observant. We’re not blinkered.
Our curious nature means we’re like sponges – the trick is being able to squeeze out all but the essential.
To notice and appreciate; to decipher and spot. To make visual and verbal observations, but all importantly, to
make business and commercial observations that will set a brand apart.
7. We are innovative. We’re not indulgent.
You see it all too often; a great solution for the wrong problem. The trick is to innovate in line with strong observations. To do things differently, to break through the magnolia.
8. We are disruptive. We’re not conventional.
We like to pro actively challenge companies to rethink the way they conduct business. How they innovate, the way they seek to be, and stay, competitive. The way they communicate this through their identity. You can’t be content doing things the same way as everybody else.
9. We are optimistic. We’re not deluded.
We’re positive. For us, and for our clients. We don’t work with nervous types. There’s got to be a belief,
a desire to make it better, to make it happen.
But you’ve got to know the pitfalls and how to
negotiate them.
10. We are challengers. We’re not followers.
We want the right clients. The challenger brands, mavericks, entrepreneurs, ambitious characters.
Perhaps we want people a little like us.
Our ambition
To be obsessively observant both visually and verbally, and about business too.
And to use these observations to define the most interesting problems possible to solve – if the problem isn’t interesting it is unlikely that you will end up with an interesting solution. This way, we can innovate and create meaningful emotional relationships between brands and their fans, rather than just consumers.
How
We’re curious types; lightbulb headed people. We believe in great ideas. And that they come from free-wheeling intelligence, sharp observation and restless innovation, rather than a rigid process with a CleverNameTM. Our methodology,
if there is one, is far more fluid and changes for every client.
What we do
We design brands. And we design all the things that make up a brand. At one time that would have meant logos, packaging and brochures, but now we’re equally at home creating digital and motion graphics.
We design brand strategy – design is, after all, just a good plan.
Through good ideas and good design, we not only communicate and clarify, we engage, we stimulate, in short, we build brands.
What we do in an already out of date list
We don’t like pigeon holes. And as soon as we make a list of what we do, we’ll do something new. But if pushed on a list of our disciplines, we’d have to say (in no particular order):
- — Marks
- — Identity & branding
- — Strategic thinking
- — Digital
- — Signage & wayfinding
- — Campaigns
- — Packaging
- — Exhibitions
- — Words
- — Film
