North Yorkshire-based design studio and web management agency Phunky Moo has worked across a range of sectors with brands ranging from BMW to CE Electric. This week, we put Adam Hill, Creative Director, under the spotlight to find out more...
Phunky Moo is an interesting name. What's the story there?
We wanted something that makes everyone smile when they see it. We bring a new approach to web design and wanted a name to represent that. Plus this gives a whole range of avenues for the brand in the future, as well as fun marketing ideas.
You graduated in Advertising and Design, having previously studied Television and Media. Tell me a bit more about your background and career path.
Early on, I was interested in art. In fact, I even managed to get my A-Level in Fine Art & Design two years early at school. From that point onwards, I just loved the idea of producing 'art' that everyone would see, which subsequently led me into advertising. I still get that same buzz now seeing a brand or product that I have designed in the public eye.
Is there a particular advantage to your being based in North Yorkshire rather than London? I imagine you can charge your clients less, for one thing!
Yes, that is a bonus. But funnily enough, at least half of our clients are based in and around London rather than on our doorstep. That being said, it's great to be in North Yorkshire. There are some truly unique businesses in a great setting – and there’s less in the way of competition; not that that has been a problem so far.
Does Phunky Moo rely on its reputation to get a constant flow of work, or do you have to actively seek it out to stay ahead of the competition?
Being a relatively young company, we don't have a huge reputation that allows us to rest on our laurels and let that generate work on its own. But we have had some amazing clients who keep coming back and refer us to other new and exciting businesses. We do a lot of networking to generate leads. We find it's the most effective way to let our relationships grow organically. It's always preferable to be able to put a face to a name.
You are quite a small team but you seem to like it that way. If work gets too much to keep up with, would you have to think about expanding? Or is the small dream team the way it's going to stay?
We love working as a small group, but it's equally important to expand. Over the last 12 months, we have grown to keep up with demand. It's about who we pick and what they bring to the table. That's what will make us a 'dream team'.
Is there such a thing as a typical day at work for you?
Not really. We have the day-to-day tasks like any normal studio but when running a management company, we have to be prepared for the worst. Fortunately, we work as a cohesive team to prepare for these events should they occur. Mind you, it would be nice to have a 'typical' day sometimes!
Do you think the job or the clients' requirements and expectations have changed over the years? If so, how have you adapted to that?
Yes, definitely; the evolution of design can show us this. From the early stages of print to the first variations of basic websites, and more recently towards mobile design and smart watches. We can't just focus on one area anymore; we need to know them all and that is what we strive to do.
What's your favourite type of project to work on?
I personally love the creative projects. It’s great to have a client that knows what they want, but even better when they don't. It gives us the opportunity to flex our creative muscles.
What has been the most challenging brief you've had?
We have had a few briefs that were difficult for their own reasons. I think the hardest group of projects are where a company is in desperate need of a re-brand, but is simultaneously afraid of change. This creates a battle of re-creating an old logo with the feeling of flogging a dead horse.
Has Phunky Moo won any awards?
As a very young company, not yet – but as individuals we are fortunate enough to have an 'award-winning' team. From UK Headline Awards, Photography Awards and then to Website Awards everyone has their niche area and list of plaudits, and we’re very proud of that.
Has this helped the company’s profile and secured you more work?
Definitely, but not because of the reputation this has given us. They’re just a great opportunity to network and meet other businesses. So as a result of that networking, we now have some long-standing business relationships as a result.
Has there ever been a time when a project just went completely pear-shaped?
It does happen and we're not ashamed to admit it. No company has ever achieved success without making mistakes, and we’re no different. Working with businesses where their whole infrastructure is based on a digital platform has posed issues in the past: certain things they wanted simply weren't technically possible. So this did create tension and, in this unique case, we pulled the plug.
Tell me about your upcoming projects. What's on your agenda over the next few weeks?
We have some exiting projects in the pipeline. We’re working on a new blog-based charity website and full branding to go with it, as well as some exciting marketing strategies for a new PR and social media company. The run over Christmas should be fun.
Finally, what are Phunky Moo’s long-term plans?
We have big plans for next year, new employment opportunities, new products and services and some fun internal projects to kick off some big plans for 2017. We’re looking forward to what the future holds for Phunky Moo, and the challenges we’ll encounter along the way.
Ashley Morrison was interviewing Adam Hill, Creative Director
Ashley is a copywriter, editor and blogger
