iDC News

iDC's New Digital Home

2011-03-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

It’s been a long time coming but at last we have found the time to finish off the new iDC website, well done Richie and Ant for your all your efforts.

Why not take a look around... www.idc-design.co.uk this will also be the place for our blog updates from now on. We hope you like our new digital home.

iDC Christmas Carols Comp

2010-12-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

This year, for your entertainment, we thought a festive competition would be fun. Name our graphical interpretations of popular Christmas carols, to be in with a chance of winning a £50 amazon gift card and two hours design time free of charge.* To enter simply visit:

www.idc-design.co.uk/carols

*Terms and conditions apply.

Muse - Spotify Competition Launch

2010-11-12T02:19:00.000-08:00

iDC were recently asked by Warner Bros. Records to develop and launch an online competition for one lucky winner to win a pair of tickets to see Muse live at Wembley. We produced a stand alone microsite for people to enter and a range of online advertising which featured on the innovative music store Spotify (Spotify is a digital music service that gives you access to millions of songs). It was a great project to work on but unfortunately we weren't allowed to enter the competition ourselves!

iDC achieves 'Recommended Agency" status again

2010-06-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

iDC are proud to announce that we have once again achieved "Recommended Agency" status by the Recommended Agency Register (RAR). RAR are a renowned organisation who enable clients the chance to rate a creative agency on it's service, value for money and technical ability. The iDC team are proud that we have been awarded this status especially because we have received high ratings by our clients, and that's the best form of advertising we can hope for.

We can now use the RAR logo which is recognised worldwide as an independant mark of a trusted supplier on our website and stationary.

We'd like to say a big thank you to all our clients who took the time to rate us.

Thank you.

The iDC team.

Triathlon troubles and tribulations!

2010-05-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I survived the Stratford 220 Triathlon on Sunday 9th May, woo-hoo!

The event comprised of a 400m swim, 20km cycle and a 5km run and as it was my first sprint triathlon I did feel a bit nervous at the start, but once I got into the zone I really enjoyed it. The swim went really well and I managed to gain 8 positions but unfortunately I suffered a puncture 3 miles in to the cycle leg which lost me around ten minutes off my final time. The run was a grind and my least favorite discipline but I eventually crossed the line in 1h:20m:50s, which I was happy with and just pleased all the training since Christmas had paid off. The fastest competitor made it round in 54 minutes so I've got plenty of progress to make and something to aim for. I've definitely got the bug now and am going to compete in a couple of more events later in the year.

I also wanted to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who sponsored me and helped me raise over £200 for Cancer Research UK, I am incredibly appreciative of those who donated to this worthy charity.

I'll keep you posted as to my next triathlon.

Cheers, Matt.

Top of the class!

2010-05-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to announce that Matt Preston has been made a Director and shareholder at iDC. Matt has demonstrated huge amounts of commitment, passion and drive during his six years with the agency and it seemed only right to reward his dedication with share of the iDC cake and a Directorship.

Everyone at iDC wish him good luck in his new role.

Help Matt raise cash for a good cause

2010-04-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

Matt has entered the Stratford 220 Triathlon which takes place on the 9th May 2010.

He is up for the challenge and thought it would be good to raise money at the same time for Cancer Research UK, which is undoubtedly a worthwhile cause I'm sure you'll agree.

He has a target of £250 to raise and we hope our generous clients and suppliers will help him in supporting this charity.

Click here to donate and support Matt

He will be updating the blog with photos throughout his training as well as photos of the event itself, so please feel free to check back.

Remember, donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. Many thanks!

Busy busy busy

2010-04-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry to all who regularly follow our blog, we've gave ourselves a good slap on the wrist for not updating sooner. We've been super busy the last couple of months and it's only up until now that we've actually had time to stop and reflect.

