.org s e v i t a ntcre e l o s . www
We highly recommend that local businesses utilise the knowledge/skills of students through This scheme is extremely beneficial
to both
businesses and students. Jimmy Chestnutt CEO Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Solent Creatives
ABOUT
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What is Solent Creatives? Solent Creatives is a creative agency like no other. Established in early 2011 by Southampton Solent University, this unique venture seeks to bridge the gap between education and work in the creative industries by providing ad hoc freelance support to businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes.. The University is the largest in the UK outside of London for students studying in the creative industries, and Solent Creatives provides organisations with the opportunity to ‘tap into’ this diverse pool of talent for specialist creative assistance, whilst providing students with an outlet to build their professional portfolios and gain valuable real world skills.
How does it work? Once you have submitted a project enquiry, a member of our team will contact you and arrange to discuss the project in more detail. From there, we will advertise the opportunity to our database of students and introduce you to the most suitable applicant(s) to ‘pitch’ for the project. You can decide which student(s) are most suited to your brief, before working directly with them to ensure the project is managed and delivered. The relationship is entirely between you as an employer and the student(s) as an independent freelancer. Our in-house team of industry experts are available to offer technical support, however, we encourage students to truly work on a freelance basis by project managing independently. When a project is complete, payment should be made directly to the student(s) based on the agreed fee and expenses.
www. s olentcreatives. o rg
02380 319098
what services are available? The skillsets on offer through Solent Creatives span many different industries. With approximately 4,500 students currently studying creative courses through our acclaimed faculty of creative industries (FCI), the potential list of services is nearly endless. Our most popular services are listed below with a full list available on our website. If you are not sure if we can help, please feel free to get in touch, we always relish the challenge of working in a new creative area!
Popular Services Design and Imagery • Branding and Identity • Graphic Design • llustration • Website Design (visual) • Website Development (code) Film, Animation and Media • Animation • Film Production and Editing • Music Composition and Production • Photography • Recorded Sound eg. Podcasting • Scriptwriting
Solent Creatives
Marketing and Public Relations • Advertising Campaign Development • Journalism • Professional Writing • Public Relations and Comms / Press Releases • Social Media
How do I submit a project? Registering with Solent Creatives couldn’t be simpler, you can sign up as a business and submit projects through our website www.solentcreatives.org
how
and why?
Why should I work with Solent Creatives? The benefits of working with Solent Creatives are numerous. The University appreciates your support and recognition of the capabilities of our students, and by working with us you can improve your corporate social responsibility. We pride ourselves on the quality of work produced by students through the agency, and the satisfaction levels of our clients – the results of which can be seen within our portfolio and testimonials. Assignments are treated on a case-by-case basis, ensuring a consistent level of
If you would like to know more information on the agency or to chat about how we might be able to help you, please contact Matt Weet, Solent Creatives Coordinator on: matt@solentcreatives.org
quality assured by our strict skills-matching processes. Our students are extremely talented with an understanding of current markets, trends and the latest technologies. With an enthusiasm and eagerness to impress, along with a vast array of skills on offer, we can cater to almost any creative request to a high standard and at an affordable rate.
www. s olentcreatives. o rg
02380 319098
case studies “We were incredibly grateful that Solent Creatives contacted us to produce an internal video for M&S one of the UK’s leading retailers. Being able to work with such an established company is invaluable to us and it has been our biggest job so far. This is going to be one the many pieces of work within our portfolio that display the standard that we intend to deliver to our clients.
Peter McLaughlin, TV and Video Production 2014 Retail giant, Marks and Spencer, approached Solent Creatives in March 2013 looking to recruit students to produce a film for their flagship West Quay, Southampton store. The store is the leading regional outlet for resource management, and an advocate of the “Cost Improvement Programme”. Store managers had been asked to present at a regional meeting promoting best practice, and had decided that a short film would be
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a great way to ‘liven up’ an otherwise dull presentation. Solent Creatives matched two second years from the TV and Video Production course, Peter McLaughlin and Patrick Phillips, to the project and within two weeks, the students had filmed and edited a 20 minute film which engaged the audience in an exciting way by parodying popular TV shows such as 24 and the Pink Panther, whilst conveying the necessary information.
