Steph sourced these really useful cash flow and profit & loss models that break down how to calculate the necessary figures and what they each stand for.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Friday, 29 April 2011
Sauce
Yesterday we thought it was about time that we finally settled upon a name for our proposed studio. We decided to head to the Library and we spent a considerable amount of time flicking through the design magazines and journals shouting random words at each other. We eventually settled on the name Sauce. We wanted something short and memorable that was versatile enough to be presented professionally as well as with a humorous side. With the name Sauce, we also felt it could be interpreted as though we are a design studio that is adding something extra on top of our customers businesses to make them taste/look delicious! - A graphic design studio that is a perfect accompaniment to aspiring companies! We go with everything, enhance flavour - the list of puns here could be lengthy....
In the mean time, we are all going to come up with some initial identity ideas that will be finalised when we meet up this coming Monday.
In the mean time, we are all going to come up with some initial identity ideas that will be finalised when we meet up this coming Monday.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Location and Property
Property sourced by Jo:
Key features:
354 sqft
Letting informationFurnishing: Not Specified
Full description:
Security
Flint Glass Works is manned by security and is monitored using a highly advanced CCTV intruder alarm system.
Access
Flint Glass works offices are accessible from 7am – 10pm, however, hours can be extended upon request.
Car Parking
Flint Glass Works has a dedicated secure car park which is manned by security and CCTV with automatic gated entry.
Telephone System
Flint Glass Works operates the advanced Avaya IP Office switchboard, supported by category 5e cabling throughout the building. A personalised telephone answering service is provided for each individual company. Personal DDI numbers are also privately allocated allowing direct dial with full voicemail facility. The system is also capable of more advanced features such as call queuing, diverting and barring.
Facilities
Flint Glass Works has a Meeting Room and kitchen facilities.
Affordability
The monthly rent has no hidden charges. Business rates, all utilities, cleaning, receptionist and security services are all included in the monthly rent. The only additional costs are on a "pay as you use" basis which include telephone charges, use of the meeting room, photocopying, outgoing mail, faxing, broadband and other secretarial facilities.
Group Task - Meeting
We have all been making decent headway on our roles that we divided up earlier in the project but today was really our last opportunity to make sure that everyone was okay with what information and research we still needed to gather before we set about putting together the presentation. During our meeting we roughly put together a list of things that we wanted to include on each slide of the presentation so that we knew what we were working towards. We also looked over all of our lecture notes that we made and checked if there was anything that we had missed out that really needed to be included. We will seperately keep working on what we have agreed over the weekend and then we have planned to meet up as a group on Monday at Jo's flat where we plan to finalise the identity of the group, bring together all our work and of course, create our presentation.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
SWOT analysis for our studio
Strengths.
- We all have a large ready made base of contacts from our degree course that we can use to network with and collaborate with on future projects.
- With four of us initially in the business set up, we will have a wide variety of skills to draw upon as well as an established working relationship between each other. In many current graphic design studios, they seem to try and offer potential clients the 'whole package' of a range of different services so covering as many areas of design as possible would be beneficial.
- After working in other design studios for a few years we should have a more informed idea of what it takes to set up our own studio and we will also have a developing base of contacts to utilise.
- Being young and not long out of university means we should have a fresh and innovative approach that we must work hard to maintain between us but also use it as a positive force to drive the business.
Weaknesses.
- We are likely to be heavily reliant on borrowed capital during the start-up phase of the business.
- However banks are unwilling to lend as freely as they used to which places a large dependancy on the viability of the business plan which is key to securing a start up loan.
- Weak economic climate, means grants and initiatives will be few and far between.
- Inexperience in implementing health and safety legislation and looking after employees and clients.
- Inexperience in organising wages, working time and how that fits with employment rights.
- Existing student debts means it will be difficult for us to access extra finance to use for start up capital which makes keeping costs to a minimum early on is imperative.
- We won't have a portfolio of work or client list that is as large and comprehensive as some of our rivals as we are setting up from scratch.
- Software and technology we invest in will become outdated fairly quickly and we will be under pressure to keep up with the fast pace of development even though it is highly expensive.
- Also, on a technical level, it is important to keep up with software which will enable us to develop our own skills and perhaps increase the skills and services we can offer to clients.
