Luke Woodhouse {UK-Sydney bound}

13/03/2012
by STY
Outstanding individuals

You know someones portfolio is worth looking at when they cite applied branding to jumbo jets and spaceships as part of their skill set. Currently making his way out of the depths of the English Winter, Luke Woodhouse has (in his own words) ‘decided to try something new, in a new city, new country, and new Hemisphere.’

Something that I love to go on about is simplicity. Simplicity in an idea. Simplicity in execution. Luke Woodhouse is an ambassador to this mantra with the marks he creates through to his approach to digital projects. Heading to Sydney this March so look out Australia!

@Luke_W_

Inhouse {Auckland}

08/03/2012
by LWC
Awesome agencies / LWC

Inhouse are an elusive bunch, they give little away through their online world, little that is except that they appear to house a giant rabbit in their studio. This alone confirms them as a prime candidate for Cloud 9. They do of course also produce ridiculously stylish and well considered design, so extra points for that chaps. They are in fact responsible for one of my top visual publications here in New Zealand, Pilot. In their own words the magazine is an eclectic mix of art, design, science, fashion, romance, magic and mystery… who wouldn’t love that.

Check our their wares: www.inhousedesign.co.nz and their blog: www.inhousedesign.co.nz/inhouseblog

 

 

Plenty {Buenos Aires}

08/03/2012
by STY
Awesome agencies

Story telling is of key importance when creating motion graphics and it would seem that Plenty have it in bucket loads. Based in Argentina, Plenty have a great understanding of making that detail in their work stand out without dominating the story. I particularly love the behind the scene photographs they include on their site as you can really see the levels of texture that go into all aspects of Plenty’s work.

Describing themselves as a bureau of young professionals with a strong passion, Plenty certainly have the right attitude and talent. Not content with a masterful display in the world of motion graphics they can also turn their hands to all aspects of design and most of all showcasing South American talent to the rest of the world.

@Plenty_Studio

Tractorbeam {Dallas, Tx}

07/03/2012
by DJ
Awesome agencies

When your office doubles neatly as a gallery for local artists, it’s probably no surprise that Dallas’ TractorBeam (great name) have an eclectic but satisfying display of delights of their own…

Founded back in 1997, they say “…collaboration is king. We are a collection of ordinary people who believe in doing extraordinary work. It’s really that simple. Talented? Yes. Driven? Quite. But the bottom line is that we’ve learned how to conspire effectively, disagree productively, and produce brilliantly.”

It really is nice stuff and their blog makes for an interesting read too, check them out.

Tw. @notaboutractors / FB. /Tractorbeam

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Campbell Hay {London}

05/03/2012
by STY
Awesome agencies

Campbell Hay create branding, design and art direction; otherwise known as immersive websites, exciting identities, stunning print and elegant packaging.

So yes, one of the big boys about London town, however below their ice cool exterior there is a real sense of intrigue. Maybe it’s their use of pink background on their website or maybe it’s the minimalist way they display their work without even a hint as to who where are. Is it just the work of one outstanding individual? What is their connection with France? And do they really know the secret recipe to produce Christmas Spirit?

All I know is that with simplicity and bold well thought out ideas CH certainly do have some magic recipe.

Tw. @campbellhay

Boheem {Sydney}

01/03/2012
by LWC
Awesome agencies / LWC

Here on Cloud 9 we have a fondness for all thing great and good, turns out Boheem are pretty good guys (and gals). Established in 2004, Boheem practice their niceness from Sydney, Australia. Now I’m not sure about you but if I was exposed to Sydney’s annual sunshine quota I may be a little nicer too! Anyhoo I digress. At Boheem, the team specialise in designing for not-for-profit, aid and government organisations. Their focus is to “give something back” to the community and to help make a difference to people’s lives globally. I think we all know by now designers are not going to single handedly save the world (much as we shall try) but perhaps we could all take a leaf out Boheem‘s book. It’s Friday… be nice!

Check ’em out here… www.boheem.com.au and their blog makes a good peruse too.

MorgansTiempo_bags

 

View Creative Agency {Rhos on Sea}

01/03/2012
by DJ
Awesome agencies

It’s only mother flippin’ St Davids Day people, or heck, let’s keep it real, Dydd Gŵyl Dewi (you knows it), so it’s only fitting that we head over the Severn Bridge (after parting with £5.70 toll fee) to Wales for today’s treats.

