One ceremony, four awards, lots of smile

“This has put a smile on some client faces, and our own,” said creative director Steve Lord after the agency walked away with four awards at the Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC) (North) awards ceremony.

“It’s still an extremely challenging time for small agencies,” added Steve. “But that’s not prevented our designers delivering some wonderful work which has been recognised by the IoIC, but more importantly, has delivered for our clients.”

In the special publications category, the University of Liverpool’s dinky little booklet - 100 Facts - was class winner with the Couture of Innovation product folder, for client Fibermark picking up an award for excellence.

A certificate of merit in the website category went to the agency’s site for client HCSS Education, whilst the University of Liverpool’s corporate brochure - Making a Difference - clinched the same award in the corporate brochure/annual report category.

100 FACTS - a successful hand out for the university, and an extravaganza of Photoshop techniques from the agency’s creative team

HCSS EDUCATION - a re-designed multi functional website - design by Kirsty, development and build by
associate Lee Scowcroft

A COUTURE OF INNOVATION - a spectacular selection of fashion-based shots from Alex allied to some sublime print and finishing - silk screened and blind embossment

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - two versions of this beautiful, subtle production - one a casebound version for VIPs, the other a ‘softer’ cover - the former embossed, the latter debossed.

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

Liverpool star Joe Cole seduced byDa Vinci brochure... and stunning home,of course

Liverpool star Joe Cole seduced byDa Vinci brochure... and stunning home,of course

It’s only been a month since Da Vinci’s last blog, but a piece of news that touched on one of the agency’s brochures made it seem worthwhile.

Liverpool and England soccer star Joe Cole and wife Carly have finally moved into a sumptuous £2.6million Hollywood style home in Formby.

The Hollywood style, five-bedroomed mansion with swimming pool and Balinese themed gardens was marketed online, and by a stunning brochure designed by Da Vinci’s senior designer Leena.

Developer, Russell Powell said: "It was important to me that the quality of Sandhills was represented in a first class brochure rather than the typical estate agent fodder.

“Da Vinci came highly recommended, and indeed after meeting Steve it was obvious we were on the same wavelength. The resultant brochure came close to perfection and reflected this amazing property.

“The agent that approached us took brochures to pass on to Mr and Mrs Cole. They duly made an appointment and "it was love at first sight"

“On their second visit no less than 12 family members turned up!

“A fabulous home has been shown off with an imaginative brochure which did the rounds amongst Joe and Carly’s friends in Chelsea!"

Whilst on sale, the house was used to shoot some scenes for Hollyoaks’ late night spin off, After Hours.

“It was a smashing project to work on,” said creative director Steve who produced the text. “We’re now looking to do more of the same.”

Steve Lord

Creative Director
Da Vinci Communications

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

I'm NOT a Blogging Disgrace

This is more like it... our second blog in a week!

And it’s all good news. Da Vinci has just picked up two more design industry awards – this time for client University of Liverpool.

At Manchester’s Midland Hotel Kirsty’s annual report – the one with the Chinese and English text and international stamps concept – was Class Winner in the annual report category.

And in the Design category, Leena’s Sport Liverpool Handbook took a Certificate of Merit.

University of Liverpool Publications Manager Kerry McManus and Publications Officer Janis Morgan joined the Da Vinci team at the awards staged by the British Association of Communicators in Business (CiB) North.

“It has been a brilliant couple of weeks for Da Vinci” said Creative Director Steve Lord.

“First the travel industry award, swiftly followed by the two CiB awards for some terrific work for our biggest client, the University of Liverpool.

“Great creative from Kirsty and Leena and terrific support from Kerry and her team at the University ensured we were always in with a chance of impressing the judges.”


Oh my goodness... gandad
Someone commented on the last blog that Maisy’s picture was very old.

Simple to sort that one!

Here are four recent shots of 20 month old Maisy Hampson, who is now stringing three and four word phrases together.

