Strata Homes
A bespoke presentation for Strata Homes, a high-end housing developer
Project
We designed a bespoke presentation for Strata Homes. A canvas bespoke presentation box and super-sized book to demonstrate the scale of the project and to showcase the proposals at an appropriate scale. Art directing specially commissioned photography for the project, we were able to incorporate the rich texture and heritage of post-industrial Sheffield into the design to convey a picture of the city quarter’s future potential.
Working alongside an expert team of masterplanners, architects and landscape designers the proposal analysed the history of Attercliffe, reviewed the City of Sheffield vision for the area, and utilised socio-economic understanding to create a development that would fit seamlessly into the wider area, kick-starting further regeneration.
Graphic Design for the Built Environment
A Bespoke Presentation
Simpkin Burley has a history of designing for the built environment and has strong opinions on how to design branding for destinations. We match local knowledge with compelling storytelling to elevate our clients’ offer.
Coordinating Content
Simpkin Burley Coordinated all input from eight consultants into one coherent story. The finished product read as one coordinated presentation which targeted the end-user: Sheffield City Council.
The Attercliffe Team
Project Team
Developer: Strata Homes
Developer: GMI Property
Masterplanning: Spawforths
Architecture: SMR Architects
Landscape Design: Gillespies
Photography: Rob Caddy
Storytelling & Graphic Design: Simpkin Burley
Foodiie Packaging & Branding
Packaging and branding design for Foodiie, a home cooking retail brand.
Project
Simpkin Burley designed a new identity and packaging design for Foodiie. We positioned Foodiie as a friendly looking brand that would attract the target audience of high-end, food lovers. Then, we created a new logo that uses a heart motif within the design to represent a promise of care for both customers and also for the environment. The same heart icon was also used as an aperture to showcase the product on the retail packaging.
All materials are made from sustainable products. This includes the ‘plastic’ bag that contains all the spices, which is made from wood pulp. The packaging is 100% biodegradable and recyclable.
Foodiie Spice Kits are now stocked in high-end delicatessens. Retail sales have increased since the launch of the new brand and packaging design.
A New Logo
Repositioning
After entering the market as Kiran’s Spice Kits the company decided they wanted a name that was less personal and more marketable. The new name required the brand to evolve to be easier to see on the retail shelf.
Logo Design
The existing brand typeface was not suitable for the new name so we created a new logo. We chose a bold typeface and retained the familiar heart motif for the letter ‘i’. This gave the updated packaging a whole new personality. The retail packaging became a more confident in feel and more visible, whether on a deli or kitchen shelf.
Scalable Retail Packaging
Beauty on a Budget
We designed the Foodiie packaging to be economical to produce as well as tactile to hold and eye catching in a retail environment. The cost-effective setup was achieved by working with our printers to create a net that could be reasonably produced at all scales. This in turn meant that the business could be scaled up when the client was ready to grow their business further.
Sustainability and Graphic Design
Introduction
In this piece we’re discussing sustainability within the graphic design industry. While it might not be the first profession that springs to mind when you think of being good to the environment, there are plenty of areas where designers can do their bit for the good of the planet.
There is an increasing desire and pressure for companies worldwide to acknowledge their corporate responsibilities when it comes to the environment. Businesses can adopt sustainable practices to minimise the effects they are having on the world.
Print Less
Print Output
While technology is enabling us all to become paperless, there’s no denying that print still makes up a lot of the design industry’s output. Along with cutting down trees and using electricity, metal is also used in the production process. This can sometimes be overlooked.
Turning a Negative into a Positive
We think the attitude towards print could become a positive one. If we as designers, can create something that a recipient treasures and keep, rather than throw away, we can better justify printing.
Choose Sustainable Materials
Choice of Materials
It’s worth sourcing a sustainable paper manufacturer that is certified by a body such as the SFI, FSC or PEFC. Avoid using virgin materials, and use chlorine-free paper to reduce the harmful impact on the environment.
Re-use and Recycle
Whenever you use paper, ensure that as much as possible is recycled afterwards. Minimise the use of UV or foil coatings that might stop the finished product being recycled.
Use VOC-free ink
VOC Ink
Some inks used in printing contain pollutants or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are harmful to the environment. Only use VOC-free inks and check that all the printers that you work with do the same.
No Waste
It’s also important to minimise your use of ink by only printing where necessary. When designing printed materials, reduce bleed to minimise ink and paper wastage. This could have a good knock-on effect for the design project. Often we prefer a more minimal approach to design so the client’s message can achieve greater clarity.
Minimise Energy Consumption
Specification
Graphic designers often use powerful, high-spec’ computers that use a lot of electricity. This is on top of the energy required for lighting and heating. You can offset this consumption by choosing energy-efficient options. Turn lights and equipment off when they are not being used and switch to a green energy supply.
Natural Light
Our Mac’s are positioned close to natural light to avoid reliance on electrical lighting and all screens are chosen for their low energy credentials.
Provide Eco-friendly Options
Sustainability Built in to Our Process
Offering eco-friendly options to your clients is a great way to help them to understand the invisible waste that each process entails. This approach also promotes your own green attitude.
Lead by Example
Send invoices by email instead of post, provide green hosting options for using servers that use renewable energy. Offer Skype video calls instead of face-to-face meetings that require travel and work from home when appropriate.
Choose Clients Wisely
Knowledge and Communication
By choosing to work with a business, you are endorsing them and their company, so it’s important to know who you’re dealing with, and whether you’re comfortable with what they do.
Who to Work With?
While it would be great to only work with non-profit organisations and charities, the majority of businesses need to make money. You don’t have to turn down corporate offers to ensure your principles are maintained. If you make a business look good, they will probably make more money. Sustainability can be a win-win.
Our Sustainable Work
Kiran’s Packaging
Simpkin Burley created the packaging design for Kiran’s Spice Kits, which has a strong emphasis on sustainability. We sourced sustainable products for the printing and product packaging. Our design is 100% recyclable and biodegradable, including wood pulp bags instead of plastic.
Creating a Sustainable Brand
If, like Kiran’s, you have high aspirations for the sustainable credentials of your product, it can be a great selling point to use as a point of difference. To learn more about our Kiran’s design view our case study..
