It’s been four months since Da Vinci’s last blog...

...but what an action-packed four months!

We’ve got tales from Bangkok, Leena’s wonderful wedding, terrific design projects completed, Steve’s car written off, an office dog called Angell, Kirsty’s cupcakes latest, and best news of all... two new clients!

That’s an editorial list to make the Daily Mail’s online paper envious.


Cameron paves the way for one new client
The new coalition government’s initiative to allow successful schools to become academies has played into the hands of Da Vinci’s newest client HCSS Education.

The Bollington-based company help UK primary and secondary schools with their financial challenges.

Offering their own exclusive software packages, financial and business consultancy, and training, the hugely successful company will now be targeting schools who take up the academy challenge.

The agency’s first three projects are two A4 brochures, and the complete re-design of the HCSS website.

Plus a hugely enjoyable photo shoot where designer Kirsty Morris gave creative direction working alongside photographer Phil Melia, 12 school children and marketing executive Michelle Livingstone and head of
business development, Alan Cracknell.

“Da Vinci have quickly become a strategic part of the HCSS team, “ said Michelle. “They’re highly creative, have swiftly gained an understanding of our business and are fun to work with.”


Brochure’s stunning fashion-related imagery
After three months in production the Fibermark sample binder has finally come off the presses – and it’s beautiful.

Designer Alex Dempsey sourced, and created, some stunning fashion-related imagery to support the “A Couture of Innovation” title.

The black outer cover, embossed and foil blocked, ties in perfectly with the corporate brochure produced by Da Vinci two years ago.

The strategic marketing tool for Britain’s only manufacturer of decorated papers and cloth has already been successfully circulated at one international exhibition.

“It’s a stunning piece of design”, said Marketing Director, Derek Ives. “Working with Da Vinci has without doubt achieved our original objectives, to raise Fibermark’s profile within the industry and to bring our marketing collateral up to and beyond our competitors.”


Orient Express, Bangkok, Red Shirts
and volcanic ash
“I’m not where people think I am!” was the cryptic text message that designer Fran received when she tried to get in touch with creative director Steve Lord following the volcanic cloud flying ban.

Everyone at Da Vinci thought he was in Spain.

But a special anniversary actually saw him on the Orient Express from Singapore through Malaya to Bangkok.

And then the Icelandic volcano blew its top halting flights around the world.

Steve and wife Gilli were stuck in the city whilst 10,000 police and armed troops took on the anti-government protesting Red Shirts.

“It was the trip that had everything,” said Steve. “Memories from when I lived in Singapore; the romance of the Orient Express; the excitement of roaming the streets with the world’s press in Bangkok... and then the volcano blew my cover!”

Steve arrived home a week late... and then had to explain himself to bemused staff.

Leena Chauhan... do you take Benjamin
Charles Thomas...
For months and months and months...lunchtime chatter and web surfing seemed to be all about Leena’s wedding.

The dress... the shoes... the reception... the flowers...
the hymns... the invites... and all the rest.

It may have actually been a longer preparation and lead up to a wedding than Kirsty’s.

But it was worth it!

Production manager and senior designer Leena finally tied the knot with Ben, and all of Da Vinci were there to witness the Christian and Hindu services and 250-strong reception at Stockport Town Hall.

Everything went like clockwork, and as we all expected, Leena looked absolutely stunning.


A shiny new client from Sheffield
Da Vinci won the competitive pitch to deliver the branding for Sheffield based Broder Metals Group.

Creative concepts for a new identity from Alex, Francine and Kirsty paved the way for the agency’s second business win in as many months.

Broder, who have four companies selling metal to a wide range of industries around the world, want to increase turnover from £5million to £10million in the next five years.

“We brought Da Vinci on board to help us firstly with creating an identity that reflects an international brand,” said managing director Mark Burton.

“And then to provide impetus and expertise as we look to expand our market and increase our turnover.”

The agency will be working on a corporate brochure and the re-design of the company’s website once the brand detail is finalised.


If your goal is the beautiful game
A brochure destined for the boardrooms of the world’s
top football clubs has been designed and produced by
Da Vinci for client The University of Liverpool.

Francine Conway’s powerful concept got the thumbs up for the eight page A4 brochure which is a promotion of the Football Industries Master of Business Administration (FIMBA).

Kirsty’s reputation on the rise
Kirsty’s cupcake reputation grows and grows.

Her biggest order yet – 255 cupcakes for Leena’s wedding – has been sandwiched between a cascade of orders including themes like Alison in Wonderland, Loch Ness and The Gruffalo.

Her latest order is from Da Vinci client PR company BDB.

Angell by name Angel by nature
Many moons ago, when I ran a different design agency, we had weekly meetings where me, and my co-director, would bring everybody up to speed on projects.

At the end of the meeting one of us would ask “Any questions” whereupon, without fail, designer Lynton would chirrup from down the table ‘Can we have an
office dog’

“No, now get back to work” was the standard reply.

It was with great surprise therefore, when I gave in to pressure from Kirsty and Francine to allow the fluffy white ball, known as Angell to stay for a week.

It was an even greater surprise that I enjoyed her company, especially when she wandered in to the boardroom during a client meeting!

Flights of fancy...
The enthusiasm for the dart board has cooled a little. Though we’ve all invested in our own darts and fancy looking flights.

But we’ve been so busy servicing existing clients and chasing new ones, that the proclamation “180” hasn’t been heard so often.

Actually it’s never been heard, but let’s move on.

The agency now has a league which sees Alex proudly at the top as we approach the half way mark.

But as every professional footballer will tell you – we’re taking every game as it comes.

So watch this space.

Car crash
Another touch of drama from the last few months.

Steve borrowed wife Gilli’s Ford Focus for a ten minute drive to pick up stones from the local garden centre.

Three minutes into the journey and Gill’s car was written off as a stolen VW smashed into his rear nearly turning the vehicle upside down.

The driver, who minutes earlier had been involved in a handbag theft, smashed into a car driven by a pregnant mum, before seconds later hurtling into the back of the Ford.

The driver fled the scene as onlookers, ambulance, police and a mile long queue brought traffic to a halt.

Steve suffered whiplash, and guilt. He thanked the heavens he hadn’t been driving his Audi to pick up the stones whilst he phoned Gill to say: “Honey... there’s a bit of a problem with your car....”

Fingers crossed for Co-op Financial Services
As an international award winning design agency, Da Vinci was delighted to be invited to tender for the internal magazine for Coop Financial Services.

A huge amount of time and resource went into the pitch.

And Alex and Kirsty delivered some mouth watering creative.

Fingers crossed.

Dinner was a real eye opener
Steve was fortunate to be invited to the University of Liverpool honorary graduate and graduand dinner.

The prestigious event at St George’s Hall was a credit to the Corporate Communications team.

Da Vinci’s design collateral looked a treat – a credit to designers Leena Chauhan and Kirsty Morris.

The dinner was themed around the University’s involvement with World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

Steve was in his element sat next to Manchester United’s eye doctor!

Steve Lord

Creative Director
Da Vinci Communications