Friday 29 April 2011

Overall Costings


For a total of 208 chargeable days, we estimated a daily charge rate at £735, which covers £615 in labour and £120 in overhead rates. This works out at at £22 hourly rate each, and our yearly salary will be £30,000 each.
The start-up costs will be around £24-25,000. To cover this we propose to contribute £3000 each, and the bank will match this at £12,000.
In following years, the indirect costs will be around £12-13,000 and equipment costs will not need to be included again in the overhead costs, meaning around £12,000 will go towards profits

Thursday 28 April 2011

Umbrella Creative Studio

We will propose to base ourselves in Leeds, renting a studio at Umbrella Creative.
Here are what is inclusive of the rent:
- Inclusive bills (electricity/insurance/rates)
- Free WIFI connection
- Mail sorting
- Half price rental of the photographic studio
- Business address registration
- Mail forwarding
- Sample portfolio on the website 
- Registered on the members list
- Monthly email newsletter
- Ability to book hot desks and meeting rooms 
- Affiliation with Umbrella Agency on freelencers list for work.

The location is a convenient as it is easily accessible to get to from the motorway, and is also close to the city centre and railway station, which ensures that we will be able to access the studio easily, as well as clients. It also offers meeting rooms that we could use for meetings with clients. A
 It is only 2.5miles away from Leeds College of art as shown in this map:

Images from Umbrella Creative Studios website:
Meeting room-
Photography Studio-
Caravan offices/meeting room-

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Equipment

Studio Eqiupment can be classsed as start-up costs as we will only need to buy them in the first year. Here is what we think we will need:

4xImacs
 We would need the best iMacs to ensure we have the best tools to create our design work.
 We would also need the Office Software and also Applecare.

Applecare we would only have to pay for once
We also need the Adobe Creative Suite
All together this comes to £9447.76 incl. VAT

Printer - Found this one on amazon that prints A4 and A3 colour for £242.89
amazon.co.uk
Epson GT-20000 A3 Flatbed Scanner on google products £698
Epson Stylus Office BX300F Colour Ink-jet - Fax/copier/printer/scanner  £55
The price for the separate Printer, scanner and Fax machine = £995.89

Or to have it all as one machine to save space in the studio = £1,999.99
amazon.co.uk
£1000 extra is alot of money so we will use the separate machines in the studio, this will be more convenient when machines need to be used at the same time. 
Camera -
-SLR - £483

Office furniture:
1 x bench for iMacs - £520
wantdontwant.com
Desks x2 = £98
wantdontwant.com
Chairs - I think comfy chairs are essential, I foudn these on  cheapofficefurniture.co.uk
£76 each x4 = £304


Studio Equipment:
-A1 lightbox = £135
amazon.com



Sub-total = £11,983.65

Prmotional Costs

Advertising
Printed Materials
Public Relations
Samples
Photography
Design Services
Web Services
Web site - £800
Signage - £100
Branding

Overhead costs

Public Liability:

Premises costs:
-Rent - Umbrella Creative Studios - £265 per month = £3144 per year including Wifi, insurance, business rates and utilities

Telephone:
-Land line costs - £520
-Mobile Phone - £30 pppm = £1440 per year

Postage: £200

IT costs:
-Software - Adobe Creative Suite 5 Design Premium £1508.33 + AppleCare Protection Plan £118.33 = £1626.66

-Paper-  A4 £4.49 for pack of 500, A3 £6.99 for pack of 500. So 6 of each = £26.94 + £41.94 = £68.88
and A2 £40 for 5 packs of 250 = £108.88


-Repair - £150
-Ink cartridges - £500
-Portable mass storage - (hardrive) - £200


Sub-total =  £7889.54

Profession Services Costs

Accountant: £600 per year

Legal Advice - Solicitor: £150

IP (intellectual Property)
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/types.htm

Patents - £230-280
 Trade marks -
Designs - £60 to apply and register a design, for additional in any multiple application, £40 per design.
Copyrights -


Other - D&AD membership: £200 per year

Sub-total: £1100

Research Costs

Book and magazine subscriptions -
- Design Week: £85 per year
- Creative Review: £64.00 per year

Materials for Research: £150
Travel for Research: £1000

Sub-total: £1299

Friday 22 April 2011

Bruntwood Serviced Space

West Gate, 6, Grace Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 2RP

Fully Furnished Office Suites
Board, Meeting Room Facilities
Virtual Office Facilities
Flexible Licence Agreements
Administrative Terms
No Start Up Costs

West One, Serviced Offices
Size 1 to 110 desks
AddressWellington Street, Leeds, LS1 1BA
Air Conditioning

Raised floors
Flexible open plan suites
Recently refurbished
Onsite car parking
24 hour access
Suspended ceilings
LG3 lighting
Cat II lighting
High speed internet
3 part perimeter trunking
Disabled access
Lifts
Cycle racks
On-site shop / café
Meeting Rooms
Secretarial support
Telephone answering
Broadband mg
Showers
Video conferencing
30 car spaces
On-site gym

Local Amenities:

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Studio Space to rent in Leeds

UMBRELLA CREATIVE STUDIOS
http://www.umbrellacreative.co.uk/
A gathering of many talents under the umbrella
Rental studios includes all utilities, wifi, insurance and business rates, mail sorting, business address registration, half price rental of the photographic studio.

