Week 4: Business Plans and communication, client relationships, insight, content, structure
Case study 01 -
Looks at the relationship between the design studio and clients, and the service that is provided and maintained to create an effective and efficient client relationship.
Question - Look at the key components of the development of a project but also question emergent issues facing design studios, and their relationship to the broader, globally focused clients and business opportunities.
Make notes on how they:
Design and client relationships
Managing expectations
Clear project planning and development schedules
Format and structure for a business plan
Reflecting on the conversation between Stuart Tolley, Emma Harverson, and Lucy Warburton, the Build+Become series aims to provide readers with smart thinking books, digital content, and events that encourage them to think differently and gain a deeper understanding of the changing world.
Lucy Warburton, the commissioning editor of the series, explains her role in identifying growth opportunities within the publishing industry. She recognised the rising interest in smart thinking and saw the potential to create a series that would stand out. Lucy presented her pitch to the publisher, outlining her vision for the Build+Become series. This process involved analysing the market, understanding the target audience, and developing a comprehensive strategy for reaching readers.
Stuart Tolley, the creative director and founder of Transmission, a graphic design studio, was approached by Lucy to collaborate on the design and illustration aspects of the Build+Become books. This collaboration demonstrates the importance of the design-client relationship in the publishing process. Stuart's background in magazine art direction and design, coupled with his experience in working for various publications, makes him a valuable asset to the project.
Overall, the conversation highlights the thoughtful planning and collaboration involved in bringing the Build+Become book series to life. The commitment to providing valuable content, the emphasis on credible research, and the focus on personal development contribute to the uniqueness and potential success of the series. The discussion also sheds light on the significance of effective communication and strong relationships between the publisher, editor, and design professionals in delivering a compelling product to the readers.
Case study 02 -
Looks at the relationship between the design studio and clients, and the service that’s provided and maintained to create an effective and efficient client relationship.
Reflecting on the conversation between Stuart Tolley and Hamish Makgill, I gained insights into Hamish's journey as a designer and the evolution of his studio, Red Design. Several key points emerged from the discussion:
DIY Culture and Entrepreneurial Spirit: Hamish and his friend Ed Templeton set up Red Design shortly after graduating from university. They were influenced by the DIY culture of the time, which instilled in them the belief that they could create their own opportunities and be in control of their creative work. Their background in music and DJing played a significant role in shaping their early projects.
Organic Growth and Pivotal Projects: Red Design's growth was gradual but steady. Their work on pivotal projects, such as the artwork for singer Karen Romerez and the association with Fatboy Slim, provided exposure and credibility. These projects helped attract more diverse and interesting clients, leading to the studio's expansion.
Creative Vision and Quality Work: Red Design's primary focus was on producing high-quality work rather than financial gain. Hamish emphasised the importance of designing brilliant work and working with clients and projects that aligned with their creative vision. This dedication to quality drove their success and reputation.
Studio Evolution and Change: As Red Design grew, new responsibilities and considerations emerged. Hamish acknowledged that the studio's evolution was driven by factors like taking on salaries, having greater financial responsibility, and the desire for a better workspace. Red Design adapted and became more organised over time.
Studio Partnership and Transition: Hamish highlighted the complexities of running a partnership. When the time came for Hamish to make a creative shift and explore a different design direction, the transition from Red Design was not without challenges. However, he and Ed managed to maintain their friendship and now serve as social business advisers to each other.
Valuing Creative Work: Hamish recognised the need for creatives to be more confident in valuing their work and setting appropriate financial expectations. He acknowledged that sometimes designers can fall into the trap of undervaluing their services, and it is important to strike a balance between creative passion and ensuring fair compensation.
Overall, Hamish's story showcases the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of quality work, and the necessity of adapting to new circumstances in the design industry. His experience provides valuable insights into the challenges and decisions faced by designers when establishing and evolving their studios.
