Graphic Design for Print and Web

Are You Image Concious?

Properly used, the image of an organisation has enormous power. It's more than just an eye-catching logo and a bit of designer typography. A good image can work to great effect - outwardly and inwardly. It forms the focus of everything your organisation is, and aspires to be. It communicates to the outside world exactly what you want to say about who you are and what it is you do. It also unites, inspires and motivates everyone who works with you in a common understanding and belief in your purpose.

Expensive images and identities devised by design agencies can achieve this, but all too often the client organisation is left feeling as if there is something missing, or not quite right, or that the image has somehow been grafted onto them without the necessary processes which allow them to own it and use it. Consequently, the potential power of the image is dissipated because it is not an exact fit with the organisation it's designed to help. It can be a high price to pay and a large risk to take.

So how is Archetype different?

Archetype is a small design company specialising in working within the voluntary and small business sectors. It approaches design from a slightly different perspective to that of most companies in the field. We regard what we do as image facilitation, rather than just image design.

Archetype firmly believes that the most effective image for your organisation is the one that evolves out of your own exploration of the nature of your selves, how you function as a group, your work, and how you deliver it. Through a series of workshops conducted at all levels of your organisation, Archetype facilitates the focusing process to bring about a clear understanding of your own unique identity. Of itself, this developmental work can be of enormous benefit - every bit as valuable as the impact of your new image on the outside world. The translation of ideas into image then becomes a joint creation between Archetype and you, and further workshops concentrate on exploring the most effective ways for you to use the results. This ensures that you really own your image, that it accurately reflects the nature of your organisation, and that you can work with it with greater confidence to achieve what you want.

For organisations with an established image, Archetype can help maximise its power and effectiveness by exploring with you the nature of image and how best to use it. We also design and produce full ranges of stationery, publicity material, annual reports, presentation and training materials - in fact, whatever your design and printing requirements, we can help.

The unique skills that Archetype offers are those of equal expertise in both group facilitation and in design. The company has a good understanding of the voluntary and small business environment, and so can readily appreciate the particular problems and constraints you face in your day to day operation - which is also reflected in our prices.