Opportunities.
- Could present ourselves as an ethically and/or environmentally driven design studio so that clients can identify values within the business.
- The creative industries was in fact one of the strongest performing sectors throughout the recent recession as many companies need increased promotion to help them fight for business.
- We have decided to locate our studio in Manchester which appears to have a strong creative community and many graphic design studios - particularly in suburbs, all of which presents plenty of networking chances.
- Opportunity to draw on seasonal demand for design work over holiday periods and especially at the beginning of the year where many businesses undergo rebranding.
- We are all part of a so-called 'technology age' which means we are in-tune with a young, computer savvy market which we can take advantage of through using blogging and social media to keep friends and contacts informed with news on the business.
Threats.
- Responsibility to not be unnecessarily wasteful with things such as paper, card and ink for example by making sure we act considerately within the studio environment itself.
- Need to ensure that the ownership of work is understood between fellow employees and clients alike.
- Legal requirements must be fulfilled when designing letterheads and business stationary.
- It's also very important to retain a distinctive style that is unique to our business so that customers can recognise us for being a quality firm in the areas that we are specialists in.
- Government cutbacks in spending have hit the arts and creative industries heavily.
- The way in which a graphic design company brands and promotes itself is one of the most important aspects of the business as we are essentially showing other people what we are capable of doing for them so there is a lot of responsibility in the way that we do this for ourselves.
- The whole issue of licensing/patents and intellectual property rights is a bit of a minefield and we would need to undertake thorough research into all the legislation surrounding this whilst also organising the services of a well-qualified solicitor to help us do this.
- We all have a large ready made base of contacts from our degree course that we can use to network with and collaborate with on future projects.
- With four of us initially in the business set up, we will have a wide variety of skills to draw upon as well as an established working relationship between each other. In many current graphic design studios, they seem to try and offer potential clients the 'whole package' of a range of different services so covering as many areas of design as possible would be beneficial.
- After working in other design studios for a few years we should have a more informed idea of what it takes to set up our own studio and we will also have a developing base of contacts to utilise.
- Being young and not long out of university means we should have a fresh and innovative approach that we must work hard to maintain between us but also use it as a positive force to drive the business.
Weaknesses.
- We are likely to be heavily reliant on borrowed capital during the start-up phase of the business.
- However banks are unwilling to lend as freely as they used to which places a large dependancy on the viability of the business plan which is key to securing a start up loan.
- Weak economic climate, means grants and initiatives will be few and far between.
- Inexperience in implementing health and safety legislation and looking after employees and clients.
- Inexperience in organising wages, working time and how that fits with employment rights.
- Existing student debts means it will be difficult for us to access extra finance to use for start up capital which makes keeping costs to a minimum early on is imperative.
- We won't have a portfolio of work or client list that is as large and comprehensive as some of our rivals as we are setting up from scratch.
- Software and technology we invest in will become outdated fairly quickly and we will be under pressure to keep up with the fast pace of development even though it is highly expensive.
- Also, on a technical level, it is important to keep up with software which will enable us to develop our own skills and perhaps increase the skills and services we can offer to clients.
Opportunities.
- Could present ourselves as an ethically and/or environmentally driven design studio so that clients can identify values within the business.
- The creative industries was in fact one of the strongest performing sectors throughout the recent recession as many companies need increased promotion to help them fight for business.
- We have decided to locate our studio in Manchester which appears to have a strong creative community and many graphic design studios - particularly in suburbs, all of which presents plenty of networking chances.
- Opportunity to draw on seasonal demand for design work over holiday periods and especially at the beginning of the year where many businesses undergo rebranding.
- We are all part of a so-called 'technology age' which means we are in-tune with a young, computer savvy market which we can take advantage of through using blogging and social media to keep friends and contacts informed with news on the business.
Threats.
- Responsibility to not be unnecessarily wasteful with things such as paper, card and ink for example by making sure we act considerately within the studio environment itself.
- Need to ensure that the ownership of work is understood between fellow employees and clients alike.
- Legal requirements must be fulfilled when designing letterheads and business stationary.
- It's also very important to retain a distinctive style that is unique to our business so that customers can recognise us for being a quality firm in the areas that we are specialists in.
- Government cutbacks in spending have hit the arts and creative industries heavily.