One piece of work we can let you have a sneak peak of will be our very own iDC website (see pic). We are just putting the finishing touches to it and hope have the new site live soon.

iDC completes branding for Bondeye

2010-02-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

iDC was approached to refresh an identity for Bondeye, a leading optical supplies company to the trade industry. They wanted to refresh their current logo with specific attention in making it more legible and approachable, whilst still retaining the established corporate colours. See below pics of the new identity and it's application to stationary as well as their lens cleaner product labels, which we also designed!

We had some excellent feedback from Bondeye's Managing Director, Louise Keeney.

"iDC responded to our brief superbly, they really listened to our needs and have produced a very well executed identity that we are very happy with. Not only does our new identity look great on our stationary and printed items but it performs extremely well when it is reproduced on our many branded products, overcoming problems we had with our old logo. The Bondeye team in particular are especially pleased with our new business cards which now feature photos of them and is a real talking point with our clients."

A job well done we think! We are also currently developing a new e-commerce site for Bondeye, featuring online ordering, tracking and a bespoke CMS platform to allow new products to be added to the online catalogue in-house. Watch this space when it goes live!!

Come and have a go if you think you're good enough

2010-01-28T03:53:00.000-08:00

I have discovered new and hidden talents in our team thanks to the Christmas party this year! After a leisurely and very satisfying afternoon lunch at Hotel du Vin the team ventured to the local bowling plex, which is when the dark horse showed himself.

Now I have always thought that I was pretty nifty with a bowling ball. I was swiftly proved wrong and put in my place at the bottom of the league, firstly by Matt, who got a 'Turkey' (three strikes in a row) in the first game. It was then that Richie, the dark horse, decided to show us all how it was done by bowling multiple strikes and spares and winning game after game in stupendous fashion.

Needless to say, I feel confident in challenging any of our clients or suppliers to a game or two... so come have a go if you think you're good enough!

High praise for iDC

2010-01-19T03:26:00.000-08:00

One of our long standing clients, East Birmingham North Solihull Regeneration Zone or ebns as it's more affectionately known, sought to give iDC some high praise indeed at their final event held at the Birmingham Hippodrome at the end of December '09. We received special mention and personal thanks from Graham Taylor, the Chief Executive in his final speech for our excellent work during the past five years and for producing a "superb" Legacy document detailing the brilliant work ebns had done. See pics below.

We are obviously very sad at iDC to see ebns cease as a business and wish everyone at ebns the very best for the future.

Another designer of the future

2009-10-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

Our MD has been at it again producing another little designer of the future. Lilly Forrester arrived safe and sound a couple of weeks ago. Her older sister Molly, who is now two, already knows the difference between serif and sans and her favourite font is Helvetica (just like her dad).

iDC enhance W&R rebrand with a fresh new look

2009-09-07T04:27:00.000-07:00

iDC were asked by Withers & Rogers to revise their corporate literature to fall inline with their recent rebrand. Their quarterly newsletter was the first to be updated so it was important to get the correct balance of corporate industry news with an approachable magazine style. This balance has most certainly been struck and greatly received by all.

Wet Summer! we don't care

2009-08-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

The weather men got it wrong "AGAIN" after promising a BBQ summer.

Oddly though, the team at iDC have been grateful for yet another wet and uninviting British summer. It's not that we're mad or anything, it's just we have been stacked out with workload (hence the lack of blog entries). The relentless rain on the studio roof and the constantly threatening skies has come as welcomed relief and reassurance that we weren't missing out.

The turbulent summer weather this year is very fitting considering the economic climate of 2009. We are hoping the fact that we have been busy is a positive sign that things are on the turn. Long may it continue and we'll aim for winter holidays instead... time to wax the skis!

Calor Look Book

2009-06-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

iDC were asked by a leading midlands based PR agency to create a Look Book for Calor. The book showcases Calor's alfresco range of barbecues and patio heaters. The challenge was to produce a classy looking book on a budget and we feel we have excelled ourselves again with a quality branded product.

"They're fantastic, something really eye-catching to distribute to journalists." Emma Vaughan

iDC delivers design in double-quick time!

