Wednesday, 2 March 2011

It’s been a while, but we’ve now got a handful of tales to tell...



two new clients, a birth and wedding in the offing, goldfish, a pool table and some terrific design projects.

Da Vinci gets app message to 15,000 university students.

The University of Liverpool needed to communicate the availability of a new app for students.

Prompted by Computer Services Department’s remit to “make the campus more mobile” Da Vinci was briefed by corporate communications.

It was agreed that a poster campaign, supported by table ‘tents’ and door hangers was the way forward. The agency presented three concepts.

The “Should have used your app” copyline, in a font called pastel, was plumped for.

Supported by black and white photography depicting students in a range of unfortunate scenarios, including a girl in high heels alongside her wellington-booted colleagues!

A quick response code (an abstract graphic) was printed on the different pieces enabling students to use their mobile phones to instantly access and download from the app website.



On time, on budget and well received

Unfortunately we didn’t win the tender for Co-op Financial Services internal magazine last year.

But that didn’t stop this part of UK's largest consumer co-operative from commissioning Da Vinci to design, print and distribute an important brochure a few weeks ago.

The 36 page “Single terms and conditions” publication went out to more than 13,000 employees in Manchester, Stockport, Skelmersdale, London and a number of other sites across the UK.

Working closely with internal communications executives, Da Vinci’s Alex managed to achieve the tightest of schedules. The agency’s Liverpool-based print supplier Printfine also did their bit, printing an “early” 350 issues two days before distributing the main delivery.

“The brochure has been well received across the business, so very glad that everything has gone to plan. Thanks to you and your team for your help,” said Co-op communications adviser Katie Coleman.



Da Vinci and Fibermark - innovation...
at its brightest


Designer Alex continues delivering mouthwatering creative to the UK’s only manufacturer of textured papers and cloth - Fibermark.

After the success of the Fibermark sampler, the Bolton-based company wanted to replace their outdated oversized A4 folder.

Continuing the ‘innovation’ theme illustrated in both the corporate brochure and sampler, the new piece of print also reflects the corporate stable of publications using black cover and silver typography.

The folder cover opens to a sumptuous image reflecting the original sampler’s couture fashion theme.



Have a break, have a ...game of pool

All we need now is a box of dominoes (and a bar licence) and Da Vinci could open as a pub! An ebay bargain was too good for Steve to resist.

Especially when the seller agreed to “Transit” the full-size pool table all the way from Cambridge to Manchester.

It has proved to be a complete success with novices Kirsty, Leena, Fran and Steve striving to pot black against hustler Alex.

An even better way to take a 10 minute break from the screen.


Fran’s look book ‘launched’ in Berlin

Berlin’s Bread&Butter fashion tradeshow was a huge success in January. And so was Francine’s look book, designed and produced for leather garment fashion house Barneys.

Commissioned by new client Smith&Smith PR, the high gloss production featuring gritty, grainy ‘industrial’ shots, Barneys leatherware with pages punctuated with swatches of red, was turned around in double quick time.

Six hundred brands, labels and designers- including Barneys -attended the show staged in historic Berlin-Tempelhof airport.

Smith&Smith have now briefed Da Vinci on look books for two more leading UK brands.

“Our creative team would love to do more creative for the fashion industry,” said Steve Lord.



Verve - Birkdale’s bar to be seen in

No sooner had entrepreneurs Russell Powell and partner Ellie clinched the sale of a house to Liverpool football star Joe Cole...than they had their eyes set on the next project.

The couple spotted the potential to turn Woodwards bar in Birkdale into the most popular deli/bar in Southport.

And after sorting legal paperwork, the couple set about a four week refurbishment and rebranding exercise.

Today, Verve - rebranded by Da Vinci and renamed and refurbished by Ellie and Russel - is packing them in day and night.

Signage and menus were part of the agency’s brief, plus a near 30ft billboard that teased passers by in the run up to the hugely successful launch night.

The icing on the cake is a planned special launch party for Christian Audigier Wine - the incredible eyecatching bottles by Montpeyroux Estates.



Two fish in Da Vinci corporate colours and Helvetica the snail

Just don’t ask.

But it was a lot cheaper than buying a dog!

Any fish name suggestions welcome.



Not long to go now 1

Kirsty’s baby is less than a month away (latest estimate).

The venue could be Macclesfield, Stepping Hill or on the train home.

Guests - just hubby James (Argos)

Level of distraction during run up (for Alex and Steve) - 10 on the Richter scale

Outcome - a happy, healthy bouncing baby that will have to fight for the spotlight


Not long to go now 2

Francine’s wedding is just two months away (confirmed).

The venue is definitely Duisdalemore on the south coast of the Isle of Skye

Guests - close family and hubby to be Chris (Warburtons)

Level of distraction during run up (for Alex and Steve) - 3 on the Richter scale

Outcome - a happy, healthy, bouncing married couple



Great window of opportunity for the right graduate

Da Vinci is looking for a graduate graphic designer.

“This is a terrific opportunity for the right person,” said creative director Steve Lord.

“Whoever fits the bill is going to get an absolute bagful of experience - websites, e-shots, advertising, branding, corporate literature and a whole lot more.

“We’ve already had a great response to our advert. Leena and I are now sifting through to decide who we’d like to meet.”



“Where’s Sally?” said Maisy

My grand daughter continues to be the apple of my eye... and great company.

She was by my side recently as the vet put 17 year old family pet cat Sally to sleep.

In the car on the way home she asked “ Where’s Sally?”

I put on a serious face and explained that she’d been poorly, the vet had made her go to sleep, and she was now happy and in heaven.

There was a four...five... six second pause.

“She’s in the boot,” said Maisy.

Priceless.



Steve Lord

Creative Director
Da Vinci Communications


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