The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 48: April/May 2020 | 页面 17

SWINDON AND WILTSHIRE’S CREATIVES
The videographer
Compass Video was created almost four years ago by Keith Seward.
Keith runs the company in collaboration with a number of freelancers
offering digital content to help business owners tell their stories
effectively online. The team also run training courses including the
CPD certified course ‘Smartphone Video Making for Marketing and
Internal Communication.’
Are you creative?
Yes I am and we are. When we work with
clients, we aim to make a meaningful
difference to a project. Sometimes a fresh
perspective or approach is what is needed
to bring new life into your business, product,
project or service. Creative people or
businesses can offer this. We adapt their
skills to meet a client’s needs. In effect we
become experts in a client’s field for a short
space of time. We naturally keep on top of
current trends and changes, to ensure that
what we create for our clients is impactful.
Without creativity this would not be possible.
What does creative mean to you?
‘Creative’ is in everything. Life is not black
and white. In business it is important to
be able to take advice, listen and adapt
what you are doing. Sometimes listening
to creatives can help drive your business
forward. Being able to adapt is essential
for success.
How do ‘sell’ your creativity?
• We are genuinely enthusiastic about
every project, no two projects are the
same. Our creativity is different
every time.
• We take the time to research and get
the knowledge required to understand
the client we are working with, their
customers, their audience and their
customers’ customers.
What’s the future for creative
businesses in your view?
Creatives can deliver the message to the
world that Britain is ‘open for business’,
highlighting new opportunities to new
markets. Here in Wiltshire we want to be a
company which contributes to the growth
of the local economy. The more business
created in our area, the more we all benefit
with jobs, homes and disposable income.
Graphic designers
Chantal Bourgonje of C for Design – based in Little Chiverell,
near Devizes, C for Design was created in 2006 and offers
illustration and graphic design including book design. Mike Land of Nickel Design – based in Swindon and originally
created in 2009. Designer Mike then worked within another
design agency for a couple of years and then returned to Nickel
Design recently. With over 25 years in branding strategy,
creative design and print production, Mike has created branding
for many national and local companies including Texaco.
Are you creative?
Yes. As an illustrator and designer I am
creating new, original images and looks
for customers, whether they are writers
or small companies. Although at all
times sensitive to the requirements of the
customer, the illustration or design originate
from my imagination. Are you creative?
Yes. From a very early start, I have been
wielding a pen, pencil or brush. School,
college and even the beginning of my
working career, I have been surrounded
by creatives. I have been very lucky to have
worked with some of the best in Wiltshire
and I’m proud to have reached every corner
of the planet with my designs.
What does creative mean to you?
Vincent van Gogh expressed it better than I
ever could: “Normality is a paved road: It’s
comfortable to walk but no flowers grow on
it.” For me it’s about growing those flowers.
Creativity is part of what makes us human
and it is key to making a difference.
How do ‘sell’ your creativity?
Three main ways for me. First it’s word of
mouth, secondly it’s networking and third
social media. With illustration or a good
design you can express things to a reader
or customer immediately and have a
direct impact and that can be very valuable
commercially.
What does creative mean to you?
All design is for display. From a simple sign
to a billboard, the strokes we make and the
lines we draw, all have a purpose and style.
How do you ‘sell’ your creativity?
Creativity is a process, beginning with
listening to your needs, then focussing on
your goals and then together turning visions
turn into reality.
We are a nation of buyers and sellers. For
industries to thrive, they have to market to
the right audience. Creating awareness and
advertising the benefits of their services are
always key points. And hopefully now, we will
look to buy locally instead of looking abroad.
What’s the future for creative
businesses in your view?
The future looks bright and although we are
an island that relies on importing goods,
advertising and marketing are the tools we
will need to survive in business. Having the
best product or service that no one knows
about is not a key to success.
What’s the future for creative
businesses in your view?
Difficult to tell at the moment with our
post Brexit world. I do worry though, that
isolating a nation from its fellow nations will
potentially harm the free flow of ideas and
projects and with that harm the economy.
Especially for small independent businesses
or freelancers.
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2020
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