Design Musings

Some stationery to show you! The work in our studio is very diverse, I think that is because of all the wonderfully interesting companies we work with in Cornwall. Large or small I really enjoy meeting new clients and sussing out what they need.  Recently we met with bespoke carpenter, Nick Paul Williams, who had a refreshingly creative approach to his joinery. We are building him a website as we speak, but first we started with the brand. He already had an emblem of an oak leaf and was keen on keeping the colours of gold and blue. Our challenge was to move this logo on to become a brand that rightly represented this young craftsman.  Reducing his name to NPW and including 'bespoke' helped to communicate the personal aspect of Nick's work. Also to make clear that he can turn his hand to all aspects of joinery we picked out three key elements; carpentry, joinery and construction.  We also provided Nick with a separate element that he could use as a stamp o...

We recently have been designing quite a few business cards for our clients, this one in particular is for luxury holiday cottages in Polzeath, Mesmear. I love business cards as they are a chance to have a little fun with the brand. In such a small space, bold colour and design can be used to full effect.  With these cards I wanted to make the most of our client's location. Being so close to the sea and great holiday spots on the North Cornish Coast, I thought the best way to communicate this was by drawing a little map. As well showcasing location, the friendly style of illustration speaks of escapism and holiday vibes right from the outset.  The business cards are full colour using soft blues, greens and grey, and for added interest we picked the logo out in blue hot foil. The foil makes the logo shimmer beautifully, just like the sea.  The tone of voice is friendly and inviting with a well-chosen quote setting the scene, The Sunday Times writes "This is as...

I wanted to share a recent brand we completed, BeauPeople. Our client approached as at the very start of her new business in workforce development. She needed a corporate and professional identity which showed she meant business, but still reflected her bubbly personality and approachability. We designed a logo in warm autumn hues with harmonising imagery. One of our client's great assets is her ability to bring unity and conflict resolution to the work place, so we looked at ideas of building bridges, Japanese design and elements of balance. The final logo communicates the harmony our client can bring to a situation, the 'beau' and 'people' acting also like a reflection. When it came to designing the business card I continued to use the two colours of her brand, and bold clear placement of the logo. I felt that some explanation was needed, so a friendly speech bubble helps to communicate the personal side of the service. Next we concentrated on...

We have designed a business card for actress Nella Marin, pictured here. It has been a very considered project with us, Nella and her friend (and also our client) artist John O'Carroll, who created the swirl artwork and a 'NM' as Nella's initials. Nella didn't want a standard business card and approached us to design her something that fit her personality and profession. She wanted it to take the viewer on a journey, and make sure they really have to work to find her details! She hasn't included her profession, so in someways this business card asks more questions then it answers. This air of mystery was exactly what she wanted. We worked with high quality local printers and used GS Smith paper which has a lovely cloth like texture in 'Pristine White', allowing the uncoated paper to contrast with the aubergine ink. The card has a fold giving interactivity and her contact details are presented in the arc of John's swoosh. The letters are organic...

"We are in the process of branding the new company 'Camel Self-Storage' and these are their business cards. We settled on a logo using Cornish colours and applied this to the business card. I wanted to keep one side very simple and impactive, so simply used the golden yellow and the logo. The back is all about communicating their details so it is all very self explanatory. There is a line drawing of a box visually reinforcing the brand. I have applied this same visual language to the website which is now online and we are currently working on the rest of the company stationery. This is a good clear brand, easy to recognise and communicative," Emma Julian.

To work alongside the new website and identity we have created for Brookfields Bed and Breakfast, we were asked to design and source print for their stationery. Above you can see the finished business cards, with letterheads and compliment slips on their way. The front simply carries their strong branding, designed to invoke the sensations of the farmland that the accommodation is set in, and the reverse features a shot of the house itself. Ron and Robbie who run the bed and breakfast, are keen to let people know what to expect from their establishment. You can read a little more about the website we created for them in this post , or take a look at our portfolio .

We have just reprinted the business cards we designed for Rock Water Taxi last year, a new run for the new season. These cards carry the colours and design we set for them in their other advertising literature. These are full colour, double sided cards, matt laminated to give a needed durability on board the water taxi. You will also find them in pubs and restaurants in both Rock and Padstow, the two destinations of the vessel. They work alongside the DL flyers and website we produced for them also. It was built by GB Smith and Son, boat builders in Rock with a long history of high quality design and construction. We have recently started work on rebranding and print for them as well. Keep and eye out to see what is set on.