2020: Our Year in Review
Boy, oh boy! What a year it’s been. Nearly everything has been shadowed by COVID-19! This just isn’t fair. Why let it steal the show? We should be taking this time to recognise our achievements and the positivity that occurred during 2020. What’s your top accomplishment from the last 12-months?
At the end of 2019, we set a Buttercrumble mantra: “when you focus on the good, the good gets better”. This was set whilst blissfully ignorant of what was to come. Yet, it made sense and was a godsend during tough times.
So now we take the time to reflect — what was good? Here’s our 2020 Year in Review, written by Buttercrumble’s co-founder, Abigail.
January: Uncovering Family History at the Hepworth
At the beginning of 2020, we published our story of discovery. We uncovered a surprising family connection with the Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield. We visited on numerous occasions without realising a piece of our family history was stored in the archive. It was our Great Granddad’s painting! Click here to find out more about this story.
February: Leeds Libraries x Nick Sharratt: The Story Bus
We supported Leeds Libraries by producing creative campaign collateral for their new Story Buses. The buses, named Sam and Nelly featured imagery from renown illustrator, Nick Sharratt. This was super exciting, as Sharratt has always been an inspiration to us! Furthermore, we love this project because the buses allow children access to a range of free reading resources.
March: National Saturday Club Masterclass and Seasalt Cornwall Event
March was busy with events (before the country went into full lockdown)! We hosted a creative masterclass at the University of Leeds for the National Saturday Club (above left image by Magnus Andersson). This was special as we are alumni to both; we were able to reflect on our journey. Click here to find out more about this story.
We also illustrated at a new store opening in Hexham. This is the third store we have performed at for Seasalt Cornwall. It’s always a pleasure to perform live illustration for a brand that truly supports artists. Here’s a huge thanks to Seasalt!
April: Virtual Visioning Branding Bootcamp with the Old Bank Residency
To support other businesses and freelancers during COVID-19, we hosted a free workshop in partnership with Old Bank Residency. We equipped workshop participants with creative inspiration, empowerment and knowledge around branding.
Old Bank Residency is a supportive place for people using business as a force for good. Something we can wholeheartedly back!
May: Akila Dolls Featured in Yorkshire Post
In 2020, we created concept art, branding, a lookbook and packaging designs for Akila Dolls. Olivia, the mum behind the start-up brand, is producing a line of diverse and disability dolls. This project was kickstarted after she was unable to find a doll that represented her daughter. The aim is to bring Caribbean, African, Hispanic, Indian and Chinese dolls to market.
The creative imagery allowed Akila Dolls to spread brand awareness and gain important press coverage. To read the Yorkshire Post article, click here.
June: BiPC Empowering Branding Workshop
The workshop theme continues! We partnered with the Business & IP Centre (BiPC) to host our Empowering Branding workshop. During this session, we shared a variety of “quick wins” that small businesses can take on board to refine their strategy and elevate their brand image.
We’re pleased to announce we will be partnering with the BiPC again in 2021. Please follow their events’ page for further updates.
July: Hospital Rooms Fundraising and CWB Diversity Feature
With coronavirus in mind, Buttercrumble designed a limited edition collection of face masks. 100% of the profit made from these face coverings was donated to charity, Hospital Rooms (no. 1168101). Hospital Rooms work closely with the NHS Trust, patients and artists to transform mental health hospitals with high-quality artwork.
To continue our advocacy, we wrote a feature article for CWB. It was about diversity and inclusivity within the practice of design. It’s important to remember that design plays a massive role in promoting diversity and inclusion, and this should start from a young age. To read more about this, please click here.
August: Mamas & Papas Campaign Launches
Buttercrumble helped Mamas & Papas (a household name) communicate their campaign, “Streets Ahead!” for the Strada pushchair.
Buttercrumble supported the advertising through a quirky, monochrome illustrated skyline. The illustrations were implemented as a multi-channel campaign, in‑store, on-line, and social media. It was super exciting to see our illustrations incorporated within Mamas & Papas’ visual merchandising across the UK.
September: Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year: Regional Win
During a challenging year, Buttercrumble was delighted to be named 2020’s Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year. We represented the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Click here to find out more about this story.
October: Commissioned by The Dots and Pinterest
Buttercrumble was featured by The Dots after being commissioned by Pinterest UK. The organisations partnered up to commission 20 creatives (including ourselves) to reimagine what Christmas looks like by making ad concepts for top brands. It was amazing to be involved! Thank you to the team involved.
November: Launch of My 1st Years Book
We have always wanted to release an illustrated children’s story book. This year, our wish came true! In November, we witnessed the launch of our customisable Christmas book, commissioned by My 1st Years. Parents were able to gift their little one a book, featuring the child as the main character! We had a lot of fun illustrating and writing the story during the lockdown. It just shows what remote teams can produce. Watch this space...
December: SPARK Bootcamp
Our last masterclass of the year was for the University of Leeds and SPARK students. The SPARK scheme helps students set-up their own businesses whilst studying. We are proud to be alumni of this amazing initiative too! The above image (right) shows a snapshot of our degree show.
The theme of workshops and masterclasses was prominent this year as we hosted six different sessions in total. It’s key we can continue to support other SMEs and students with their visions for the future.
That’s it for this year’s round-up!
Remember, don’t be too hard on yourself. The greatest wealth is health, so take care. Better times are ahead, and this sunny outlook on life can help you through the darkest days.
With everything considered, our mantra for 2021 will be: “be the change you wish to see in the world”. What do you wish for?
