Initial Research

Studio's and Practitioner's I find inspirational

Colophon Foundry
A Practice for Everyday Life 
Common name NYC
Mother London 
Dogtag Creative 
Cooper Calligraphy
Paper Jam Studio
Good Jujuink


Colophon Foundry
What kind of work do they do?
Foundry’s self-initiated and commissioned work in type design is complemented by independent and collaborative initiatives in publishing, editing / curation, exhibition-making, and teaching, with a focus on local and international partnerships with institutions of all sizes.
What information do you want to find out?
How they work as a studio? 
How many people work in the studio? 
What are the top tips you have for new designers? 
Why are you interested in the Studio?
The production of different typefaces interests me. 
Where are they based?
London and Los Angeles
Type of workplace/studio?
Independent and collaborative

A Practice for Everyday Life 
What kind of work do they do?
Art direction, identities, publications, exhibitions, type design, signage, packaging and digital.
What information do you want to find out?
Clients they've worked for?
Biggest design disaster? 
Can you describe the work you do in three words? 
Why are you interested in the Studio?
They are internationally renowned and sought-after collaborator
Where are they based?
London
Type of workplace/studio?
Mainly collaborative 

Common name NYC
What kind of work do they do?
Common Name is a graphic design studio focusing on print, interactive, identity, and exhibition work for art, architecture, culture, and education.
What information do you want to find out?
Are there only two designers and partners or do you have a larger design team?
When did you initially set up as a studio? 
Who is the graphic designer that has influenced you most?
Why are you interested in the Studio?
The wide variety of clients they've worked for and clean cut design style. 
Where are they based?
New York 
Type of workplace/studio?
Smaller studio (small team)

Mother London 
What kind of work do they do?
Creative advertising for a range of clients
What information do you want to find out?
Describe your creative process. What are the major steps?
What’s an example of a project where you disagreed with the client’s feedback and how did you handle it?
Let’s say someone tells you to design something without any context. What do you do?
Why are you interested in the Studio?
It's the UK's largest independent advertising agency. Showing graphic design used in context solely for a purpose, in this case advertising. 
Where are they based?
London
Type of workplace/studio?
Large team 

Dogtag Creative 
What kind of work do they do?
Design for print, branding & publications etc 
What information do you want to find out?
How do you measure the success of your designs?
How do you incorporate feedback into your designs? What’s a time you received hard criticism for your work?
What qualities and skills should a good graphic designer have?
Why are you interested in the Studio?
A smaller studio practice with only two designers that is local to me. 
Where are they based?
Northern Ireland
Type of workplace/studio?
Small studio and team of two

Cooper Calligraphy
What kind of work do they do?
Calligraphy and Production (using foiling)
What information do you want to find out?
How do you get unstuck if you are struggling for ideas?
Describe your experience with presenting your work to clients?
How do you start a project? How do you know when it is finished?
Why are you interested in the Studio?
I'm interested in experimenting with calligraphy and foiling as a production method
Where are they based?
Georgia, United States
Type of workplace/studio?
Independent 

Paper Jam Studio
What kind of work do they do?
They witnessed a gap in the market for wedding and party stationary that truly connected with the buyer. 
What information do you want to find out
How do you prepare your work for production or print?
How do you stay on top of current design trends?
Why are you interested in the Studio?
They have other professions and backgrounds, including marketing, sales and a solicitor but both have a love for creativity and stationary. 
Where are they based?
Australia 
Type of workplace/studio?
Small studio, Danielle and Irini

Good Jujuink
What kind of work do they do?
Making stationary using illustrations 
What information do you want to find out?
What's the favourite part of your day?
How did you decide to focus on illustration?
Your brand is about inspiring what inspires you most as a designer?
Why are you interested in the Studio?
In an age of shorthanded digital convenience - a world jam packed with emails snapchats and texts - Good Juju Ink believes we can all slow down and be a little more thoughtful.
Where are they based?
San Francisco, California 
Type of workplace/studio?


Questions from Initial Research

How do you work as a studio? 
How many people work in the studio? 
What are the top tips you have for new designers? 
What clients have you previously worked for?
Biggest design disaster? 
Can you describe the work you do in three words? 
Do you work as part of a small team or large?
Do you work collaboratively or independently?
When did you initially set up as a studio? 
Who or what has influenced you as a designer most?
Describe your creative process. What are the major steps?
What’s an example of a project where you disagreed with the client’s feedback and how did you handle it?
Let’s say someone tells you to design something without any context. What do you do?
How do you measure the success of your designs?
How do you incorporate feedback into your designs? 
What’s a time you received hard criticism for your work?
What qualities and skills should a good graphic designer have?
How do you get unstuck if you are struggling for ideas?
Describe your experience with presenting your work to clients?
How do you start a project? How do you know when it is finished?
How do you prepare your work for production or print?
How do you stay on top of current design trends?
What is your favourite part of a working day?
How did you decide your focal area within design?
What inspires you most as a designer?