More about us (in case you wondered)

Having met at the University of Northumbria (in Newcastle-upon-tyne), Claire and Nick studied Graphic Design BA and graduated in 1997. After graduation they immediately moved down to London seeking their first jobs in the creative industries. Keen and excited to experience the “bright lights” and put their training into practice.

Claire was very quickly snapped up by Walker Books, the well-respected Children’s book publisher, who she had done a work placement with the previous summer. Hurrah!

Nick however took a little longer and after a few work placements, and loads and loads of interviews, was introduced by Vince Frost from Frost Design (now Frost*Collective) to his mates Nick and Ben – who by complete chance had recently set-up their own design company round the corner in Farringdon called NB: Studio, having both left Pentagram London. After a fantastic grounding Nick moved onto SAS Design (now MSL UK), and then to 300million to widen his experience and knowledge in corporate reporting and branding respectively.

Anyway, having both found work and settling into London life with all its challenges and excitement Claire and Nick lived in Hackney, and then Lewisham. They decided to get married, and had their first child before a few years later agreed the time had come to “move out”. Eventually settled in rural Kent where they still reside, with now two teenagers and a boisterous Irish terrier for good measure.

With home life as settled as it could be in a new place they soon decided to fly design solo, and went self-employed.

Press go!

Having initially both freelanced, Claire as a very successful paper engineer creating numerous amazing pop-up books. And Nick continuing in the London design scene for a range of design studios and clients. Their ambitions and ways of working began to evolve.

Claire created a range of paper products including gift cards and papercut artworks. Nick had begun to establish a small but impressive clientlist. The need to merge into one creative business was clear and the two strands were developed to run alongside one another in 2007.

Claire has in her own words “always been craft-inspired” and so she has refined and developed an amazing e-commerce shop called Love Poppet. Where customers can browse a range of gift ideas including wall art, cross-stitch patterns and all sorts of stitching goodies, kits and subscription boxes. Take the hint have a look!

The core Vincent Design Consultants side of the business continued to develop with a growing portfolio of work within the science and research sector, education and not-for-profit. Their focus today increasingly upon creating brands, print, digital and campaigns for thoughtful clients who try to create positive change in our society.

The journey of creating a small business and building it has obviously been very stressful but also truly life-changing. It has had many highs and lows. Which is perhaps a blog post for another day? Let us know here if you would be interested to know more.

The clichéd “journey” they have experienced has included so many obstacles and problems to be solved. Including planning and building their own office (or posh shed) within their back garden way before it was the norm. Which obviously during the pandemic enabled them to continue functioning seamlessly because they had unknowingly created the perfect ‘work bubble’ years before. And so when customers and clients wanted them they were still on-hand to offer much-needed support.

15 years… onwards and upwards

Fast forwarding to 2022 they both feel incredibly proud, and eternally grateful, to have reached their 15 year business anniversary. And still enjoy meeting and helping customers and clients with whatever important gifts and graphic design requirements / support they need.

But they are acutely aware more than ever that without the many amazingly loyal clients, brilliant followers and wider network of collaborators, colleagues and friends it would not be possible to do what they do so well. They really want to pass on the biggest thank you to each and every one of you!

Your support, inspiration, kindness and the occasional brilliant curve-ball request are what Vincent Design love about being a small creative business. Long may it continue… with you along for the ride too.

Warmest regards,
Nick & Claire