Phew! Hello 2019, how lovely it is to see you. This time last year our mantra was, “go the extra mile, it’s never crowded”. Did we stand by our words? It’s time to reflect, here’s our 2018 year in review!

York is a city of beauty, talent and heritage, so it’s no surprise they have their own Culture Awards evening, hosted by Make It York. York Culture Awards is an annual celebration of the city’s best cultural and arts organisations and events. We were so excited to be invited to record the event through the power of illustration.

It’s the season for giving, and we can’t wait to share the festive cheer! One way we love to do this is through Christmas cards. When we receive a beautiful and thoughtful card, it can brighten our day. This is especially true for the cold winter season we’re currently facing.

As designers, we always aim to embrace the best designs. Paperless Post always has a gorgeous selection of cards, so we know we can rely on them. They collaborate with a range of creatives from Rifle Paper Co to Red Cap Cards. From recently browsing their site, we discovered some festive trends which will truly inspire our Christmas. It’s time to deck the halls!

You’re waiting in line for your morning latte, at your favourite coffee shop, when the adjacent customer catches your attention. “Oooh, I do love that scarf” she chirps. You proudly respond, “Thank you!”

That one compliment has made your day. You wouldn’t have dreamt of ignoring it. Yet, kind comments are being ignored every day on social media and it’s affecting brand equity.

We watched the world change before our eyes from the comfort of our aeroplane seats. The Yorkshire rain and wind battered our window on departure and the Costa Blancan sun warmed us on arrival. Jávea - a small coastal town - was our home for October.  The pleasant, picturesque beaches and homes are overlooked by Monte Mongo. The residents chirp happily from their balconies and the scent of tapas and coffee saunters the streets. The town is not dissimilar from familiar Benidorm and Alicante although it’s main difference is the lack of high-rise hotels and apartments.

When Acorn & Pip approached us to create a fresh brand identity for their new concept store, we couldn’t wait to start designing. After a few months of planning, research and labour, we were so excited to visit their Slaithwaite shop. This is now a stylish go-to destination within the village, where families can relax, drink coffee, shop, meet and play. Community is at the core, and this is a value that Buttercrumble shares.