Solent Creatives
Difficult to find the correct words that do justice to the piece of work that Peter & Patrick delivered for our regional Cost Improvement Programme, Staffing Efficiency Meeting. How about, exceeded our expectations by light-years! The professionalism of these two men was the sort of maturity and composure I would expect from someone with twice their age and experience. The end result is absolutely amazing. Not just my thoughts, but that of around 60 managers, in-
cluding the Regional Manager. Many people were literally baulking at how well the importance of CIP was communicated via the film production. Without the film, the day would have been flat and mundane, but the video exploded the importance of CIP to life in a quite brilliant manner.
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Jonathan Pyle Finance and Operations Manager, West Quay Southampton
MARKS AND SPENCER, WEST QUAY Film Production and Editing Students: Peter McLaughlin, Patrick Phillips
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SHAPE-BASED LOG
Having a bit of fun with these ones, we decided to break the boundaries of just text and make some more conceptual designs.
BEAR GRYLLS RIB
Based on the feelings of movement, the extreme nature of rib boats and even parts from the boats themselves, these ones breakout the mould Branching from just and text, we predominantly wanted toartistic. show what the logos
Graphic Design and Branding Students: Charlie Barber, Zack O’Toole like on different In late 2012, Solent would Cre- lookRib branding, nautical elshapes and backgrounds. atives was approached in ements, speed and naviThese designs can also be order to help Bear Grylls gation. adapted in relation to colour launch his latest line of Although neither of the schemes and layout. products, rib boats made concepts were taken forin partnership with Mad- wards, the two students era Ribs. Graphic design 19. were later commissioned The effort you have Having students Zack O’Toole to produce social media a bit of fun with these we decided to break the put in has been great ones, and Charlie Barber were templates and designs for boundaries of just text and make more conceptual and anyone would be some matched todesigns. the brief and the new product. Using able to position a global Based produced concepts a 3D render of the Rib, on the feelings oflogo movement, the extreme nature brand around your for the new brand as well Zack and Charlie created of rib boats and even parts from the boats themselves, designs. as social media layouts. a YouTube background these ones break the mould and predominantly artistic.of logo designs A variety which shows off the prodJohn Coffey, Bear Grylls were created to integrate 22. uct, and makes the social Spokesperson the existing Bear Grylls media URLs easily visible The Coffey Group brand into the new prod- to all viewers. The stuuct line whilst providing dents also created page the im- tabs and a header image “Working in partnership with Bear Grylls has given pact that in a minimalist style for the us a true insight into what professional design B e a r Facebook page. Please let us know of elements andyouthe This creative support has work really is, experiencing a range of targets and that like 25. in the designs, so t e a m proved down instrumental in tight deadlines. We now share responsibility for the we can start narrowing some and working on some of were afhelping The Coffey Group design and administration of specific social media your favourites! ter. The grow the new Bear Grylls pages, and have retained close contact with the d e s i g n s Rib brand, reflected in the client while working on a number of other projects. reflected quote from John Coffey, Zack O’Toole & Charlie Barber e x i s t i n g Bear Grylls Spokesperson. Graphic Design 2013 Madera Please let us know of elements
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that you like in the designs, so we can start narrowing down some and working on some of your favourites!
www. s olentcreatives. o rg
02380 319098
SODEXO UK Film Production & Editing, Photography, Podcasting, Journalism, Graphic Design Students: Various (team of 18)
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Reporting and recording a live event involving 650 chefs was great experience for these students and they really took to the task in a professional manner. We were very impressed with their work. Having the opportunity to talk to a celebrity like Matt Dawson was
an added bonus for them, as well as finding out from the competitors what it was like to demonstrate their chef skills in front of a live audience.
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Paul Anstey Managing Director, Sodexo Commercial Education.
“We all really enjoyed the Sodexo project from start to finish, having a great day out at Ascot sampling many culinary delights, to viewing the finished product which everyone has put so much hard work into. It was great to be able to work on a project for a real life client, benefiting not only Sodexo but providing us with a professional standard magazine to add to our portfolios. We hope Sodexo employees hope reading the magazine as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
Yasmine Najib Writing Fashion and Culture 2013
Solent Creatives
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National catering provider Sodexo UK organises a yearly event called Salon Culinaire, which is a celebration of the skill and knowledge of their staff, and a chance for employees to meet suppliers, leading household names and chefs at the top of their game. In 2012, for the second year running, Solent Creatives was asked to attend the event and provide media support. A team of 19 students descended on Ascot Racecourse to provide Pho-
tography, Podcasting, Filmmaking and Journalism support. The work of the students was put together into a glossy magazine and three short films, which were sent internally to staff as a momento of the day. Together, the students set themselves clear roles and were able to efficiently manage themselves as a team throughout the duration of the project – from planning, to the day of the event, and the production of the final work.
