Design Practice – Bluegg
Bluegg is a Graphic Design practice based in Cardiff, South Wales. With a diverse client portfolio and range of amazing outcomes, they really are one of the best studios in the UK. Established in 2002, the Directors, Matt and Tom have thought big with hefty ideas and striking designs. They have gone into every project with a ‘this is a chance for us to show off’ attitude. Built on a attitude on teamwork and togetherness, Bluegg have recruited the best and brightest upcoming designers and given them a chance to shine. As is a trend with current practices, Bluegg are always looking to tell stories with their branding, web design and campaigns. They are known by their clients as a practice ‘that don’t see things like you do – they see it better’.
What I like about Bluegg.
4 B’s. Bold, bright, beautiful and boundary pushing. Their style is unlike any other agency in the local area. They take on clients who want to challenge perceptions and stand out. Their designs are simple and satisfying. I love how they can take classic welsh brands who can sometimes be stuck in their own ways and bring them up to an incredibly high modern design standard. They are a global practice but you can tell that they love wales and incorporate it wherever they can. https://bluegg.co.uk/
Design Practice – Loyn + Co
Loyn + Co is an award winning architecture firm based in Cardiff. Founded in 1992, the firm was one of the few in Wales to showcase contemporary architectural practices. Each plot is rooted in history and the surrounding area, meaning that the building always belongs. This commitment to time and place has been with the firm from the beginning. They believe that ‘architecture should always add to its existing context. Loyn + Co are deeply dedicated to being a single unified team with a design led aesthetic. All of the designs that they produce are site specific as they use the site as the basis for the design. The design will always have the environment it’s placed in at the forefront of its conception. Loyn + Co realise that their architecture not only impacts their client, but everyone.
What I like about Loyn + Co.
Loyn + Co do most of their work within the boundaries of Wales, yet their vision is so global and contemporary. Their style is so modern and European, bring a much needed touch of sophistication and class to a somewhat rural and boring area. Wales is a country of outstanding natural beauty. I think architects are sometimes scared to break the mould here. Not Loyn + Co, their buildings are gorgeously contemporary yet they suit the Welsh landscape perfectly. http://loyn.co.uk/
Design Practice – Blue Stag
Blue Stag is a very influential design studio based in Cardiff. Founded in 2008 with the mindset of making beautiful things that create meaningful solutions. They are an open minded, passionate practice that encourages their clients to see further and do better. They help welsh brands stand out and be proud of their rich heritage, drawing out the best of the culture. Designing everything from branding and digital to campaigns and production, with a diverse team of designers this studio uses modern design steeped in traditional values to bring Welsh design up to a contemporary standard.
What I like about Blue Stag.
Blue Stag stands up for the little people. Often taking on clients that others might not. Taking stances on mental health, women’s rights and homelessness. Working with non-profit brands can be tough as they don’t often have money in the coffers to give. Blue Stag really cares, they give these local, dynamic charities a voice, so that they can be heard not only in Wales, but in the whole world. These are global issues. Blue Stag really delve deep into the history, story and message that clients have. They can bring the best out of any brand using this and it shows by how much respect and admiration they receive both locally and globally. https://bluestag.co.uk/
Design Production – Wild Creations
Wild Creations is a workshop in Cardiff, specialising in prop making, displays and large projects. They often produce large sculptures out of various materials to basically create whatever you want. The limit is your imagination. A team of carpenters, metal fabricators, carvers, sculptors and designers create the magic. They work with large and small brands to bring the second dimension to life, and create amazing marketing campaigns and hype.
What I like about Wild Creations.
These guys are magicians. What started as a man in his garage in South Wales, has become a globally recognised 3d workshop. The first time i’d seen some of their work was a giant rugby ball sticking out of the side of Cardiff castle during the world cup. I also visited Caerphilly Castle when they had their giant fabricated dragons there. With so much demand from big companies throughout the UK, it’s always nice to see a welsh company giving back to welsh culture. http://www.wild-creations.co.uk/
Design Production – FabLab Cardiff
Fablab is an open access digital workshop where you can fabricate your ideas using a range of technologies. They offer a variety of manufacturing and prototyping capabilities to suit your needs. It’s based in Cardiff Metropolitan University and offers tutorials, workshops and professional services in both Resin and filament 3D printing, as well as 3D scanning and CNC machining.
What I like about FabLab Cardiff.
Even though FabLab is situated inside a university, It’s open access for anyone to use! They also offer professional guidance if you need advice. This is one of few places in wales that offer these services at all. Usually you would have to use online tutorials, send away for the parts and then wait until they get delivered, all without knowing if the initial design was correct. This technology is becoming incredibly popular, with more use cases for designers coming up every day. https://www.fablabcardiff.com/
Design Production – The Printhaus
The Printhaus is a community based screenprinting workshop in Cardiff. Funded by artists in residence and pop up restaurants in the back garden, The Printhaus is an incredible resource for creatives to come together and use the screenprinting facilities. They provide workshops and tutorials on how to print as well as opportunities for professionals to work from there.
What I like about The Printhaus.
The Printhaus really adds to the culture of the city and surrounding areas. There really in nowhere like this anywhere else in Wales. Former art graduates came together and realised there were no facilities so they just straight up made some. I love how the building is filled with artists, designers and film makers, it really brings the welsh art community together. https://www.theprinthaus.org/
Reflection
Besides my six chosen locations in Cardiff I looked a little further out and came across some brilliant examples of Design Practice and production under the same roof. I haven’t included these in my six as I’m not sure where they would situate, maybe a middle category?
Catrin Jones Architectural Stained Glass
Catrin Jones creates incredible Stained Glass artwork for architectural use. She has worked with businesses, education, culture and more. Her work is very diverse and she uses many new and old glassworking techniques. Heavily inspired by nature, her work oozes character. I love the way that her glass instantly changes a space and gives immense character. The number of applications are endless. Next time I need to spice up a project involving glass I will be looking for Catrin.
Gower Stone Art
Welsh slate is a historic material in Wales. Gower Stone Art has been engraving for 42 years. The business is also home to a pottery studio situated in a treehouse, aptly named Treehouse Pottery.
The Engraving side of the business mainly designs and produces door signs. Names or numbers to go on the front of your house. While this may not seem very interesting at first, there is a wide range of applications and they are open to commission. I can’t imagine they’ve had many crazy requests but as a designer, it’s great knowing that If slate or stone ever came up as a material I’d know where to look.
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