- The way in which a graphic design company brands and promotes itself is one of the most important aspects of the business as we are essentially showing other people what we are capable of doing for them so there is a lot of responsibility in the way that we do this for ourselves.
- The whole issue of licensing/patents and intellectual property rights is a bit of a minefield and we would need to undertake thorough research into all the legislation surrounding this whilst also organising the services of a well-qualified solicitor to help us do this.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
PEST analysis for our studio
Political Factors.
Ecological/Environmental:
- It can be a big selling point for the business to hold ethical and environmental values and it's very important that the company is seen to act responsibly.
- FSC certified paper is almost standard now and recycled stocks and vegetable inks are extras which could help a design studio to take this issue further.
- Recycling paper, card and ink cartridges and responsibly disposing of old equipment are examples of where we can act considerately within the studio environment itself.
Copyright Matters:
- Copyright legislation is in place which protects the work that you create and prevents you from using other people's work without their authorisation.
- In many cases you may be prepared to assign your rights in your original work to your client, or licence them to use it while retaining ownership. This is something to be agreed between you and your client and should be clearly set out in any contract between you.
- If you have employees you should make clear in their contract of employment that the copyright of any work they produce belongs to you, their employer.
- The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is responsible for intellectual property matters in the UK. The IPO website contains comprehensive information on copyright issues.
Funding/Grants/Initiatives:
- There are places that do offer non-repayable grants should you present a sound business plan to show how you would use the capital. Such places include; The Arts Council, The Princes Trust, National Enterprise Scheme.
- Networking can present opportunities that could lead to you obtaining investment. Perhaps from venture capitalists for example.
Business Stationary:
- When you design a letterhead and other business stationery for a company, remember that certain company details must by law be included on things like letterheads, order forms and other formal documents. You can find out more on the Companies House website.
Health & Safety:
- You must also make sure that you comply with health and safety legislation which covers all aspects of work place health and safety.
- Employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety at work of all their employees and those with more than five employees must prepare a written health and safety policy statement - this wouldn't affect us yet as we only have four but it's something we would need to bear in mind if we expanded.
Fire Safety:
- All employers must comply with fire safety regulations - this means carrying out a fire risk assessment at your premises and putting in place fire precaution measures. These could include fire alarm systems and extinguishers as well as clearly signed escape routes.
- We are responsible not only for the safety of your staff but also of anyone who might be on your premises, like clients or suppliers.
Employment Legislation:
- Anyone employing staff must comply with employment legislation. The major pieces of legislation that we must be aware of include; The National Minimum Wage Act, The Working Time Regulation, The Employment Rights Act.
Disability Legislation:
- You must make sure that you do not treat a disabled employee or job applicant less favourably than someone else accessing goods and services.
- You must make sure that disabled people are not treated less favourably and that they can access any services you provide. You may need to make physical changes to your premises to ensure this is the case.
Economic Factors:
Home Economy:
- Current economic climate means it is a challenging environment that faces any kind of new business opening in the UK today.
- Fragile financial system means banks are unwilling to lend as freely as they used to which places massive dependancy upon the viability of the business plan which is key to securing a start up loan.
- Government cutbacks in spending have hit the arts and creative industries heavily with 30% reductions in spending for the Art council.
- On a more positive note, the creative industries was in fact one of the strongest performing sectors throughout the recent recession.
- Some have claimed graphic design to be 'recession-proof' in the past since more emphasis is placed on a businesses' promotion and so design agencies will be in demand.
- We have decided to locate our studio in Manchester which appears to have a strong creative community and many graphic design studios - particularly in suburbs such as Salford and Stockport.
- Investigation into the specific Manchester region's economic status would be required for more in depth knowledge of the climate.
Overseas Economy:
- Many other economies around the world have suffered similarly to the UK over the past few years and have recovered at widely varying rates.
- Graphic designers often work on projects that involve overseas clients and if we were to be targeting certain clientele in other countries, then their economic climate may well affect their spending upon promotional services such as graphic design.
Interest/Exchange Rates:
- Both interest and exchange rates have fluctuated vastly as a result of the recent economic downturn which will have impacted heavily upon all business types.