Nicoletta Foster, owner of ‘La Vita Rosa – Holistic Therapies’, got in contact with Solent Creatives in late 2012 seeking help promoting her services. Nicoletta has been established as a holistic therapist since 1997 and offers health and wellbeing treatments to patients in the Southampton region. She also offers treatments such as Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Reiki. Nicoletta had not updated her marketing material “I cannot stop admiring my new website and or website for many stunning photography all created by your years and as a restudents. So much talent, flair and imagina- sult was finding it very tion under one building. Thank you for your hard to bring in new wonderful work. clients. Nicoletta Foster, In order to promote La Vita Rosa her treatments and her business, Solent Creatives offered a three stage approach incorporating photography, flyer design and website design. Graphic Design, Photography, Website A team of four students was matched to the project: Louiza Design and Development Hamidi (photography), Emily Students: Louiza Hamidi (Photography), Black (Leaflet Design), Thomas Cartlidge and Jake Brough Emily Black (Graphic Design), Jake (Website Design and DevelopBrough and Thomas Cartlidge (Website ment). Louiza first photographed Design and Development) Nicky’s treatment room and
clinic, before passing the photos on to Emily to produce a leaflet and Thomas and Jake to incorporate into a new website. By blending a digital and print approach, Nicoletta can advertise her business through several means of communication and increase her reputation in the local area. The flyer and website highlight the different treatments offered by Nicoletta and several testimonials of satisfied clients. The website is built on Wordpress, a content management system, so that Nicoletta is able to easily maintain the website herself.
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LA VITA ROSA
www. s olentcreatives. o rg
02380 319098
NHS SOUTH COMMISSIONING SUPPORT UNIT Animation Students: Ben Sutton and Andreea Stan The NHS South Commissioning Support Unit contacted Solent Creatives to offer an animation project to students in early 2013. This new branch of the NHS provides advice and support on a daily basis to their clients and also services such as project management, interim placements and organisational development. Being newly structured, the NHS SCSU wanted to produce a short animation explaining their services in a clear, concise way and provide more information on the purpose of Commissioning Support Units. Two students, Andreea
Stan and Ben Sutton, worked hand in hand to create this animated video which is featured on the home page of the organisation’s website. The combination of the ideas and talents of Andreea, third year in Animation, and Ben, second year in Film, produced a dynamic and interactive animation which surpassed the client’s expectations.
Solent Creatives
“The two students we worked with at Solent University to develop an animated video for our new website did a fantastic job. They took the time to understand our organisation and the type of video we were looking for and turned our ideas into a dynamic concept, making any final tweaks until we were really pleased with it. We would highly recommend working with the students at Solent University, in partnership with their agency Solent Creatives, for a cost effective and professional solution. Deborah Upham,
Head of marketing and development, NHS South Commissioning Support Unit
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Southampton Airport launched a new YouTube channel in December 2012, as part of an ongoing digital and social media strategy. The Airports’ marketing department approached Solent Creatives looking to find talented students to produce video content for the channel. Solent Creatives matched third year film director, Samin Saadat, to the project - who worked with the agency to assemble a full production crew covering 6 skillsets. This team of students put forward their own scripts for three videos; a Christmas message, a Security instructional film and a film to show the destinations available through this local airport. The Airport were delighted with the scripts and handed over full creative
control to the student team who went on to plan, film and edit the three individual films – which together accrued over 3,000 plays in the first week of going online. The security instructional film continues to be played at the terminal on rotation. This is a great example of how students from different skillsets can work together to produce a high quality creative product – and the humour and creativity injected into the films highlights the flair that Solent Creatives can bring to a project.
“Everything went well and the structure was kept from the beginning. It was good to work with different airport teams and students from various courses. We were able to advise and learn from one another and I’m really happy with the work that the team have produced.
