At last Monday night’s NI Design Alliance event, The Design Question, we explored three broad themes. The first one was, “How the hell do I break into the design business?” and that’s the one I’m going to respond to here. I think it’s probably fair to say that although we were in that room for three hours, it was still not enough time to explore thoroughly all the themes; I imagine I’m not alone in coming away with further thoughts on the subjects.

I’d also like to point out that what follows is unashamedly written from a graphic designers perspective. What can I say? That’s what I am. If you fall into another creative area (product, architecture, photography, fashion, other) and see things differently, please accept my apology now. But also, tell us what you think. Have your say.

Read the full article

It’s the million-dollar question: How do you win new business? I don’t need to tell you that there is no easy answer. As with recruiting new staff, the reputation and image of your business will be the foundation stone of any attempt to find new clients. Specialising can help massively. Being able to define your particular area of expertise (and it be tightly focused) and expressing it to the right people (who need your tightly focused expertise) will help. And, like for the designer looking for his or her new post, a good portfolio, with a specialised, single-minded ethic will connect better with like-minded potential clients.

Read the full article

‘Insightful’, ‘Entertaining’, ‘Excellent’

Those were just some of the comments about our event with Martin Lambie-Nairn which took place at Belfast’s Waterfront Studio as part of Design Week Ireland 2010.

Martin’s unpretentious style and good humour were both refreshing and engaging as he shared what he considers to be the top 3 principles for creating a great brand; ‘first understand’, ‘do it differently’ and ‘consistency is king’.

Martin has created and re-launched some of the most renowned brands in the world including O2 and the BBC, and it was a delight to hear him elaborate on some of his best known work.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Martin’s presentation was hearing him talk about the client relationship; honest communication to build understanding, courage from the client to ‘do it differently’ and commitment to ‘guarding’ the consistency of the brand.  Often the journey for the client was uncomfortable and risky, but the end result for their business was outstanding.

Martin’s presentation demonstrates the significance of brand and brand management for business success.  If you  are a business owner, designer or design student, Martin’s presentation is well worth listening too, so if you missed on the night, why not take some time out now to watch it online:

About the speaker:

Over the last thirty years, Martin Lambie-Nairn has created and re-launched some of the most renowned brands in the world including Channel 4, O2, the BBC and the Royal Opera House to name but a few. Long regarded as the foremost TV designer of his generation, he is the recipient of numerous awards including a BAFTA, Gold and Silver D&ADs and the D&AD President’s Award for outstanding creativity. He joined Heavenly in 2009 and oversees all of the agency’s creative output.

Read the full article