Seasonality Issues:
- Graphic design is in demand all year round but certain holiday periods for example are likely to increase demand further within particular areas of the industry.
- Many businesses also see the start of a new year as the opportunity to undertake a re-brand or to step up their promotion.
Monetary Issues:
- Due to student debts and difficulty in accessing extra finance to use for start up capital, it will be essential to keep initials costs as low as possible without impacting upon the capabilities of the studio.
- A sound business plan will be vital in order to obtaining large some of capital such as bank loans which are crucial for funding the high set up costs.
Product/Services:
- In many current graphic design studios, they seem to try and offer potential clients the 'whole package' of a range of different services so covering as many areas of design as possible would be beneficial.
- However, it is also highly likely that certain clients will be searching for highly specialised design services and so how we pitch ourselves in the market will be key to attracting the desired customer base. Being a studio with a specialised skills set could prove to be a great selling point for our company.
Sociological Factors:
Lifestyle Trends:
- Graphic design is impacted upon heavily by emerging lifestyle trends but graphic design itself can be responsible for setting lifestyle trends. Keeping up to date with trends within the industry will be important in maintaining a confident and contemporary edge to the business.
- Trends and buzzwords come and go very quickly regardless of which sector of design you work in and you can't really fail to notice them once they are around. Playing on these things are risky as the company could quickly become outdated when trends move on to other things.
- It's also very important to retain a distinctive style that is unique to our business so that customers can recognise us for being a quality firm in the areas that we are specialists in.
Demographics:
- The demographics that designers can produce work for ranges across the ages but, for our business, we were looking to gain clients that are small to medium size businesses and from the not-for-profit sector.
- This may involve a younger clientele with small start up businesses which are looking to grow and are perhaps more likely to allow a little more creative freedom for whoever produces the identity and promotional material.
Brand/Company:
- The way in which a graphic design company brands and promotes itself is one of the most important aspects of the business as we are essentially showing other people what we are capable of doing for them.
- Building a professional body of work and promoting ourselves are also key steps to establishing our own brand. If a good reputation is built within the industry then recommendations and past work should draw in a large volume of work.
Consumer Buying Patterns/Fashion:
- Buying patterns will be affected by ongoing trends at the time and will alter the type of work demanded by customers.
- It is up to us as designers to be on top of what's in fashion at the time in order to be able to direct our clients as to what is appropriate for them at that point.
Advertising/Publicity:
- The work that graphic designers produce is often meant to be out there in the public domain and to attract attention or promote something for example.
- Therefore it is of high importance that anything produced does not offend ethnic or religious groups or certain demographics of the general public. This is avoided by being informed about what we are doing through conducting thorough research on the background of each project.
- Graphic design is also something that has power to persuade public opinion and so with that must come a responsibility to fully consider what we produce and the effects it may have, although of course some work is intended to shock etc.
Technological Factors:
Competing Technology:
- As a small design studio that is just starting up we may find ourselves facing competition from more established businesses that have greater resources and better equipment.
- We will also be reliant on the technology that we decide to use keeping itself at the head of the market, however since the Adobe package is industry standard then this shouldn't become an issue.
Research Funding:
- For every project we undertake research will make up a fundamental part of it as graphic design must be informed. As a result, funding for research visits to cities, galleries, museums or the purchase of books, magazines or journals should be considered.
- Resulting from research visits are wider factors to think about such as travel costs, eating out with clients and purchasing samples for example.
Associated/Dependant technologies:
- Apple computers and software is practically standard throughout the design industry and comes with high price tag. Every member of the business will need to have their own computer to work on in the studio whilst a company laptop or i-pad may be needed for meeting clients or giving pitches and presentations.
- Keeping up to date with new developments in software or brand new products is important to maintain the current and contemporary feel of the business whilst it presents a professional image to clients.
Replacement:
- Software packages or developments may be important to keep up with but are also expensive issues to resolve. On a technical level, it is also important to enable us to develop our own skills and perhaps increase the skills and services we can offer to clients.
Maturity of technology:
- Most technology is expected to last between 3 and 5 years so it will be beneficial to buy brand new equipment from the start so that we wont have to think about replacing it for the short term future.
Information and Communication:
- With everybody having computers it will mean we can correspond by email with each other when we aren't in the studio as well as with clients.
