2023: Our Year In Review
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s only natural to reminisce about the past twelve months. The year’s motto was “See the world in pink” because we wanted to embrace a young-at-heart spirit. Our studio has been in the pink of condition as we’ve entered our sixth year — where has the time gone? It has been a rollercoaster (to say the least). We’re appreciative of the support that’s propelled us through 2023!
January: Exhibiting at Playtime Paris for Light+Nine
We’ve loved the brand, Light+Nine ever since we met at the Playtime trade show in January 2019. Since then, we’ve delighted in creating numerous designs to support product development and marketing. So, we were thrilled to return to the show in January 2023 as proud ambassadors. Our presence boosted sales and foster new buyer relationships.
February: A Visit to G . F Smith
Buttercrumble visited Hull to catch-up with a special design partner, explore the city, and visit paper merchant G . F Smith! We love a day trip! Paper (in all forms) is exciting — the possibilities are endless. Thank you to the team there for an inspiring tour.
March: The Progression Conference
The University of Salford welcomed us alongside several design speakers for the Progression Conference at the New Adelphi Theatre. We shared our insights with the students and provided support around starting your creative practice following graduation.
To add to the excitement, we hosted a Spring Social at the Buttercrumble HQ, Bowcliffe Hall, to celebrate our clients.
April: Start Me Up Day
We gathered alongside other entrepreneurs at Tileyard North for Start Me Up Day. AD:VENTURE (a business support programme) hosted the event to support local businesses. It was a pleasure to be invited as we received assistance from the programme in our early days! Buttercrumble gave back by sharing guidance with fellow delegates and we thoroughly enjoyed the networking opportunities.
May: Seasalt Meadowhall
Seasalt Cornwall celebrated the new store opening at Meadowhall, and we were there to join them! We happily illustrated customers and provided them with stylish portraits. Given the success of the day, we were invited back to illustrate for Seasalt in August. However, this time, we travelled to Aberdeen!
May was super busy as we also participated in Wakefield Council’s WordFest and facilitated several creative workshops for children.
June: We Returned to Playtime Paris
Our return trip to Playtime Paris followed the success of January’s visit. We helped to design the booth and market the products. We acted as brand ambassadors for Light+Nine again and promoted the innovative and cute accessories over the show’s three-day duration.
July: Building Communities of Influence
We performed visual note-taking at the BME Early Career Researcher Hybrid Conference. The University of West London and the University of Leeds partnered to host the event. It celebrated and encouraged diversity and inclusion within higher education and research institutions.
It was a productive month for visual note-taking as we then performed for Leeds Beckett University and Spectrum People Charity.
August: The Wakefield Exchange Hoarding Illustration
We’re excited about the Wakefield Exchange (WX) development because it will feature creative business spaces and events. It will connect cultural organisations, entrepreneurs and students within West Yorkshire.
It was a delight to create an artwork inspired by our roots in Wakefield, which adorned the hoardings outside the site on Union Street. We’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with Wakefield Council in 2024.
September: Content Batch Brunch for Leeds Digital Festival
The Content Batch Brunch supercharged the marketing strategies of those who participated. It was a brilliant, hands-on workshop in partnership with Audience for Leeds Digital Festival. Together, we helped other organisations improve their branding and social media strategies.
October: It’s Time for Design Thinking!
We spoke for the UK Government’s Design System Day 2023 and The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Earlier this month, We shared how branding is a design system that can offer confidence. It's a helping hand when creating new assets for your organisation. Consistency is key!
November: The Unveiling of the Neville Street Gallery
In November, we saw our mural unveiled on Neville Street, Leeds. It celebrates the rich history, vibrant life, and diverse culture of Leeds. It's part of an outdoor exhibition that explores the city's past, present, and future. It touches on culture, industrial heritage, music, nature, and the wonderful people of Leeds.
December: The University of Leeds’ Official Festive Card
Thank you so much to the Advancement Team at the University of Leeds for inviting us to design their annual festive card. We are so grateful for the support of the University and enjoy being proud ambassadors.
The design features a snowflake motif, finished in red foil. It’s a classy design which acknowledges the magic of the season. Happy holidays!
Thank you so much for all your support. Community is everything to us because Buttercrumble would cease to exist without you. You keep the creative spark ignited!
What will our motto be for 2024? We want to manifest confidence, so repeat after us: “Rise and shine”. We’re ready to take on the world. Would you like to stay in touch? Please sign up to the Grapevine below.