I emailed them for a quote:

MARSHALL MILLS


AIR STREET STUDIOS


LEEDS DESIGN INNOVATION CENTRE
The address is:

Leeds Design Innovation Centre
46 The Calls
Leeds
LS2 7EY
Telephone: 0113 243 6077


HEART - HEADINGLY ENTERPRISE ARTS
http://www.headingleydevelopmenttrust.org.uk/pages/heart.htm
Contact: Natalie@heartcentre.org.uk
''Headingley Enterprise and Arts centre (HEART) is a brand new flexible, serviced working and meeting space in the HEART of Headingley.''
Enterprise-

Pulse, the enterprise area of the Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre (HEART), is a brand new type of work space that gives you the opportunity to reduce costs as well as maximise your time.
With the benefit of excellent networking opportunities, a range of meeting spaces and on-site catering all in a newly refurbished building right in the middle of Headingley, Pulse is a fraction of the cost of renting a traditional office unit.
How does it work?
-Pulse membership gives you the chance to buy HOURS of working space in the Pulse area of HEART at the times and cost to suit you.
-All packages come with desk space, secure, fast Wi-Fi connections. Additional services include business mailbox and landline if required. Please note PCs are not provided.
-Membership fob for simple, flexible and secure access to Pulse.
Added value of being part of Pulse:
-Co-working and networking opportunities
-Iconic working space in a prime location
-Meeting facilities that you can buy on an hourly basis
-Catering facilities
-Easy access to bus routes

I emailed HEART about studio spaces , but unfortunately they do not rent them long term, here is the emil I received back:


Hi Kirsty,

I'm afraid we don't rent long term studio space. We have business desk space available from £25-00 per month per person, but it is in an open plan office, and therefore not suitable for studio space.

Sorry I can't be more help,

Kind regards,

Natalie Flint
HEART Development Manager
Headingley Enterprise & Arts Centre
Tel. 0113 2751080
Mob. 07500 221078
Email: natalie@heartcentre.org.uk
Web: www.heartcentre.org.uk

Task 5 - PROPOSED POSITION STATEMENT

1. I enjoy experimenting with type and layout design and want to improve my skills in this.
2. Brand Identity - I have a keen interets in this and love comign up with quirky, meaningful logo designs
3. I need a fantastic portfolio that shows my capabilities and is memorable
4. Promting myself through various marketing methodsout in more ways than one will help me get my name out there.
5. I want my own website, as a point of contact for potential clients. A website is easily accessible, has potential to reach a very wide client base, is cheaper than advertising and can be interactive and memorable.
6. I need to develop my software skills further so I am more comfortable and confident when designing on screen.
7. Retail and luxury area market sector that I am interested in designing for.
8. I like editorial design and publishing work.
9. I would liek to develop my skills in design for screen as I feel there will be great need for this in the future,cas it seems to be becoming more digitalized.
10. Getting better at what I do is something I really strive to do, I am always seeing and learning new things and trying to work them into my design practice. I want my work to appear more professional and also develop my own style that could be recogniseable.

Task 4 - Who else is out there – how good are they?

BRIEF
Based on the principles that have been introduced in lecture 4 of the Enterprise module and your responses to the previous tasks, evaluate the Strengths and Weaknesses of three practitioners or design agencies as objectively as you can.
What opportunities for your own practice have revealed themselves to you as a result of this analysis and evaluation?
Do not use subjective language or make unfounded comments about other peopleʼs businesses.
It is essential that you make references to SWOT and evaluate its usefulness as an analysis or evaluation tool.



Having to look at who else is out there, and to analyse how good they are, I have created SWOT analysis of some graphic design companys that I like and are inspired by. From doing this I would like to figure out were I fit in as a designer and also what I can learn from each company.

I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS THAT I AM IN NO POSITION TO STATE THAT I AM BETTER THAN ANY OF THESE PROFESSIONAL, WELL ESTABLISHED COMPANY'S. I AM COMING PURELY FROM A HYPOTHETICAL POINT OF VIEW TO HELP ME GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF ANY GAPS IN THE INDUSTRY.


Mark Studio - Manchester
Mark Studio is an independent branding and graphic design studio, who like to keep things simple.