- Social networking will also allow us to utilise modern communication to keep in touch with contacts, businesses and clients.
Licensing/Patents:
- The company brand/logo can be trademarked so it is then investigated to check it has not been plagiarised in any form before it then becomes registered.
- Things that can be trademarked include; Custom typeface, arrangement or layout, colour and shape (packaging etc.)
- Registered designs can include; Decorative details, add ons, covers and cases.
- Every drawing you create is copyrighted. You must sign and date it. For an official date you can ask a bank to stamp your work or you could post it to yourself.
- Patents last for a maximum of 20 years.
- Trademarks and logos last forever but must be renewed every 10 years.
- Design rights last for up to 25 years but must be renewed every 5 years.
- Copyright lasts up until 70 years after death.
Intellectual Property Issues:
- Intellectual property rights can cover ideas and inventions which can the be patented. There is an intellectual property office which deals with matters surrounding this.
Ecological/Environmental:
- It can be a big selling point for the business to hold ethical and environmental values and it's very important that the company is seen to act responsibly.
- FSC certified paper is almost standard now and recycled stocks and vegetable inks are extras which could help a design studio to take this issue further.
- Recycling paper, card and ink cartridges and responsibly disposing of old equipment are examples of where we can act considerately within the studio environment itself.
Copyright Matters:
- Copyright legislation is in place which protects the work that you create and prevents you from using other people's work without their authorisation.
- In many cases you may be prepared to assign your rights in your original work to your client, or licence them to use it while retaining ownership. This is something to be agreed between you and your client and should be clearly set out in any contract between you.
- If you have employees you should make clear in their contract of employment that the copyright of any work they produce belongs to you, their employer.
- The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is responsible for intellectual property matters in the UK. The IPO website contains comprehensive information on copyright issues.
Funding/Grants/Initiatives:
- There are places that do offer non-repayable grants should you present a sound business plan to show how you would use the capital. Such places include; The Arts Council, The Princes Trust, National Enterprise Scheme.
- Networking can present opportunities that could lead to you obtaining investment. Perhaps from venture capitalists for example.
Business Stationary:
- When you design a letterhead and other business stationery for a company, remember that certain company details must by law be included on things like letterheads, order forms and other formal documents. You can find out more on the Companies House website.
Health & Safety:
- You must also make sure that you comply with health and safety legislation which covers all aspects of work place health and safety.
- Employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety at work of all their employees and those with more than five employees must prepare a written health and safety policy statement - this wouldn't affect us yet as we only have four but it's something we would need to bear in mind if we expanded.
Fire Safety:
- All employers must comply with fire safety regulations - this means carrying out a fire risk assessment at your premises and putting in place fire precaution measures. These could include fire alarm systems and extinguishers as well as clearly signed escape routes.
- We are responsible not only for the safety of your staff but also of anyone who might be on your premises, like clients or suppliers.
Employment Legislation:
- Anyone employing staff must comply with employment legislation. The major pieces of legislation that we must be aware of include; The National Minimum Wage Act, The Working Time Regulation, The Employment Rights Act.
Disability Legislation:
- You must make sure that you do not treat a disabled employee or job applicant less favourably than someone else accessing goods and services.
- You must make sure that disabled people are not treated less favourably and that they can access any services you provide. You may need to make physical changes to your premises to ensure this is the case.
Economic Factors:
Home Economy:
- Current economic climate means it is a challenging environment that faces any kind of new business opening in the UK today.
- Fragile financial system means banks are unwilling to lend as freely as they used to which places massive dependancy upon the viability of the business plan which is key to securing a start up loan.
- Government cutbacks in spending have hit the arts and creative industries heavily with 30% reductions in spending for the Art council.
- On a more positive note, the creative industries was in fact one of the strongest performing sectors throughout the recent recession.
- Some have claimed graphic design to be 'recession-proof' in the past since more emphasis is placed on a businesses' promotion and so design agencies will be in demand.
- We have decided to locate our studio in Manchester which appears to have a strong creative community and many graphic design studios - particularly in suburbs such as Salford and Stockport.
- Investigation into the specific Manchester region's economic status would be required for more in depth knowledge of the climate.
Overseas Economy:
- Many other economies around the world have suffered similarly to the UK over the past few years and have recovered at widely varying rates.