Samin Saadat Film 2013
SOUTHAMPTON AIRPORT Film Production and Editing Students: Samin Saadat (Director), Tom Humphries (Creative Producer), Louise Fender (Production Assistant), Hannah De Mowbray (Make Up), Oliver Girling (Cameraman) and Ben Sutton (Editor)
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We have been thoroughly impressed by the professionalism of the students involved in this project from the initial creative ideas, through to their conduct during the filming in the airport and by the production quality. It’s been great working with them, and
we’re glad to have been able to help them develop their skills and add real projects to their portfolios.
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Jan Halliday, Director of Marketing & Communications Southampton Airport
” www. s olentcreatives. o rg
02380 319098
FAQS
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How much does it cost? We understand that not every business or project is the same, and consequently treat each assignment on an individual basis. Having an understanding of your budget will enable us to produce an hourly estimate based on our students’ level of skill and expertise. Our minimum suggested hourly rate is £7.50, which we feel is a fair estimation of a students’ skill level, whilst remaining competitively priced. Fixed rate projects are becoming increasingly more common, and a fee can be agreed with a member of Solent Creatives staff prior to assigning students to your brief. We expect all employers to cover expenses. We appreciate that charitable organisations and some projects may not have a budget attached and are always willing to discuss how any opportunity can be of benefit to our students so please do not hesitate to give us a call to discuss your requirements. All money attached to a project is paid directly to the student(s) – Solent Creatives does not take a commission and does not have the facilities to process any payments itself. Who will own the copyright? On completion of a project and on receipt of payment, all copyright will transfer to the employer as commissioner of the work. Solent Creatives and any assigned students reserve the right to feature completed work within portfolios and self-promotion campaigns. Students are not permitted to reuse work elsewhere for commercial gain. The student should provide you with a transfer of copyright form at the end of the project. In exceptional circumstances, the student may retain copyright and intellectual property if an agreement is made.
How long does a project take to be completed? Every project is different, and as a result so are the time scales. Students typically have to juggle their University degree, part time work and freelance assignments. We encourage our students and clients to set realistic project deadlines taking into account the busy lifestyle of a full time student and we appreciate employer’s support with this. For an average project, the timescale from initial enquiry to final sign off is typically between 1.5-3 months. Solent Creatives
What scale/size of project can I submit to Solent Creatives? The projects we take on are usually short term assignments, for example production of a promotional video, website design or rebranding. We are willing to discuss any project which may benefit our students, however, we may turn down an assignment if the scale is too large for students to complete alongside their demanding degrees. For medium sized projects, you may be assigned more than one student.
Are there any contractual or legal issues that I will need to consider? We have tried to make the Solent Creatives process as realistic as possible whilst providing students with a hassle-free start into the world of freelancing. Typically, a project brief Why is the University doing this? will be drawn up which details comAs part of the University’s commitment to encourage entremitments, deadlines and fees. This preneurship and improve employability, the Solent Creatives should be adhered to in order to descheme has been established. It is becoming increasingly more liver the project. Upon completion, the common for people to work in the media sector on a self-emstudent should provide you with a ployed, freelance basis. The agency provides students with transfer of copyright form to ensure a this kind of commercial exposure, at the same time building clearly defined ownership. strong, mutually beneficial links with businesses in the region. We must make it clear that these young people are undergraduates and cannot be held responsible for a piece of work that may have a detrimental effect on your business. It is up to you to ensure that their work is legal and fit for purpose especially as it is likely to be in the public domain. Likewise if their work results in extensive business growth they have no rights to any additional reward.
www. s olentcreatives. o rg
02380 319098
Are there any health and safety issues that I should consider? We anticipate that most of the work will carried out remotely, or ‘off site’. All of the students registered with Solent Creatives are aged 18 and above, avoiding the need for any special health and safety considerations outside the norm. How can I be assured of the quality of the work? Staff are available in-house to offer technical support and advice to students, and through our strict skills-matching processes we ensure that any student put forward for a project is capable of carrying the work out to the standard expected. Once a project is matched, we encourage both employer and student to work together closely to ensure a project is delivered to meet the requirements.
Solent Creatives
it’s Difficult to find the correct words that do justice to the piece of work that delivered for us. How about.... exceeded our expectations by light-years! Jonathan Pyle Finance and Operations Manager, Marks and Spencer West Quay, Southampton
www. s olentcreatives. o rg
02380 319098
Student talent, professional results, affordable rates join in the fun today! visit www.solentcreatives.org Layout and design by Sophie Awcock, Graphic Design 2013 sophieawcock@hotmail.c o.uk
www.behance.net/SophieAwcock