Cast your mind back to last October when we touched on the Cardiff Design Festival that showcases and recognises the best of Welsh design, well chief protagonists in the annual awards hail from the beautiful Rhos on Sea – View Creative Agency.

View say: “Hard work and big ideas is what makes us tick, so when we work with clients, we like to explore the bigger picture, creating brands that are seen and talked about. You will see from our portfolio that we are professional but we haven’t forgotten how to have fun!”

Shortlisted and winners year after year, it’s no mystery why. Big ideas and a great freedom in their work, check out their portfolio loveliness.

Tw. @viewcreative
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Profiles – Michael Smith {The Allotment}

26/02/2012
by DJ
Profiles

There are few agencies whose work we admire more than that of The Allotment, so when Creative Partner Michael Smith agreed to speak with us we were naturally thrilled, and immensely keen to hear what he had to say…

Mike

Born in south Wales, Mike kick started his career with a student award from the International Society of Typographic Designers before heading to London. A career which to date has spanned over fifteen years and glittered with many honours and awards, Mike’s journey has taken him to some of the world’s foremost agencies including Elmwood, where he was a Senior Design Director, Lambie-Nairn, Pentagram and Williams Murray Hamm.

The Allotment was set up in 2010 allowing Mike to carry forward his experience, drive for ideas and meticulous craft. The team are forging their own significant reputation which is seeing them go from strength to strength.

DJ: How would you describe your own style and process?
MS: We always start by getting a deep understanding of the client or problem. Before I start thinking about ideas I like to feel that I’ve done some serious homework, not just skimmed the surface. This is what we call ‘The Big Dig’ at the The Allotment. I think ‘thoroughness’ is key to creating effective and powerful  communications. Then of course there’s the joy of crafting an idea and seeing it come to life.

 

DJ: How has this evolved as you’ve moved through your career?
MS: I’m even more enthused and excited by the possibilities of where ideas can be taken nowadays. There are no limits.

 

DJ: How do you think your work will evolve in the coming years and what factors do you think will effect that?
MS: We’re doing more and more moving image work, films and digital based work. I think this will evolve and develop but I could never see us not doing a nice piece of print. The one consistent aspect of our approach at The Allotment is brand storytelling, its at the heart of everything we produce.
[Below, brand solutions for White Logistics]
Whites

DJ: Who have been the biggest influencers on your work and process?
MS: I have been a freelance designer for some legendary agencies like Pentagram and Williams Murray Hamm, so I was exposed to many different approaches. I guess I’ve been influenced by all the best bits. One of my favourite agencies is Farrow because the work is both highly intellectual and exceptionally crafted, beautiful stuff.

 

DJ: You’ve been at some of the biggest agencies there are – Pentagram, Elmwood, Lambie Nairn – what has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt and what is the best advice you’ve been given?
MS: The most valuable thing I’ve learned is to trust your instincts and run with it.

 

DJ: If you retired today, what one piece of work or project you’ve been involved in would you consider your legacy?
MS: The Mind identity which still looks fresh today and our latest self promotional book titled Jack & The Giant Recession.
Jackbook

DJ: When establishing The Allotment during the economic downturn, what key factors influenced the foundations of the brand’s persona?
MS: We’re a down to earth bunch here and we are incredibly passionate about our work. We want to win awards but ultimately it’s about helping our clients navigate through difficult times and growing their business through powerful communications
[Below: The Allotment team]

Team

 

DJ: What is the most exciting thing about an average day at The Allotment?
MS: As well as getting the work done, we take time to get out of the studio during the day to chat about inspiration and ideas. We encourage open thinking and if someone has a great idea then we try to make it happen.
[Below: The Allotment’s rebrand project of Valerie Hoskins]

VHA

DJ: What has been the soundtrack to your life?
MS: That’s tricky. The current soundtracks to my life, with young children, would have to be the theme tunes to Bob the Builder, Postman Pat and Zingzillas.

 

DJ: Finally, how do you kick back outside of the office?
MS: I don’t get time to kick back with two very young daughters looking for attention. I spend all of my precious time outside of the studio with my young family.

Follow The Allotment on Twitter @allotmentbrand