In Your Shoes - Mark Kemp

Rare Support and Student Placements

I’m a bit of an Adidas trainer nerd and have too many pairs to admit to on this blog. However, as part of this series, I will share what I wear on each weekday.

Adidas Superstars – White with Blue Stripes.

Monday is my day for working on the business – either day to day tasks, business development or longer-term strategy. Today was no different and began with a chat to an interesting organisation who produce a regular magazine and website that supports people with Rare Diseases http://www.rarerevolutionmagazine.com .As a design agency, we work across a variety of sectors, so every day it feels we learn something new and this was no different – it’s an incredible independent organisation, run by only two people who have many challenges day-to-day but rise to the occasion each time – a real inspiration.

Our Creative Director Sam Longmire is in Aviemore this week pitching the new brand creative for the Snow Roads project to the Cairngorm National Park. A project we’re working on for a few months now, it was time to pitch our ideas, so today was the day for a run through.

In addition, we interviewed a potential student placement – by the time you read this, we’ll have offered her the position – she was an ideal fit for the team.

Other highlights of the day – 2 new client wins and chat about a new app brand we are working on.

Sunglasses and New Homes

Adidas Spezial – Bespoke design in our own FortyTwo Brand Colours

Today was all about a new campaign photo and video shoot for www.duncanandtodd.com - a leading Scottish network of ophthalmic opticians. Models, sunglasses, stylists, light, camera and action – the whole thing. Our role in addition to creating the over concept for the new campaign is to be on set and help direct the shoot – no mean feat with so much going on but such an exciting and vibrant thing to be part of.

I also had a conference call with a homebuilder client of ours about an upcoming campaign – we’re nearing the sign-off of a new approach which is a great place to be. Can’t wait to get it out and working for the client. We are all about results, so for both these clients, ensuring there is real ROI on the work we do is vital for us.

Other highlights of the day – Tasted a new clients coffee roast for the first time. Brainstormed some creative directions for an ice-cream client.

Bus Journeys and Cake Baking

Levi - 16 hole black boots

Ever looking for a cake with a difference? Then www.thesavagebakery.com is for you. I spend some of my time at the Aberdeen Elevator Hub as a brand mentor to their Accelerator Cohorts – The Savage Bakery are certainly one of the most memorable I have spoken to in my time there, I really hope they succeed in their plans.

We were fortunate this year to start working with Stagecoach. There a number of initiatives and campaigns this year for many of their routes across the length and breadth of Scotland. We are going to get heavily involved in such work and today marked the day of our first kick-off meeting. Ideas – good and bad – flew around the room but the most important part of any kick-off is establishing a rapport with those we are going to be working with. People deal with people as we all know, and the best creative comes from a place of collaboration and trust. Spending this initial time getting to know the people we are going to work with well and establish a relaxed, trusted and productive relationship with them is vital.

Other highlights of the day – Admin day so forecast updates, invoices, bills paid, business strategy discussion and coffee at my favourite place – www.thecoffeeapothecary.co.uk

Bridges and Buildings

Adidas Stan Smith – Black with gum soles.

Today my colleague Gina Urquhart and I spent the day in Edinburgh with an architect client of ours. They are undergoing a name change and related rebrand so there is a lot to discuss and consider. This particular presentation is a collaborative one where we discuss our initial research, potential tone of voice directions and name themes to get their full feedback and buy-in.

It’s a chance to think out loud, talk over multiple possible options and start to whittle down and focus on a particular idea of ideas.

Collaborating at this stage so fully ensures that before the task of creating the new brand identity suite has begun we have all stakeholders engaged and behind the direction taken – less surprises later on. A very productive and tiring day but with the train taking the strain, it made for a pleasant journey back.
Other highlights of the day –All the time on the train meant I smashed so many of my emails and to-do lists. The company strategy is finalised (as final as it can be) and I’ve arranged a number of meetings for the coming weeks – I love travelling by train.

To-do lists and Eau De Vie

Adidas Superstars – Black with White Stripes

I’m off to Loch Fyne today for a few days away with my wife Kirsty but not until I finish my to-do list!

We have also been working with a new Tayport based distillery who are just about to launch their new range of products – www.never25.com – a range of premium Eau De Vie spirits entirely distilled with local grain and fruit, it’s a real game changer and a project we are very proud to be part of. Today we looked at the latest printed bottle samples – always exciting to see them in the flesh, albeit a nerve wracking moment!

Other highlights of the day – The team got closer to finalising a new gin brand’s packaging – watch this space for an evocative new product coming soon. Another new client won, that’s 3 for the week.