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"Build" From Scratch

By Behance Team

Postcards for Build/Commonwealth On/Off exhibition, curated by Maxalot

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"Build" is a London based graphic design studio founded by Michael & Nicky Place in 2001. Build's projects cover a wide range of media including editorial work, music and product packaging, advertising, typography, and websites. Behance caught up with Nicky, Build's Project & Studio Manager, to learn more about Build's business.

Like most success stories, Michael & Nicky got started on their idea right away and took advantage of early opportunities. When asked about the start-up mode, Nicky explains, "We just got on with it! We were fortunate enough to be asked to produce a piece for Idea Magazine (Japan) really early on. We produced a travel supplement based on our 10-month trip around the world; it was after this trip that we came home and started Build. We got to work with several other magazines early on producing really interesting stuff and this helped to make our ideas reality."

The Build team makes ideas happen one action at a time. "Its a simple old fashioned trick of a daily list. Crossing tasks off feels good. Anything not completed gets bumped to the next day. Also iCal is a huge help."

When Build got started, they were a brand new studio building a portfolio in a style quite different from their past work. One of their greatest challenges was starting with no portfolio. Nicky's advice for those of us starting from scratch is "to agree to do jobs for very little money (in exchange) for full creative freedom- basically get the client to put all their budget into the production/printing, and then you get a great piece for your portfolio."

The Build team grounds their creative process with a few simple business principles. As she explains it, "its easy to overlook (the business basics) in the pursuit of creative excellence, but the simple rule is pay attention, it will get you in the end! ...don't neglect the nuts and bolts of business. It's so boring but essential in allowing you to pursue your creative ideas. Also, don't spend too much time poring over coffee table design books, nice as they are, looking for ideas to steal, find your own way to say what you need to say."

Build has a simple mission. The team wants to be "successful designers, in a successful business." As Nicky explains it, "For us, a 'successful business' is one that survives by doing what we love to do as much as possible. We don't want great riches, but some Dieter Ram's 606 shelves would be nice..."

More Links on "Build"

Interview with Michael Place on Kriskrug.com

Creative Fields

Graphic Design

Contact Info

Build

www.design...ybuild.com

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Posted On

February 28th, 2007 | E-Mail to a Friend E-Mail This

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undoredo on 3.1.07

I've seen very few portfolios put so well together. I guess sacrificing big part of the profit and putting it into production really made a difference. I find that clients always want the best result but don't understand how important is to budget a decent amount for production. At the end the details make all the difference. This seems to be the perfect way to show your potential clients what you are capable of. All my respects.

alejandroq on 2.28.07

I have been watching these guys for so long. Amazed by their work. Not a surprise, its all about the love. I think their TM is "Print to Love." Appropriate.