She continues to make me bewitched, bothered and bewildered.

Steve Lord

Creative Director
Da Vinci Communications

I'm A Blogging Disgrace

It’s been nine months since the last Da Vinci blog.

Kirsty has continually delivered the prompts – “When is the next blog?” And I’ve continually delivered the response – “I’ll do it tomorrow!”

It’s not as though we have nothing to report, because a lot has happened. It’s just that we’ve been focusing on servicing our existing clients, getting the work done and winning more awards.

Of course, we’ve also been putting time, effort and funding into trying to win new business to help bump up the invoicing, because it’s still tough out there.

But enough of my prattling, let’s see what’s been happening.


Will they... won’t they...
Two of the agency’s creative pieces for the University of Liverpool have been shortlisted for awards by Communicators in Business (CiB). The annual report with the international stamp concept, in Chinese and English, is in one category. And the annual handbook for Sport Liverpool is listed in the pure design category. Watch this space for the results which will be announced at the award evening staged at Manchester’s Midland Hotel at the end of March.


Hat trick of wins for Travel Counsellors
We’ve done it again! For the third year running the agency has won a top national award at the Chartered Institute of Marketing Travel Industry Group’s annual showcase event. Taking the award for Best Trade Media Advertising Campaign prompted MD of client Travel Counsellors to say: “Da Vinci provided us with yet another brilliant, creative campaign that enabled us to steal a march on our competitors and stand out from the crowd.” Steve Byrne added:”Da Vinci’s understanding of our business, and their creativity has played a key part in the growth and success of Travel Counsellors.” The awards showcase the creme de la creme of the British travel industry’s advertising, marketing and PR...and to win the award three years running speaks volumes for the agency’s creative team. Da Vinci used Travel Counsellors own travel consultants, their children and their pets in the “Life in the Day” campaign which focused on the flexibility of working from home.


The Games People Play
We always give our clients choice – be it concepts for ad campaigns, annual reports or invites to a cocktail – we set a minimum of three options. And a favourite ‘game’ played by many of our clients is guessing which designer produced which concept. Thankfully, they rarely get it right. Da Vinci’s designers are too professional to embrace any personal prejudices – they design for the target audience, be it a 60 year old chief executive, a six year old child..and everyone in between. But I’ll bet every one of our clients would have an inkling that whoever designed Glasgow’s The Common Guild logo (far left) three years ago, had at least a finger on the mouse that developed the city’s recently revealed £95,000 Commonwealth Games branding (left). Perhaps the client said 'make mine a double' when he saw the quote!

Steve Lord

Creative Director
Da Vinci Communications

University annual report gets 

international stamp of approval

We’ve won another international design award for the University of Liverpool.

The 86-page annual report took bronze in the 2009 Circle of Excellence Awards for the New York-based CASE (Council for Support and Advancement of Education).

The agency was tasked with communicating the University’s international standing.

An exclusive set of University ‘postage stamps’ designed by Kirsty Morris, embracing the Liver bird corporate branding, and suggestive of the global reach of the University, headed up each section.

The coloured stamps, allied with text in Chinese and English, plus stunning photography, meant readers were left in no doubt about the University’s achievements worldwide.

It also wooed the judges. as they scrutinised 118 entries from higher education institutions around the world.

“We knew we were on a winner when we saw the finished result,” said Publications Manager Suzanne Elsworth.

“This is the fourth international award we have won for projects worked on with Da Vinci - and hopefully there are many more to come!”

“This was a quality production,” said Creative Director Steve Lord. “Terrific initial concepts and then beautifully designed by Kirsty.

“We’ve hit a rich seam of success with the University and, despite the challenges of producing its biggest ever annual report, including Chinese translation, working with Suzanne’s team made the process as smooth as possible.”

The award will be presented at the CASE Europe Annual Conference to be held in Liverpool in August.

Steve Lord
Creative Director
Da Vinci Communications