Studio Visits The Factory

It was one of those 'pinch me' moments. No, I hadn't just met Paul Weller. This was something altogether more holy and closer in spirit to the art of design. It was meeting the makers of the work that has inspired me for the last 25 years.

Along side my work with the Studio, I've been working as a part-time tutor for the Graphic Communications at the Norwich University College of the Arts. It's a great, industry-focused course with a busy work experience schedule, organised by my esteemed colleague Rod Green. Rod is a geezer - he likes my shoes. But more importantly, he knows of my fascination for the history of Factory Records and the design work of Peter Saville.

Peter has two studios - one in London and a second, unbelievably located 8 miles from Diss in Norfolk. It's run by Howard Wakefield, and his partner Sarah Parris and it's here that Rod had placed Connie, one of our students who had recently finished a successful two month work placement. Rod planned a visit to follow-up on Connie's progress - and he invited me along.

Having been picked up from Diss train station, we soon arrived at a barn conversion, in the middle of a field where three horses grazed lazily in the sun. Once welcomed and offered tea, conversation turned to New Order and the abysmal CDs that London Records had packaged in the 90s. Howard and his team are now re-packaging these valuable recordings and restoring the detail and tactile quality of Saville's original designs.

Howard has worked with Peter since 1991 and continues to play an important role - producing memorable work for artists such as Suede, Pulp and of course New Order. And let's not forget his part in the pioneering 'Waste Painting'. projects. It was a pleasure to meet him and Sarah and be treated warmly as a guest with a lively interest in all things Factory. And he spoke about this work with equal affection and enthusiasm.



Once invited upstairs to their design Studio, we were firstly shown the superb box set that they had designed last year for the Joy Division re-issue series. I've only previously seen expensive copies on ebay, to hold one felt precious. And then we saw the CD mock-ups for the New Order re-issues which are not expected in the shops until 2009. Connie had been fortunate to work on these, and Sarah had taught her the valuable method of replicating these packs from A3 colour run-outs. Not only that, she had also contributed ideas for a proposed run of t-shirts, all featuring a twist to Saville's original designs. Howard was particularly interested in her input to the creative process and her role in the Studio.



The visit was obviously magical for me, but must have been a valuable gateway for Connie to the rest of her career. What a great start. Plus an accolade for the Rod's work for the students on the Graphics Communications course.

We didn't get to meet Peter, but I am going to a talk that he is giving at the V&A next month - watch out for my post in September. Until then, treat yourself to one of the Joy Division CD re-issues - they are remarkable.

Visit the Saville Parris Wakefield site here

Studio Maps Out SCVA Safari

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts recently staged a family fun day - in the centre of activities such as Fabulous Beast Face painting and an opportunity to make your own jungle drum was the Gallery Safari - and Studio were pleased to design and sponsor a unique map for this special event.

Children used the Safari Map to discover the many animal exhibits located around the collection and decorate the map with stickers once found. And along the trail, learn interesting facts (did you know Boars can leap 4 feet in the air?) while being distracted by word searches and pics to colour-in. Complimented by illustrations by Gary Laidlow, it was a real treat for the children taking part - as tested and approved by my two kids Billy and Evie.



The theme of the day was linked with the city wide summer art project Go Elephants! and despite it being too wet to play outside, the event was a great success and the map proved to be an interesting new way for kids to explore the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection.

If you missed the event, don't worry - there is a superb Constructivist exhibition at SCVA which runs until December, plus Kabir Hussain's Mapping Norfolk exhibition is worth a visit too, pick up your Studio designed Gallery Guide and enjoy, but get a move on - it ends 31 August.

Photos by Andi Sapey.

Dancing In The Streets: Norwich Vs London. You Decide.

Here at the Studio, we've enjoyed watching London based Road Sweeper, Zbigniew Colbecki cutting a rug with his Michael Jackson dance moves.

According to NME.com Zibgniew, or Ziggy Dust as he is now known, is currently gaining 21st Century styled fame and taking the net by storm. The boy is a mover at no mistake, but how does he measure up to our very own local legend, the Puppet man?

I walked through town recently with my son Billy, and there was the Puppet Man, his right leg moving madly like a cross between Joe Strummer and a young Paul Weller. His hand puppets, bug eyed in all their Bez like glory. I gave my son a nudge and told him that this guy was a genius.

Anyway pop pickers, here is Norwich's favourite son, the Puppet Man. The pavement truly lights up, just like in the Billie Jean video every time he ventures out. I propose a dance-off between our man and Ziggy then let the shoppers decide.

Stay with-it.

This man?



Or this man?

Adieu NSAD. Viva the Degree Shows.

"Games or Graphics?", decides my daughter Evie at this years’ Norwich School of Art and Design degree show exhibitions.

Our design studio created the exhibition signage system, together with promotional invitations to the Alumni. Always great to be involved with our local art college, whether its commissions such as these or part-time tutoring on the FDA/BA(hons) Graphic Communication course.

The show ends Wednesday July 2nd, so hopefully you've had an opportunity to get down there and survey the fantastic work on display. Plus there are changes in store, as NSAD has been granted university college status and from August 1st transforms into the 'Norwich University College of the Arts'.

Does that mean more dancing and less art? Who knows. But we are looking forward to the new identity and as The Jam eloquently stated, amidst stuttering feedback, 'this is a new Art School'.

Is This The Best Creative Pitch ...Ever?

Thank god it's Summer. The weather is getting better and there's a new Paul Weller LP in the shops. And it's ace. Only trouble is there is nothing on telly. And one thing that got me through the Winter months was the superb TV series, 'Mad Men'. A drama which finally made the advertising industry convincing entertainment. And boy, do I miss it.

The real master stoke was setting it in New York right at the cusp of the sixties - where every chain-smoking copy writer and art director looks like Cary Grant and lusts after doubles of Grace Kelly with misogynist glee. It can be quite uncomfortable to watch at times, but at least it signifies that at least we've come a long way.

But I'm not about to harp on about the battle of the sexes. For me this series captures the ad industry brilliantly and none more so than in this clip, featuring Creative Director Don Draper pitching to a potential new client. His presentation is inspirational, and attempts to elevate his client's product to something invented by HG Wells. And while he's at it, reduces one of his account executives to tears. Which must be a good thing.

Here at the Studio we're thrilled to have won our second pitch. We've created the new identity for the University of East Anglia, Jubilee Project - which promotes awareness of the 50th anniversary in 2013 and will raise funds for charity along the way. There were no tears during our presentation and thankfully Darren is no Don. But he does want to dress like him.

Mad Men Season One is available on DVD now.

Studio Pick of the Pops '08… so far

Yes, we love design - a lot. But we also love music lots too.
Here is a list of the top tunes which have kept us inspired and distracted in the best possible way.
And of course it's not always Weller Live bootlegs either (that's just in the mornings).

Cat Power - Jukebox


Paul Weller - 22 Dreams


Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus Dig!!!
Portishead - Third
Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant EP

Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree


Spiritualized - Songs in A&E
The Fall - 50 Year Old Man
Elbow - One Day Like This
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

If you haven't heard these records yet (and I can't recommend Cat Power enough, because as you see, she's amazing) plus you urgently need life enhancement, seek them out and enjoy!

Stay with-it.

The Third Post

Have you heard the new LP from Portishead? It's extraordinary.

And as this is my third Studio post and this superb record is entitled 'Third' what better way to celebrate than to include their recent appearance on Later… with Jools Holland.



Plus, keep an eye out for the box set, which features double vinyl and an etched 12" copy of their single 'Machine Gun'. You'll also find this vital recording stored digitally for your MP3 listening pleasure on a 'P' shaped memory stick. Weird. Prefer the vinyl myself. But you will find a few films on there too. All this and a print from artist Nick Uff.

It's limited to 10,000 copies. Buy it.