Enterprise - Study Task 2 - Response

Where are my potential clients/employers located?

Aforementioned in the first task, my employers would ideally be small, independent studios. The work in which I aspire to is of that created by design studios I wish to gain placements with (as noted below) I would prefer to stay in the north for social and economic reasons - in order to keep close contact with friends and family and to stay in accommodation which is feasible and appropriate (transport links etc). However, I would like to think that I could adapt to a new environment, possibly abroad.

As of late, I have come across design devised by studios located in Norway and Sweden. Heydays, for example, have a design ethic I wish to aspire to - they work primarily with branding and design which, as stated on their website, 'create strong visual con­cepts that trig­ger curios­ity, cre­ate excite­ment and show ambit­tion'

Potential clients are located throughout the country, from independent sectors as opposed to more commercial and corporate sectors. My main focus in terms of a client base, would be small, independent businesses; clients who I could work close with to develop ideas that will inspire and communicate their brand effectively.

Because Studio
Preston
http://www.becausestudio.co.uk/

Because is an independent design studio based in Preston that offers an 'integrated services including branding, art direction, print and website design'. Because work primarily with with clients from the creative industries and not-for-profit sectors as they pride themselves in collaboration. Communication is essential throughout the design process and this is what Because states heavily informs their practice. 

Aforementioned in study task 1, I believe my own practice would be best applied to small businesses within the culture / independent sectors therefore working or partaking in a placement at Because Studio would be brilliant and would inevitably help me move forward as a designer.

Located fairly near Manchester, this offers good links to industry which is reflected through some of their clients - Manchester university, for example. 

Heydays

Oslo, Norway

http://heydays.no/

The Consult

Leeds

http://www.theconsult.com

What media do my potential clients/employers use?

Having an online presence is almost a necessity nowadays. However, the most obvious form of media in terms of publishing and editorial is through print, particularly newspapers and magazines. However, a good example of this transition between digital and print and vice versa is annual business reports.

Businesses usually publish their annual reports through print but through technological advances and the way we now communicate with one another, many have published their findings online for several reasons, particular economic ones; cost, ease of distribution and further technological adaptations (web > mobile > tablet). However, print is far from dead. Aforementioned, I aim to work with small, independent businesses which not only need an online presence, but also require printed, promotional materials which can be distributed easily. Brand identity and consistency throughout a brand is essential - this includes web design, stationery, promotional materials and so on.

What do you need to communicate and how does it match what your clients/employer need?

Ultimately I need to communicate that I am passionate about what I do, to both clients and employers. Although a sense of professionalism is paramount, I as a designer need to be approachable and sociable in order to engage with the client and create interest - before, during and after the design process.