What I like about Mark is the brand identity's and logo's they have created. I love their use of type and it's appropriateness. Their work is simple and effective, uncluttered and clear.
Strengths -
  • They work hard to understand each client's business, to find what makes their brand different, and then develop an engaging and effective way of communicating that difference.
  • Focus on Branding, which proves to be innvoative and effective
  • Impressive, loyal client list
  • Positive testimonials form clients
  • Award winning
Weaknesses -
  • There is a main focus on design for print
Opportunities -
  • Expantion on design for screen, as the outlook of the future seems to more digital.
Threats -
  • Competition from other brand focused design companys in Manchester.


Optical Juice - Huddersfield
Optical Juice is a small, independent graphic design.
''We strive to build personal working relationships with each of our clients, gaining a clear understanding of their business and in turn offering graphic solutions to fit... We enjoy what we do, have a great passion for design, and take pride in the individuality of our work.' Some of the studio services they offer include: brand creation, Web design, print design, advertising, e-marketing, interior graphics and signage, photography
Strengths -
  • Multi-disciplinary both for web and print design, means they cover alot of services
  • Testimonials
  • Large range of clients
  • Customer care - small business so can offer a delicate, responsive and personal service to their clients.
Weaknesses -
  • Multi-discipline - not focussed (however this is also a strength)
Opportunities -
  • Could possibly offer internships or placements, to give students a chance to experience the industry. Fresh eyes and ideas.
Threats -
  • Competition from other multi disciplinary design companys


New Future Graphics - London
New Future Graphic is a multi-disciplinary design studio based in London, consisting of three designers.
'We work closely with our clients to deliver inventive, enduring and precise visual solutions that bring ideas to life and get results. We focus on the core values of the product, brand and message. Our diversity of skills and size enable us to tackle each project with a dedicated hands-on approach that makes the most of your budget.''

The services they offer include: design, image making, branding, illustration, moving image or digital.
Strengths -
  • Multi-disciplinary both for web and print design, means they cover alot of services
  • Online shop
Weaknesses -
  • If they want to expand their client list they may have to hire another designer to help cope with the workload .
Opportunities -
  • Could possibly offer internships or placements, to give students a chance to experience the industry. Fresh eyes and ideas.
Threats -
  • Being based in London means they'll have alot of competition


There are opportunities within the industry, however when I leave university I will be competing against other graduates and practitioners, therefore spotting these opportunities is very important, along with having the same values of my client/employer.
My portfolio needs to reflect this, yet also be specific in what I am about. The positives of being at Leeds College of Art is that I have the advantage of the facilities, and have the support I need to develop a strong portfolio that shows my capabilities. This will help me stand out from the rest.
With a strong portfolio, and a passion driven ambition to succeed in the graphic design industry, I am optimistic about the future. I do not see this as a 'job', it is a lifestyle and one that I wish to persue through literally living and breathing design.

Task 3 - How will I promote myself?

BRIEF
Based on the principles that have been introduced so far in the Enterprise module and your findings in previous tasks, evaluate the most suitable marketing methodologies for your own practice and the most effective methods to reach your potential customers.
It is essential that you make references to some of the methodologies in the ʻMarketing Communication Mixʼ and evaluate the ʻPlaceʼ that will give you the greatest competitive advantage and be convenient for your clients / customers.



When communicating with my target client group I willl need to consider a few components of the Marketing Communication Mix, such as exhibitions, personal selling, direct mail and public relations. I must consider that I am offering a service and not a product, but also that I essentially am the 'product' that clients would buy into.
With originality and flare, being important within design work, I must also prove that I am keen and genuinely interested in the particular sector that my clients works in, as I would be designing for what they want, and not what I want, however my personal values must come into this as well. But I cannot say I am driven by one thing, but have my work appear differently, as this is contradictory.
To prove to new clients my reliabilty and proffessional expertise, I could shown testimonials from previous clients. This ensures trust between my client and I can be developed, which is due having a track record of delivering innovative reults.
Exhibiting work is a great way to get people seeing your work, and is also a great place to network and make contacts. Having a website as a point of contact for clients would be convenient as it is easily accessable to most people. I would also like to exploit social media as they are very popular in this day and age and would help get me known and recognised as a designer within the industry.
At meetings with clients, or interviews with emplyers, my main aim would be to come across as professional, honest, friendly, relaxed and passionate about what I do. Because ultimately, if I don't care - why should they?
Creating a quirky viral campaign, such as sending a mail shot to potential clients would be a great way to contact them directly and make an impression. This would need to be thoroughly thought about, as it would be representing me and my service, and what I am about, and it would need to be memorable.

Task 2 - Where are they – How will they find me?

