I pointed an AI at my website with no prompt and this is what it came up with.

Transcript

This one, this one's got me really intrigued. We're diving into Catlips creative, right? And they're doing graphic design, branding, the whole shebang, but specifically for the arts. And what's got me, I don't know, what's got me hooked is it's not just design a logo, slap it on a flyer kind of deal.

Yeah, no, you're right on the money with that. What they're doing, it really shows you how like arts organisations are having to like completely change how they try to get people's attention these days.

Right, like back in the day, you could just have what, a nice poster at the local coffee shop and call it good.

Exactly, but now, forget about it. You gotta be everywhere, social media, those like interactive things they've got now, even QR codes, remember when those were never gonna catch on?

Oh, go away.

And so like all the stuff Catlips is doing, it all makes sense, right? The posters, flyers, sure, the classics, but then you see showreels, motion graphics for events, even 3D modelling.

3D modelling, whoa, okay, so they're going all in.

It's about making content that people actually wanna share that's exciting, you know? It's gotta be cool.

Okay, yeah, it's not enough to just tell people about an art event anymore. You gotta like create this whole experience.

Yeah.

And you gotta be able to capture that experience digitally somehow.

You got it, you want people to be like, I have to see this, even if this is like a theatre company's annual report, you know what I mean?

Speaking of I have to see this, I gotta admit, I laughed when I saw maps listed as one of their services. Like who needs a professionally designed map? Yeah. Then I remembered every art venue I've ever been to, and well.

Yeah, you get completely turned around right now.

Every time.

And that's what's so, I don't know, kind of clever about it, because good information design, whether it's a website, a brochure, or yeah, even a map, it's so important. Imagine your parent, you've got a stroller, maybe you have trouble getting around, or you're just late and trying to find the right gallery. A confusing layout or a map that hasn't been updated that's not just annoying, it actually prevents people from accessing the art.

It's true. I think because we're so used to having information at our fingertips now, we forget how important good design is in the real world. Good design guides you, bad design. You're on your own.

Yeah, and that's a big part of what makes CatLip so interesting to me. They're not just making things look pretty, they're tackling these real problems that arts organisations deal with, like how to make their spaces and their information accessible to everyone.

So they're making things accessible, which is awesome, but what about that whole thing about designers being intimidating? Because honestly, looking at Catlips website, I'm not getting that vibe at all.

Oh no, they're doing that on purpose, definitely. It's all about the language they use, right? Your friendly neighbourhood creative, last minute changes, I got your back, they get it.

It's like they're speaking directly to those smaller arts organisations who are probably freaking out about their budgets and deadlines.

Exactly, they're building that trust right away, which honestly, sometimes you don't get that in the design world. It's easy to get caught up in all the fancy terms and stuff.

Right, like not everyone speaks design, but Catlips is breaking that down for sure. And that whole we're on your team thing, you can really see it in their portfolio. Like that animation they did for Greenwich Dance, I watched it like three times, it's just so full of joy.

Isn't it, it just grabs you, you feel that sense of community, it's like you wanna get up and dance, that's what I'm talking about, that's how you communicate visually.

Totally, and then you've got that complete opposite end of the spectrum with their museums plus heritage award thing,

still playful, like Stanchions 101, come on. I know, right? But it's also so clean professional, like they know exactly what they're doing.

And that's huge, understanding your audience, right? What works for a dance company might not work for a museum and they totally get that.

Speaking of getting it, that Candoco Dance Company sign, I mean, wow, bold, modern, it just fits their whole vibe, pushing boundaries.

And if you look closely, it's not just the images, the typeface they used, it's very geometric, almost like architecture, but still playful, and the colours, so vibrant, but balanced. Every little detail is thought out, it all reflects who Candoco is.

Okay, so we've talked about all the cool stuff Catlips is doing, they can do a lot right, the different audiences they design for and how they make information design actually interesting, who knew? So what's the big takeaway? What if you're an arts organisation out there and you're like, all right, I need a designer, what should you be learning from all of this?

I think the main thing, especially for smaller organisations, is don't think good design has to cost a fortune. You don't need a huge budget, it's about finding the right partner, someone who understands your limits, your audience, and isn't afraid to think outside the box.

Like work smarter, not harder, but for graphic design.

Exactly, and don't be afraid to try something new.

Forget the same old boring brochures, look at what Catlips is doing, animations, digital stuff, even thinking about how people move through physical spaces.

It's like they're saying, screw it, let's blow up arts marketing and start over.

Which I don't know, it's pretty inspiring. It makes me wanna drop everything and start a puppet show just to see what crazy designs Catlips would come up with.

I bet they'd be up for it actually. You know, it's funny, there's this one line on their website that says, chances are I've done something similar but just not uploaded it here.

Wait, really? So they're saying, don't be afraid to ask because this portfolio is just the beginning. Okay, that's kinda amazing and kinda scary at the same time. Like what else are they hiding over there?

It just goes to show you there's always more to find, even if you think you've seen everything. Sometimes it's those weird projects, the ones that don't really fit in that tell you the most about what a designer can do.

So the lesson here is don't be afraid to dig a little deeper, ask those questions, you never know what you might find. It's like the bonus features on a DVD, but for graphic design?

Yes, exactly. That one conversation, that willingness to, you know, look a little closer could be how you find the perfect design partner. The one who not only gets your vision but helps you find new audiences and you have those moments where you're like, "Wow, I can't believe we just did that."

Love it. All right, everybody, that's it for our deep dive into the world of Catlips creative. Remember, good design is for everyone, even if you don't know anything about design. Now go out there and make something visually awesome. We'll see you next time.