G: Tell us about your business.
CS: We are a graphic design and web company, the company was formed in the 60’s (very retro!) and is now in its second generation. We bring a wealth of experience from our typographic and print roots. We think our web should be as design driven as our other media. Our mantra is: “creatively relevant, strategically minded, technically superior”.
G: What are the main challenges maintaining your business and how are you overcoming them?
CS: Change and the management of change – technology emerges as fast as we can digest it, and faster than most of our clients can cope with. We’ve learned the importance of bringing innovation to the table without swamping the client. Sometimes it pays to be ‘close to the creative edge’, sometimes it doesn’t, we consult and offer the best solution, be it a disposable exhibition system made of recycled card, or a responsive website instead of a mobile app.
G: What would you say has been your most memorable experience while developing your business? What were the most successful or unique projects?
CS: The memorable experiences are always the ones where the deadline is so tight you can hardly breathe! We recently created a website for a boxing channel against the clock. We scored a knockout but only seconds before the bell. The project recently received a commendation at the Umbraco Conference in Denmark and 3 of our team were there to see their name ‘in lights’ – if only fleetingly.
G: What were the funniest moments that happened while setting up/running your business?
CS: We call it ‘fever pitch’ – the working environment sometimes gets tense, usually late of an evening – then someone will say something funny and before long we are all in fits – it’s a way of releasing the stress.
G: Tell us about DO’s and DON’Ts when running the company?
CS: Don’t ‘give it away’ if you can possibly avoid it. Do value your own and others time. Locate in the right place, it makes a difference to clients and staff.
G: Why do you choose Shoreditch to run your business?
CS: I refer you to the last answer! We came to a workshop back in Nov 2003 – fell in love and moved here in April 2004. It’s the right place to be.
G: What/who should help for the development of Shoreditch entrepreneurial community? What this community is still missing?
CS: Support local busineses by spending locally, try to work for local business. We’ve recently been approached by a charity based in Rivington Street – it makes economic sense to work local and it creates a great atmosphere. Perhaps the local authority should control planning and landlords – we only need so many chain sandwich bars and fast food outlets…J
G: Who/what are your favorite CEOs/Businesses in Shoreditch?
CS:, Glyphics, Chiki Chiks, Start, Steve Edge
G: What are your favorite places in Shoreditch?
The Book Club, Taylor Street Baristas, the Albion, Rich Mix, Rivington Grill
G: What does the future have in store for Shoreditch?
CS: Sadly medium-term, hotels and residential developments no-one can afford, meanwhile enjoy the ride.
Twitter: @crumpled_dog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrumpledDogDesign
Blog: www.crumpled-dog.com/blog
Website: www.crumpled-dog.com