BRIEF
Based on the principles that have been introduced so far in the Enterprise module, as well
as the previous tasks, investigate, analyse and critically evaluate where your potential clients are located.
Identify four examples of your selected client group, 1 for each of the following profiles:
1 x Local 1 x National 1 x European 1 x Transnational

 
I decided to look at Graphic Design companys who creative work for the retail sector:

LOCAL - Turn Key - Leeds
Turn Key describe themselves as ''a collective of creative experts delivering results through intelligent marketing.
''Turn Key is proud of its environmental credentials and has always been ahead of the curve in providing greener marketing.
''Whether it’s using plant-based inks and recycled and recyclable materials in our print work, or suggesting alternative, digital solutions to traditional carbon-heavy methods, we make sure that everything we produce has as minimal negative impact on the planet as possible. In addition, as much as we can, we also like to minimise the amount we print internally. For these reasons we are happy to announce we are working towards our ISO14001 certification. ''
Here is some work produced for the N. Pearl - Autumn/Winter Collection lookbook, and for the Victoria Quarter in Leeds.


Factors that affect their use of graphic design:
Political - pressure to be ethically aware - Turn Key has become more consious of the effects on the planet, and strive to reduce their impact.
Economic - Economy picking back up again, people will start buying into things again, such as fashion and luxury good, so a need for retail design is needed.
Social - Leeds is rated as one of the top 25 cities, which brings business and consumers.
Technological - energy use and costs


NATIONAL - Winkreative - London
(http://www.winkreative.com)/
Winkreative was founded in 1998 by Tyler Brûlé. ''The business began as an intelligence-driven creative agency spun off from his magazine Wallpaper, the iconic global style guide.
''Within two years Winkreative had grown a substantial client base that included Selfridges, RJ Reynolds, Warner Music, Saab, Banana Republic, Stella McCartney, Kurt Geiger and Prada Sport, with services spanning brand strategy, advertising and custom publishing. The company also opened an office in New York.
''2001 was a breakthrough year for the agency after it won the commission to create a new brand identity for Switzerland’s national airline. Winkreative laid out an ambitious manifesto designed to shake up the global air-travel market, from special cabin lighting designed to make passengers look better to the redesign of Zürich Airport. With an obsessive attention to detail, the company’s work for Swiss has won both international acclaim and a number of industry awards. At the same time, the agency completed a management buyout from Time Warner, becoming an independent company with headquarters in Zürich.
''Today, with over 40 multilingual staff, the agency serves 23 active clients in 11 countries across a broad range of industries, all united by a premium position within their respective sectors. Winkreative will continue to base compelling creative solutions on a commitment to editorial quality, global knowledge of what will seduce consumers, and anticipation of their future needs.''
Here is some work produced for Boutique:

Factors that affect their use of graphic design:
Political - Competitition regulation
Economic - substantial client base, and pick up of the economy means

the clients want design work.
Social - fashion, hypes
Technological - targetting the niche market of global air travel market in an innovative way.

 
EUROPEAN - Helmer/Kiggen - Belgium (http://www.helmer-kiggen.com/)
Helmer/Kiggen is an Antwerp based design studio. It was formed by Timothy Helmer & Bart Kiggen, who both have an extensive background in graphic & identity design.
Here is some work they produced for fashion designer Alexandra Verschueren:
Factors that affect their use of graphic design:
Political - competition regulation
Economic - consumer confidence
Social  - fashion, hypes
Technological - Industry focus on technological effort. Government research spending


TRANSNATIONAL - The Words Are Pictures Studio - New York
Expressive and experimental typography studio based in New York, founded by Craig Ward. He works predominantly in the editorial and publishing fields, ''consulting and creating pioneering, award winning typography for a diverse range of clients from fashion to advertising and editorial''
Here is soem work produced for Mulberry:


Factors that affect their use of graphic design:
Political - Environmental regulations
Economic - As a well known awards business, Words and Pictures can afford to have a big budget for design, as the client list consists of some very high end fashion retailers.
Social - They design for the luxury sector, therefore the demographics would be aimed toward career driven consumers and the upper class. Having to constantly reassess the latest fashion trends can also contribute. The population in New York is also high.
Technological - New inventions and development


Saturday 9 April 2011

Contacting Raw

I first contacted Raw Design Studio by email to find out how to get in touch with their Creative Director:

Their Creative Director is Anthony Cantwell. Here is the email I recieved back from him:

Before sending any work I decided to ask him for some advice, so I emailed him again:

Here is the email I recieved back:

He has given me some great advice, my next step will be to thank him and send over some portfolio work once I am happy with it.
There is also a possibility of visiting the studio which I would love to do, so I may ask if I can bring up some work, so I can get to meet them in person.

Friday 8 April 2011

My Business Card

Here are some ideas I had for promotional material for myself, inlcuding my own business card and letterhead.

This delicacy of the typeface chosen stemmed from my surname 'Hair'...

 Tried with colour:
 Not too sure about the hierarchy here...
 Simple and striking:
 With accompanying letterhead:
 Using the initial design in the puple colour:
 Letterhead:
 I prefer this below letterhead as it is more subtle: