About us
We are an independent studio of designers and communication professionals based in London and Hastings on the Sussex coast.
When we started in 2004 our aim was to create a design business with a new way of working, concentrating on close collaboration with our clients, delivering exceptional service without compromising quality. We listened, we challenged, we planned and we implemented. We moved seamlessly from big picture strategy to tiny detail. Using our creative and craft skills we created work as compelling and beautiful as we could.
Today, none of that has changed. Our skill base now embraces emerging digital platforms as well as printed communication.
We recognise that today our clients need strong brands, clear messages and simple interactions if they are to stand out and connect with people. We want our work to inspire people, transform perceptions and achieve results.
Our clients tell us that we’re making good headway…
How we work
From experience we have developed a process — we call it ‘the whole process’ — that ensures continuity from the very start.
It begins with our clients. Understanding them, how they tick, who they want to reach and what they want to achieve. We see our clients as creative partners with whom we collaborate, using our expertise while respecting their objectives.
We believe in careful planning. This involves observing, listening, challenging, agreeing a clear brief and outcomes, defining workstreams, scheduling workflows, managing implementation and reviewing results. The nature of strategy and creativity is never strictly linear, but by considering the whole process at the outset we can plan for reiteration. By good planning we can also work to tight timescales and ensure successful on-time delivery.
Our process is robust. It’s tried and tested. It aims for clarity and seeks to deliver solutions that are simple and practical.
Who we work with
Our clients come from nearly every sector of business and public services with a multitude of objectives — and, share a desire for effective results.
- Abigail Restoration
- Alastair Hazell
- Beaming
- Bexhill Jobs Fair
- Beyond the Barriers
- Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
- Building Societies Association
- Castle Park Solicitors
- Charles Cameron & Associates
- Charleston
- Clean Air Better Business
- Cross River Partnership
- De La Warr Pavilion
- Deborah Bowness
- Ditching Museum of Art + Craft
- Earlscliffe sixth form
- Electric Pineapple
- Fedrigoni UK
- Freight TAILS
- Habinteg Housing Association
- Impact Hub Westminster
- Imperial College
- International Society of Typographic Designers
- Jane Jeater Osteopathy
- Kashmir
- Lambeth Council
- Laurence King Publishing
- Laurence King Verlag
- Law Centres Network
- Light at the End of the Tunnel
- Locate East Sussex
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- New West End Company
- Pop Up Maker Store
- Shepherds Bush Housing Group
- SohoCreate Festival
- Sussex Modern
- Telling Stories
- The Honourable The Irish Society
- Towner Art Gallery
- Unicef
- Vivarta
- West End Partnership
- Westminster City Council
- WPF Therapy
Our team
We combine strategic, creative, technical and management skills to deliver successful results.
Clare Playne
Creative DirectorClare leads the Playne team, taking responsibility for strategy, creativity and design. With over 20 years experience, Clare is adept at responding to the most challenging and complex brief, understanding how to build brands and make the most of the creative and technical possibilities of communications, either in print, online or in the physical environment.
Dave Coates
Project Design ManagerDave brings skills and experience from time at some of London’s leading design and branding agencies. He has significant input on all work passing through the studio, ensuring that every project is delivered on schedule, within budget and to a high creative standard. Leading by example, he guides the team to deliver the same.