Blog Archives

Continual improvement

14/03/2016 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: News, Projects

Although challenging, I’ve just completed a great project, the rebrand, relaunch and marketing of global Oil & Gas consultancy Exceed. It’s been a busy year with numerous additional activities as the business unites its global workforce, and repositions itself within the marketplace to tackle the current difficult facing the energy industry – the price of oil declining up to 80%.

Implementing innovative products across a range of media, to not only enhance the presentation of the business, but develop messaging and connect with larger business strategies – the experience included project, event and stakeholder management. Read more detail and see the pictures, here.

I thrive in these projects, I enjoy being ‘part of something’, working to deliver and improve by learning along the way. However as proud I am of what we’ve created the time has come for a new challenge. More on this (and the other big changes) soon! #cliffhanger.

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Responsive Branding

26/04/2015 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: Design, Projects

Currently knee deep in a strategic rebrand project, with ambitions for a durable identity which will be seen across the globe (more detail on that soon). I thought I’d share the approved logo, influenced in part by the responsive design age we now live in.

I believe that good design and great branding integrates a degree of flexibility, allowing a freshness into communications which maintains recognition of the identity across a range of mediums. Well-designed identities should have different variations available, however quite often there are some sensitivities – mostly relating to a sacred view of an identity being rigid and it’s permanent presentational form.

But with Google now favouring websites enhanced for mobile, it’s more important than ever to deliver subtle flexibility and ensure logos are adapted to break the screen constraints and work as best as possible at any size.

In fact with logo’s in particular, applying this ‘responsive design thinking’ can actually support and enhance the solution, which is why I include this as part of my design process (scalability is logo design 101, but developing a design that incorporates recognition through responsive simplification can be tricker).

Exceed responsive showcaseSee. Flexibility can support and enhance the identity. More on this project, and others, soon.

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Don’t call it Hipster

04/01/2015 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: Design, News, Projects

One of today’s biggest logo trends is the ‘Hipster’ style, however the web is also cluttered with posters, illustrations and sites all following this aesthetic. Hipster design is usually minimalist and simple but have a unique way of conveying the message with a modern, rustic and vintage vibe.

Unfortunately the majority of these hipster logos are terrible and generic as hell. With them often overcomplicating the design by adding unrelated flourishes and arrowheads! Yuck.

The whole point of a logo is to be identifiable, unique and memorable – you can read more about my approach here. There is a point where this Hipster simplification becomes too minimalist and in some cases abstract, with the identity and flavour of the company completely lost. Besides true minimalism isn’t ‘hip’, it’s a key design principle that should never go out of fashion.

Cue Nelsons

So when designing an identity for mens tailoring and fashion outlet, Nelsons, within the rejuvenated area of Peckham South-East London, my goal was a balance of depth with a timeless, and dare I say it, ‘trendy’ aesthetic.

Offering cool classy threads with a sophisticated edge, Nelsons stock unique short run designs using quality materials, all wrapped up through the approach of a personal tailored experience. They are friendly, passionate and fashionable just like the logo.

You can see my outcome below, with more to follow soon including letterpress and fabric prints and even some gilded window signs. Very Hipster. …Oops!

 

Nelsons

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Web Wireframes

11/12/2014 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: Design, Projects

You’ll have read my previous post on the process of design? No! well click here. This is part two because I do websites too! All my projects begin with a kickstart meeting, where we discuss your vision and requirements. From there we can then agree a plan and begin.

In the case of websites, wireframes could be seen as the initial plans. Wireframes as the name suggests are ‘just’ simple line drawings of a pages that are used to plan out the website before it is truly designed.

However they are a lot more. Wireframes allow you to think logically about the design, they allow the structure to be visualised, discussed and agreed. Creating these wireframes identify and confirm the purpose for each page, key ‘Call To Actions’ and other important information which needs to be prominent on the page. Giving focus and a more efficient use of time.

I also create a sitemap which is useful to determine the structure of a whole website, it can however be quite daunting to look at, especially for more complex sites. With the wireframes we are able to visualise this sitemap and see how pages fall into place. This can be useful as it may bring to light ways the sitemap could be adjusted to make for a more simple user experience and improve the design, something I love!

This is a process which proved to be successful in delivering my latest website for Leeds based agency, Abyss Marketing. Allowing productive conversations and visualisation from both sides.

Wireframes

So there you are, a further insight into how I work. If you want to know more or work together and start a new project, get in touch

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Design Planning

10/12/2014 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: Design, Projects

I’m currently involved in the early stages of what’s already proving to be an exciting project – to re-brand and effectively relaunch a business with an ambitious target, within a difficult economy. But there will be more on that later.

However because of this I thought I’d give some overview into the creative process I follow, although not exhaustive…as I can’t give away all the secrets now can I, but also because the design process is ‘organic’ (it’s alive!). Furthermore I’ve also shown some considerations for developing that killer brief and how that can help maximise the project – something I’m always aiming for. After all good graphic design is structured around ensuring the client gets high quality solutions appropriate to the business and marketing ambitions.

You can see these steps detailed below, how it plays a role in my work, and if you’d like to know more or use this to start a new project, get in touch. Oh, and stay tuned for more on that exciting re-brand project coming early 2015.

Creative Process

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Tweaks & Niggles

01/12/2014 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: Design, News, Projects, Uncategorized

I never present an idea I’m not proud of, I really believe you are only as good as your last job – therefore I set my standards high. I’m also mature enough to take feedback as a valuable tool to improve the aesthetic or overall idea. In fact a great skill I’ve developed over the years is learning not to be precious, it’s often with the benefit of time and additional input where a good idea can develop into a great one. And I’m all for that!

And so a few weeks back I started working on some designs for an exciting new business developing a strong identity that met the original brief (and yes, one I was proud of). However as the project grew and I continued to work with the client I realised on application of the concept that the visual ‘fit’ with the business wasn’t as good as it could be.

Taking the bold step to develop and pitch an alternative was risky stuff considering the original was so well received (and we’re always working towards a deadline), however from my experience it was an exercise I believed we had to take. And as it goes it was a measure that was greatly appreciated by the client, as we now move forward with a stronger solution.

So there you go, greatness takes time (and some reflection) but it’s always worth it! You’ll see more of this soon but you can read the original post and view the concept here

SkyOps_new logo

The new icon looks fantastic! No disrespect to the last idea but I think this is a massive improvement – really distinctive and awesome visual association.

Ed Speakman, Director – SkyOps

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And the Winner is…

13/11/2014 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: Projects, Stefan's news, Uncategorized

Me. Okay that’s cheesy but it’s also true. As having been part of a small team challenged to deliver an awards ceremony, to recognise and celebrate safety performance within the offshore Oil & Gas industry, the pressure was high. Working with a variety of national suppliers to bring the prestigious event to life within the beautiful Aberdeen Art Gallery inside a 2 hour window, stress? yes, but an amazing experience.

There was also some sentiment, as the event coincided with the last evening of my time at Stork (what a leaving party!). I’m proud to have worked within an organisation who embrace innovation, are committed to a strong safety culture and be involved in communications at global and regional levels. It was also a pleasure to be an integral part of the team, share in the evening, deliver the goods and go out on a high as I move on to my next venture.

REACH AwardsTo get a flavour of the evening and find out more on the awards, view a highlights video here

Stefan played an integral role in delivering our 2014 Safety Awards; producing and project managing all event artwork and AV. With the look and feel of the event a testament to Stefan’s skills. His professionalism and creativity is of an extremely high standard, and he is by far the most responsive Graphic Designer I have had the pleasure of working with; he is an incredible resource and a great asset to any team or organisation.

Jennie Ramsay, Communications Manager – Stork

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Great Scott!!

24/10/2014 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: Random

Whoa, this is heavy. At last, the day is here! Time circuits are on, flux capacitor is…fluxing and it’s been announced Scientists have created a real life hover board!!

Reported on the BBC (so it must be legit) but sadly it’s only a prototype, so for now  you’ll have to make do with this sexy Back to The Future poster instead (not that an excuse is needed to talk about Marty McFly and the Doc):

BTTF poster_mockupI need one of these Hoverboards in my life (together with a DeLorean and some fancy Nikes),  but to read about what makes me tick; read this and download my CV here

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Flying high

20/10/2014 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: Design, News, Projects

Seen Danny Macaskill ‘Ride the Ridge’? Well it’s not just his stunts that push the limit, but also the technology that made us dizzy by filming all that insane action. Using the latest unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or remote controlled drones – depending how CIA and Jason Bourne you want to be – the filmmakers are able to put us right in the action and capture all the detail in glorious high definition.

This innovative technology isn’t just being embraced by Hollywood but also another technically focused sector, the Offshore Energy industry. These lightweight and portable UAVs allow the visual inspection of difficult to reach parts of the oil rig without endangering personnel or production. Clever stuff. And so, after being approached by a new company entering the marketplace to come up with a striking identity, I was well up for the challenge. My drive was for this to be technically relevant, but also clean and recognisable, delivering a confident solution. Using the company name to give enforcement, rotor blades, and a mix of surveillance/camera lens as inspiration, I came up with this simplistic ‘icon’ for the logo:

SkyOps-logos

What can I say, you’ve absolutely nailed it…I’m sitting looking at it with a grin on my face!! Love the effort that has been put into the thought process and how eye catching the final design is.

Ed Speakman, Director – SkyOps

Feedback has been great and I can’t wait to see how the company grows and what projects they work on. So if you like what you see and want some similar design treatment from my professional approach get in touch! Oh, and check out Danny’s awesome film here

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Bangin’ flyers

07/10/2014 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: stefan | In: Design, News, Projects

The hype from one of my latest commissions is heating up! With the North East soon hosting one of 2014’s biggest DJs, Nick Curly. Curly first cut his teeth with a residency at the legendary Vibration Club in Germany. Since then he has gone on to hold down residencies in Ibiza at Space, where he helped define the sound known as Mannheim – a deep and tracky style that is loopy and involving, folding you into the groove with soul and melodic beauty.

Nick has played the world’s biggest and best festivals including Womb in Tokyo, Sonus Festival in Croatia, D-Edge in Brazil, Eastern Electrics Festival In London, Love Family Park in Germany and Gypsy Club in Russia.

So get your glow sticks out!! With tickets available here

Club Flyers

…and remember to contact me if you need quality design to promote your club night or event. 🙂

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