- Graphic designers often work on projects that involve overseas clients and if we were to be targeting certain clientele in other countries, then their economic climate may well affect their spending upon promotional services such as graphic design.
Interest/Exchange Rates:
- Both interest and exchange rates have fluctuated vastly as a result of the recent economic downturn which will have impacted heavily upon all business types.
Seasonality Issues:
- Graphic design is in demand all year round but certain holiday periods for example are likely to increase demand further within particular areas of the industry.
- Many businesses also see the start of a new year as the opportunity to undertake a re-brand or to step up their promotion.
Monetary Issues:
- Due to student debts and difficulty in accessing extra finance to use for start up capital, it will be essential to keep initials costs as low as possible without impacting upon the capabilities of the studio.
- A sound business plan will be vital in order to obtaining large some of capital such as bank loans which are crucial for funding the high set up costs.
Product/Services:
- In many current graphic design studios, they seem to try and offer potential clients the 'whole package' of a range of different services so covering as many areas of design as possible would be beneficial.
- However, it is also highly likely that certain clients will be searching for highly specialised design services and so how we pitch ourselves in the market will be key to attracting the desired customer base. Being a studio with a specialised skills set could prove to be a great selling point for our company.
Sociological Factors:
Lifestyle Trends:
- Graphic design is impacted upon heavily by emerging lifestyle trends but graphic design itself can be responsible for setting lifestyle trends. Keeping up to date with trends within the industry will be important in maintaining a confident and contemporary edge to the business.
- Trends and buzzwords come and go very quickly regardless of which sector of design you work in and you can't really fail to notice them once they are around. Playing on these things are risky as the company could quickly become outdated when trends move on to other things.
- It's also very important to retain a distinctive style that is unique to our business so that customers can recognise us for being a quality firm in the areas that we are specialists in.
Demographics:
- The demographics that designers can produce work for ranges across the ages but, for our business, we were looking to gain clients that are small to medium size businesses and from the not-for-profit sector.
- This may involve a younger clientele with small start up businesses which are looking to grow and are perhaps more likely to allow a little more creative freedom for whoever produces the identity and promotional material.
Brand/Company:
- The way in which a graphic design company brands and promotes itself is one of the most important aspects of the business as we are essentially showing other people what we are capable of doing for them.
- Building a professional body of work and promoting ourselves are also key steps to establishing our own brand. If a good reputation is built within the industry then recommendations and past work should draw in a large volume of work.
Consumer Buying Patterns/Fashion:
- Buying patterns will be affected by ongoing trends at the time and will alter the type of work demanded by customers.
- It is up to us as designers to be on top of what's in fashion at the time in order to be able to direct our clients as to what is appropriate for them at that point.
Advertising/Publicity:
- The work that graphic designers produce is often meant to be out there in the public domain and to attract attention or promote something for example.
- Therefore it is of high importance that anything produced does not offend ethnic or religious groups or certain demographics of the general public. This is avoided by being informed about what we are doing through conducting thorough research on the background of each project.
- Graphic design is also something that has power to persuade public opinion and so with that must come a responsibility to fully consider what we produce and the effects it may have, although of course some work is intended to shock etc.
Technological Factors:
Competing Technology:
- As a small design studio that is just starting up we may find ourselves facing competition from more established businesses that have greater resources and better equipment.
- We will also be reliant on the technology that we decide to use keeping itself at the head of the market, however since the Adobe package is industry standard then this shouldn't become an issue.
Research Funding:
- For every project we undertake research will make up a fundamental part of it as graphic design must be informed. As a result, funding for research visits to cities, galleries, museums or the purchase of books, magazines or journals should be considered.
- Resulting from research visits are wider factors to think about such as travel costs, eating out with clients and purchasing samples for example.
Associated/Dependant technologies:
- Apple computers and software is practically standard throughout the design industry and comes with high price tag. Every member of the business will need to have their own computer to work on in the studio whilst a company laptop or i-pad may be needed for meeting clients or giving pitches and presentations.
- Keeping up to date with new developments in software or brand new products is important to maintain the current and contemporary feel of the business whilst it presents a professional image to clients.