2009-05-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

iDC recently designed a brochure for one of the Midlands leading PR agencies. The brief was to design and print a quality four page brochure, okay nothing surprising there so far but the catch was to do it in two days!! Don't panic, don't panic! Well we kept our heads and got on with the job, needless to say we delivered on time, in budget and the quality of design was never compromised (see visuals of the brochure above to prove it).

Lis Lewis-Jones, Managing Director of Liquid PR was so pleased with our quick and reliable service she gave us a glowing recommendation to prove it;

"The iDC team provides a professional design service that always exceeds expectations. They are creative, approachable, reliable and fun to deal with. They're realistic too and provide ideas that are workable and within budget. I have worked with iDC for more than 10 years and they deliver results every time."

So next time you've got a project that you think just can't be done in time, contact iDC and we will bend over backwards to deliver, we're good like that.

iDC's social network site up for AWARD!

2009-05-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

The "Sweat in the City" social network iDC built to support 3000 London women during a free gym membership fitness initiative has been shortlisted for Best Digital Sport Marketing campaign within the Sport Industry Awards 2009, not bad eh! We've got our fingers crossed to win. In the meantime we're off to the Adidas flagship store on Oxford Street for a party with everyone involved to celebrate the project's success.

Music to our ears with Warner Bros. Records

2009-05-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

We've won an exciting new account with Warner Bros. Records creating online ebooks for various artists on their label.

Myebook takes online magazines to the next level revolutionising the way to create, publish and share content online. With Myebooks the possiblilties are endless, there's no need for PDF downloads from your website anymore. Take any magazine, brochure or annual report and publish them as an ebook with the added extras of music, video or flash animation.

Take a look at our initial books we have been creating in the last couple of weeks, for The Enemy, Ashley Tisdale and The Veronicas.

iD...ski

2009-03-30T06:55:00.001-07:00

We are all back safe from our team building trip to Les Gets, France. It was mine and Matt's first time skiing. Rich made a good (patient) instructor, Matt took to it straight away where as I decided to take it more cautiously with the invention of ABS braking on ski's!! We were blessed with buckets of snow and glorious sunshine throughout the course of our stay. Here's our best attempt at a ski catalogue picture. More photos can be found below.

iD...ski pictures

2009-03-30T06:48:00.001-07:00

Snow in the City

2009-02-03T02:38:00.000-08:00

As chaos consumed Britain with wintery weather, iDC toughed out the conditions and battled into work as usual, well it wasn't really that bad was it! It's amazing what a bit of snow can do!

However, as this was a such unique event not often seen in these parts, I decided to brave the elements to capture some snowy scenes and capture some evidence on camera that the white stuff did indeed once grace Birmingham City Centre. Here are just a few of the shots.

A bit of iQ wins new account

2009-01-26T04:37:00.000-08:00

We've just won a new account to create the brand identity, marketing, advertising and microsite for a new scheme of workspace units based at Market Quarter Banbury. iDC pitched the idea of branding the development under the name of "iQ... intelligent workspace" and the client loved it, so we will be rolling out the campaign over the next few months.

Thinking of taking to the slopes... think again!!

2009-01-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Well, it's that time of year again, where an ever increasing number of us Brits, fed-up with crappy dry-ski slopes are trekking abroad to hit the mountains and getting some serious snow action.

The team at iDC are also contemplating going on a team building ski trip to Les Gets this season, however as I am the only newbie on the white stuff my colleagues have been trying to get me into the spirit of things by sending me some very entertaining videos... check 'em out!

(Note to self: must write will/check life insurance policy)

I'll keep you posted as to my survival. Cheers,

Matt.

