Re-Assessing SWOT Analysis

In order for me to complete task four to a high standard, i thought it would prove useful to re-assess the SWOT analysis we were taught in our lectures.....

I have tried to find examples which relate specifically to design companies as this will further help me complete my SWOT analysis'....

Enterprise... Who else is out there - how good are they?

Through reviewing my previous enterprise tasks, I have realised that I need to consider more than just the work a design company is creating and look into the company ethics and values; hopefully this task will help me do just this. I am going to look at three design companies which I have taken a keen interest into and hope to visit, as this will provide me with the opportunity to expand upon these SWOT analysis' with a true first hand insight.

Strengths 

We are a hybrid creative agency.

With on and offline expertise in branding, advertising and retail design, we bring to life the innovative ideas brands need in today’s cluttered marketing space.

To keep our concepts fresh, we’ve created a unique work environment where experimentation, collaboration and diversity are sown into the creative process.

Where other agencies may dismiss an idea as unworkable, we give it a chance to thrive.

By combining diverse skills with the use of innovative materials, new technologies and talented artists, we push the boundaries of what can be realised.

Researching and learning every day, we’re confident in stepping into the unknown. 

For us, ideas are only powerful if they can be turned into reality.

Our clients stay with us because they value our ability to combine true creativity with solid project and production management.

We’re experienced in leading creative globally or tailoring existing assets to be locally relevant.

For over a decade, we’ve worked with organisations ranging from blue-chip corporations to local community groups.

Flippant or short-lived design has no place at Rosie Lee.

We create enduring, message-led communications that get brands resonating with their audiences.

Our work produces stories and experiences that people want to shout, tweet or blog about, generating ongoing buzz and excitement.

Weaknesses

May become a struggle to constantly appear 'cutting edge', however, the extensive creative team they have ensure innovative ideas are at the forefront of their designs.  

Large scale work is expensive; need to ensure sufficient funds are always available, however, being a large scale company this may not be a problem; especially seen as the client will be paying for the work to be completed. 

Opportunities

Retail design is becoming more and more important to sales figures within retail. 

Technological developments can be creatively brought into the retail industry (i.e 3D moving image)

Threats

Developments in technology may change market beyond agencies ability; this will cause the business to adapt by either taking on new staff or training existing staff. 

Wedding Invitations

I had been asked by my sister to design and print her wedding invitations. I was a little reluctant at first as I knew it would be a large job, however, after Generation Press came in and spoke to us and told us to take any design offer no matter how small, I decided I should just do. I would have to produce 100 invitations for the day event and then produce more for the evening event too. This is what I came up with...

 
The designs needed to work to the colour scheme (deep red and cream) but I also wanted to add a classy touch, so I gold foiled the type; although this was time consuming, it looked impressive. I created a pattern using A & A (the initials of the couple). The subtle infusion of the deep red colour on the ribbon allows the design to focus on the typography; the most important element of the design. The invitations are going to be sent out in gold foil lined envelopes to keep in theme with the gold foiled type.
Overall, the couple were very impressed with the invitations and although they were time consuming, I enjoyed the process of making them as it allowed me to put what I had been learning into practice on a live brief. 

Enterprise... Task 4.1 Formavision

Formavision

Strengths 

//Worked with a wide range of clients around the world to produce some amazing work

//Gain substantial amounts of positive feedback from previous clients

//Highly talented creative team with exceptional experience

//Members of team based in different areas of design; this allows them to all pull together in order to create distinct design ideas

Weaknesses 

//Only three members of the team showcased on their website (there may be more). If this is the case then the company could consider employing freelancers in order to complete projects outside their knowledge base.

//Little information on their website as to what they do, how they do it and what they stand for; in providing this information to the viewer this could potentially increase the company's revenue.  

Opportunities

//Could extend their business over to London, as they are an American based company but do have London based creatives within their team. (other cities may also be considered)

//Could take on graduates and run graduate schemes in order to increase the size of the team and provide the company with freshly graduated talent.

//The company could run a blog/social networking site (twitter/facebook) to give an insight to their clients and prospective clients the company interests and what they get up to in the studio. Again, this will enhance their profile and potentially provide them with more clients (and work!).

Threats

//There are many companies within the field of retail designs as it is becoming more and more important within todays society; due to the rise of the internet, retail spaces are required to be ever-more encapsulating in order to enhance sales figures. Therefore, it is of primary importance that Formavision remain at the height of the field in order to keep hold of their clients and reputation.

More Business Card Designs

I have found a few more business card designs that take my interest....

Having to physically interact with the business card will make the viewer more likely to take in what the card says due to a sense of intrigue. Something to bear in mind.

I like the close comparison of textures seen here; allowing the information to remain on the non-textured surface enables the words to remain legible, whilst the texturised surface makes you just want to touch it! 

Using the graphics of a known product but applying your information to it is another twist. As long as it is evident that you have adapted the product, this could be a very effective tool. Giving an actual product alongside your information could be another technique.  

Again providing a constructible device enables the viewer to interact with the business card and hopefully take in the information at the same time.

I really like the way in which the texture has been used on the 'photographer' to create a less bolder approach but tie the textured and untextured areas together. 

I really like the use of foiling (white or silver) upon black stock, it creates a real contrast and makes the text stand out ...this is especially good if it is your name on it!

'i- am' associates

This is another graphic design company concerned with retail graphics, again it is London based but has worked for some large corporate companies to produce some exciting work....

Business Cards

Looking at some business card designs as inspiration for my own design....

My Direction... Retail Graphics

From viewing these studio websites I have come to the conclusion that retail graphics is a strong contender for the path I want to take in my graphic design career. However, I do not want to rule out other possible path as I still have an interest in design for print; especially after our module OUGD201. As a result, I am going to have a chat with John on tuesday to speak about possibly contacting them. The studios whose work and ethos I like best, from what I have seen on their websites, are: Rosie Lee, Barber Design and Dalziel & Pow.

Paul Cartwright

design4retail