Replacement:
- Software packages or developments may be important to keep up with but are also expensive issues to resolve. On a technical level, it is also important to enable us to develop our own skills and perhaps increase the skills and services we can offer to clients.
Maturity of technology:
- Most technology is expected to last between 3 and 5 years so it will be beneficial to buy brand new equipment from the start so that we wont have to think about replacing it for the short term future.
Information and Communication:
- With everybody having computers it will mean we can correspond by email with each other when we aren't in the studio as well as with clients.
- Social networking will also allow us to utilise modern communication to keep in touch with contacts, businesses and clients.
Licensing/Patents:
- The company brand/logo can be trademarked so it is then investigated to check it has not been plagiarised in any form before it then becomes registered.
- Things that can be trademarked include; Custom typeface, arrangement or layout, colour and shape (packaging etc.)
- Registered designs can include; Decorative details, add ons, covers and cases.
- Every drawing you create is copyrighted. You must sign and date it. For an official date you can ask a bank to stamp your work or you could post it to yourself.
- Patents last for a maximum of 20 years.
- Trademarks and logos last forever but must be renewed every 10 years.
- Design rights last for up to 25 years but must be renewed every 5 years.
- Copyright lasts up until 70 years after death.
Intellectual Property Issues:
- Intellectual property rights can cover ideas and inventions which can the be patented. There is an intellectual property office which deals with matters surrounding this.
Start-Up Costs
All the set up costings we researched by Hazel.
I'm sure we could do it cheaper and maybe find nice furniture and second hand computers but I really think we need to show a good impression and if we got second hand stuff I think it would take longer to find and would be harder to show a clean finish...
I have looked into how much money we would need to buy all the equipment we would need to set up a studio and also furnish the studio. I started by making a list:
I'm sure we could do it cheaper and maybe find nice furniture and second hand computers but I really think we need to show a good impression and if we got second hand stuff I think it would take longer to find and would be harder to show a clean finish...
I have looked into how much money we would need to buy all the equipment we would need to set up a studio and also furnish the studio. I started by making a list:
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Friday, 22 April 2011
SWOT and PEST Analysis
Some of my share of the group task is to perform a SWOT & PEST analysis on both our own prospective design studio, as well as our direct competitors. This will help us to identify key problems or issues we may face when setting up and will ultimately help to 'waterproof' our business plan and model. PEST analysis could be useful to complete before SWOT analysis because PEST helps to identify SWOT factors. PEST and SWOT are two different perspectives but can contain common factors.
Above are typical PEST and SWOT templates listing key criteria that I can analyse our business and our competitors against.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Correspondance with Fridge
A copy of the email I sent out to Fridge. I did email asking for specific contact details of their creative director but I haven't heard anything yet so I've decided just to go ahead and send the PDF. Fingers crossed.
Reply from Fridge!
Reply from Fridge!
Friday, 15 April 2011
Email to ilovedust
A copy of the email I sent out to ilovedust. I did email asking for specific contact details of their creative director but I haven't heard anything yet so I've decided just to go ahead and send the PDF. Fingers crossed.
Emails to Teacake
Emails I sent to Teacake design. I didn't feel the need to send a prior email to ask for specific contact details as they were essentially already there. Hope to hear something back soon.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Group Task - Dividing up roles
Before we broke up for Easter we had another meeting to divide up all the tasks between the four of us which will aim to complete over the break and then collate all that we have when we return.
Jo - Property, Overheads, Facilities.
Steph - Finances, Cash Flow, Daily Rates.
Hazel - Pricing & Start Up Costs, Client Sourcing.
Me - SWOT & PEST, Promotion, Identity.
Hopefully we've got everything covered. We can check what we have against the content of the lecture programme when we return after Easter.
Jo - Property, Overheads, Facilities.
Steph - Finances, Cash Flow, Daily Rates.
Hazel - Pricing & Start Up Costs, Client Sourcing.
Me - SWOT & PEST, Promotion, Identity.
Hopefully we've got everything covered. We can check what we have against the content of the lecture programme when we return after Easter.
Correspondance with Raw
Whilst I've been getting on with my entry to the Raw type placement competition, I also emailed them the PDF portfolio (since Im really keen on their studio). They got back to me promptly and said they liked it which is great. Hopefully this will have sewed a seed for when they come to judge my typeface entry!
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