Happy New Year

2009-01-07T06:14:00.000-08:00

iDC wish all our clients and associates a Happy New Year and good luck in what is billed to be tough 09. It is now more more vital than ever to stay in the mind of your clients and rise above the competition. Whether utilising traditional brochures and direct mail or embracing digital email campaigns and online marketing, get in touch with us see how we can help.

iDC gets ready for Winter with Worcester Bosch

2008-10-15T04:12:00.000-07:00

iDC have successfully been awarded the design work to produce a national consumer focussed magazine for Worcester Bosch, who are the leading manufacturer of sustainable high efficiency heating and hot water solutions for the home.

We have been given the task of redesigning the magazine, called 'Greener Futures' and developing an informative and engaging design style to capture public attention and communicate Worcester Bosch's products and dedication to providing renewable energy solutions.

Check back soon to see visuals of the Winter issue.

iDC helps people lose their spare tyre!

2008-09-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Working alongside a well known Midlands PR Agency, iDC was asked to produce below the line marketing material for the 'Spare Tyre Workout'. A innovative national PR campaign for Continental Tyres and LA Fitness offering free weekend Gym Passes to help people lose their spare tyre! items iDC designed included a exercise booklet (pictured above), posters and gym passes.

iDC shines for Boots

2008-08-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

iDC was approached at very short notice to develop a range of online media for Boots including a microsite and various online adverts. The main aim of the microsite was to communicate the importance of keeping kids protected from the sun in a fun and engaging way. The site was packed full of useful sun care tips and even has a video featuring Same Difference from the popular X-Factor television series.

The website had to be turned around in super quick time (just a few days) demonstrating that us iDC lads are actually quite good at getting things done fast! Click here to view the site.

Bluu bar promotional night a huge success!

2008-08-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

What a night! The iDC team supported Willoughby PR at a superbly successful night at bluu bar Birmingham on Thursday 31st July. iDC developed and designed all of the promotional material ranging from e-invite to posters, flyers and even an online register form to get on the guest list.

With the highly alluring pull of - "Free drinks - that only happens once in a bluu moon" the evening was a stunning success with hundreds of the city's coolest crowd turning out to experience the unique bluu bar atmosphere. They say that "the proof is in the pudding" and the sheer volume of people who came through the doors proves that our design work obviously did the job - combined with Willoughby PRs fantastic organization ensured a fantastic night.

Matt and Richie enjoying a free pint (or two, or three) with Jane Ainsworth, MD of Willoughby PR who oversaw a superb evening.

Cheers!

Free Drinks, that only happens once in a Bluu moon.

2008-07-23T03:11:00.000-07:00

iDC will be attending a one off event at bluu bar birmingham on Thursday 31st of July. Why not join us, click here to get on the guest list. Hurry places are going fast!

By the way, Matt designed the promotional material, so feel free to comment on how good the design is when you see him on the night.

iDC gets Recommended Agency status

2008-04-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

After a stringent process iDC have successfully got on the Recommended Agency Register (RAR) for 2008.

In a nutshell, mruk research on behalf of RAR carried out comprehensive research into our agency and contacted our clients who rated our performance across five criteria; Account Handling, Creativity, Value for Money, Strategic Thinking and Overall Professionalism. It was quickly deemed that iDC should be bestowed with a recommendation as a one of the best design agencies to use in England, which proves that our clients think very highly of us.

We would like to say thanks to all our clients who took part.

iDC create bespoke trophy for WKD

2008-04-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Check out this quirky trophy we did for WKD. We were asked to create a one-of-a-kind, 'Sunday League Football - Team of the Year' trophy with printed football kits to boot and we reckon we've scored a winner. Click here

iDC Sponsors Grand Prix Awards

2008-03-31T16:44:00.001-07:00

iDCs latest outing was to the CIPR Grand Prix Awards at Birmingham's prestigious and recently refurbished Town Hall. The awards celebrate the best PR talent and campaigns across the UK. Rich nervously took to the stage twice to present awards whilst the rest of the team consumed plenty of Pinot! As you can see from the evidence Matt managed to drink the most resulting in poor Gary having to settle for sleeping on the hotel room floor.