Based on the successful completion of the PDR website for UWIC, Sugar CS was asked to undertake a brochure site for the Creative Leadership and Enterprise Centre (CLEC)’s ’20 Twenty Leadership Programme’, based out of their Colchester Avenue campus.

Our role was to produce a website that would compliment the existing literature and add functionality, including an online registration form.

We’re so excited to see another site go live, and what’s more our customer is really pleased with the result.

The bilingual site has been built in PHP with a bespoke Content Management System for the client to manage the site.

We have been commissioned by Visit Wales to help maintain and update the sites with videos, games and viral content. We’ve already had the opportunity to attend the recent “Homecoming” gig with the Lost Prophets at their school in Pontypridd to produce a couple of small videos documenting their return…

(I may have to try that chip shop next time im close by!)

But that isnt to say that we think we have it all sewn up!

We believe that everyone can get creative! Thats why we’ve been sending out these little gift boxes to our existing clients and prospective clients inviting them to get creative too…!

As you’ll see below, some people have already been busy creating – and have sent us their results from what they found inside.

If you havent receieved one yet and would like to get creative, get in touch and we will get one to you as soon as we can.

Some of the creations we’ve had in already…

“Sugar Mouse” by Fran

“Panda” by Lisa

Thanks Lisa, this must be the only Panda of its kind.

“Decorative Hat” by Kate

Kate, this must have taken a while! Thanks for the effort though.

“Pint of the Black Stuff” by Eryl

Guess Eryl is a ‘glass very full’ kind of guy.

“Humbug sweet” by Helen

Helen, thanks for describing what this is, we were initially going for a snail in a road accident… sorry.

“Abbey Road” by Jason.

Thanks Jason, I don’t think we will offer this up for use on The Beatles Rock Band game however…

“White Sheep” by Chris P

Note the clever use of paperclips to support the legs! Nice work Chris, can anyone send us a Black Sheep …?

If you would like to recieve a pack, get in touch!

The website is built upon a bespoke Content Management System built in house together with SugarBlast.

Sugar Creative Studio’s very own Email Marketing Solution that will enable the client to communicate targeted news and offers to their many customers.

After several consultations with Applied Torque, we were able to them produce a set of conceptual logos for them to consider. Once we had feedback on the concepts we then produced a single working concept which became the new identity for Applied Torque and its online shop Tools 4 Torque.

Since then Sugar CS has been commissioned to produce two websites for the company as well as a set of stationery for office use and order fulfillment.

Here are some concepts that didn’t make the grade.

Over the last couple of years it has been maintained by a large london based agency and has established itself as one of the best in the country.

Its a huge undertaking and one that we are very scared excited about.

Being a Plymouth Uni alumnus myself, and one that found his first digital agency job through a work experience placement, we felt it was time to repay karma somewhat!

Gemma is with us for the next several weeks and is already settled in and doing a great job on some in house marketing campaigns that we are planning to unleash on the business world in the coming months!

It may be easy for two design professionals to discuss hierarchy and layout, but it can be very frustrating for a client. During my experience, I’ve noticed a few patterns when it comes to client feedback and the phrases they choose when trying to communicate. Below are five common remarks I’ve picked up on and have translated into designer-speak.

“Can We Make This Bigger?” = Not Enough Emphasis

As designers we’re trained to give the most important elements in a piece the largest physical size. This gives the component priority and as a result, it becomes the focal point. So what happens when your client is asking you to make just about everything in the work bigger?

Chances are, they’re trying to tell you that the emphasis is on the wrong item or there’s just not enough in general. Ask the client to rank the content in terms of importance. What should be the chief element in the design? The second? Third? By getting your hands on this list, you and your client are both on the same page about what should be the largest/have the most importance.

“Let’s Move This Here, And This Here, And This…” = The Layout is Off

If you’ve presented your client with a design concept and they immediately start trying to rearrange the elements, something is wrong. Take a look a the placement of your design – is it well balanced? Are the correct pieces being emphasized accordingly? Do you have enough negative space so everything doesn’t feel so cluttered and the eye has a place to rest?

Your client isn’t trying to annoy you or take over. They’re simply noticing a problem and are trying to offer a solution. If they feel something is off, it’s likely others might see the same thing. Talk it through with your client and look for keywords such as “crowded,” “busy,” “boring,” “empty,” etc.

“I Created My Own Design For You to Work From” = They Know What They Want

It’s understandable for a client to be nervous about trusting an outside party with their business image; try putting yourself in their shoes. So when it comes to this scenario, I often find I have to prove myself and my design solutions a little bit more than usual. Take this as an opportunity to show your skills. If a client hands you their own mock-up, listen to what they have to say — really. Then offer your own additions.

“You know what we could add…” or “This is great but I’m a little nervous about this section, and here’s why…” are great conversation openers. By talking with the client before designing anything, you’re showing the ability to think on your feet, your knowledge of design and your willingness to hand-hold a little bit through the process. I’ve found that sooner than later, the skepticism wears off and you’re on your own.

“I’m Just Not Loving This” = The Design Solution Isn’t What They’re Looking For

This is when it’s helpful to use a Creative Brief. A Creative Brief is a document you and your client should develop at the beginning of any project. Basically, it requests the following information:

• What elements need to be included in the design (i.e., logo, contact info, etc.)?
• What is the demographic this piece is geared towards?
• What is the main message that needs to be conveyed?
• What is the overall objective of the piece?
• What is the due date of the project?
• What is the budget for this piece?

By making these objectives clear in the beginning, you’re able to go back and revisit it later on when situations like these arise. Your client may not be loving the design, but if it’s meeting all of their objectives, why toss it? When it comes right down to it, you and your client are two different people with different brains, thus different ideas. If you’re on the same page about the project requirements and the needs of the piece are being met, try talking to your client about why the design works. Don’t waste your time just arguing style; it’s too subjective.

No Response at All = Not Good

This last approach is pretty rare and, hopefully, you won’t encounter this any time soon. If you’ve submitted a design to your client for approval and they just plain aren’t responding, that’s a big red flag. No response, most of the time, is a passive way the client may be telling you they’re done. This is a very unfortunate scenario as there’s nothing to gain for anyone. You’re out time and a client. The client is out money and a finished piece. Continue checking in as much as possible to show your dedication and professionalism. Worse case scenario, check your contract for dealing with these situations and to find out how compensation for your work should be received.

The above examples are simply taken from patterns I’ve noticed in my experience; of course all clients are different and respond uniquely. However, by remembering that your customers aren’t design professionals, and by adapting your language to their wave length, you’re sure to run into less communication barriers, resulting in a smoother project work flow, an effective solution and a happy client.