Rufus» Gareth

University of Sunderland Design Degree Show

rufusshmufus — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:16:20 +0000

On 26th June, Sunderland University held their annual Graduate Degree Show at the university’s design centre galleries. This year, Rufus were asked to produce over 100 format display panels which featured students’ projects. The standard of work was exceptional and is already receiving national acclaim from events like New Blood and D&AD.

Of course, our two most infamous socialites Gareth and Graeme attended and helped themselves to nibbles and drinks whilst mingling with staff, students and friends. Gareth was especially happy to see a lot of the students he taught (being an academic tutor at the university) and wowed by the amount receiving first class honours. It was all down to him of course! (or so he tells us, ha-ha). A great night was had by all and thanks to Rob Burton for all of those drinks vouchers! So a very well done to all the students, and here’s to the class of ’09.

The face didn’t fit!

rufusshmufus — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:44:03 +0000

Last month we told you about our very own G-man being entered into the Sunderland Echo’s Face of 2009 competition. Unfortunately the G-man never made it through to the next stages but he is already preparing his assault for the Face of 2010 competition by walking around with cucumber slices on his eyes and ears!

It did not stop us making masks of his face though, in a weird Coronation Street moment and here are a few of us with them on!

The G-Force hits As You Like It

rufusshmufus — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:31:15 +0000

On the 28th of May, the G-Force (ie. Gareth and Graeme 2) were kindly invited to a Non-Bosses Free Food and Drink night by Codeworks Connect in conjunction with Thursday Fizz at As You Like It in Jesmond.

It was a networking event for anyone working in the creative, digital or media industries and consisted of free drinks and a range of Indian cuisines. There was also live music, retro games machines and a beer tasting competition. The lads had a great night, even though they nearly fell out over a game of connect 4!

There was a great atmosphere, loads of free drinks on arrival, a beer tasting competition and Connect Four… what more can you ask for!?

- Ninja Graeme

Sunderland Summer “Fire & Ice” Ball

rufusshmufus — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:36:50 +0000

Our good selves designed and printed all the materials for the ‘Fire & Ice” Ball at the Stadium of Light on the 9th May 2009. The Fire and Ice Ball (in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support and the SAFC Foundation) is one of the highlights on the city’s calendar and we were very kindly given a table which we used to not only wine and dine our staff but also some of our clients. It was a black tie affair, so we were looking swish as per usual… (cough cough).

A special thank you goes to Colin Ranson – Sunderland Council, Rob Burton – Sunderland University, Stuart Smith – Wood Holmes and Ian, Elaine, Gareth and Ninja Graeme for all coming and making it a cracking night.

It was great to see young Graeme win the star prize of the night, a large red triffid which he took home for his mam - Ian

Have a look yourself at the snazzy pics.

Smashing, Lovely, Super…

rufusshmufus — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:59:45 +0000

This month, we have had a great response from a desktop design created by our very own Gareth Davies called ‘Cultural Growth of Computers’. It has been highlighted by the highly recognised ‘Smashing Magazine’ as one of April’s Desktop downloads.

The graphic represents a time in history at a glance. Technology plays a massive role in the lives of all and we have represented this in it’s simplest form. - Gareth Davies, Creative Manager

The project was In partnership with Wood Holmes Group, a strategy, research, and futures company based in Newcastle with offices also in London and Manchester. The concept was produced to show the growth of computers and to present to school children across the region, portraying how fast technology has developed and discuss future directions which will undoubtedly effect both their lives and careers. The project has been a huge success and has already been shipped out to over 500 pupils each receiving their own A1 poster. Download the Cultural Growth of Computers desktop here.

Free Desktop – April 2009 – Cultural Growth of Computers

rufusshmufus — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:58:53 +0000

As featured in Smashing Magazine as one of April’s Desktop downloads.

With calendar

800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, iPhone

Without calendar

800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, iPhone

Mingling and Marketing

rufusshmufus — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:06:05 +0000

Alex 2 and Gareth will be heading out for the day on Thursday 20th November. We’re off to the Marketing Show at the Ramside Hall, where we’ll be setting out our stall and telling people a little bit more about what we do.

The event, which is organised by Network North, will provide a great opportunity for networking, interaction and mingling. Chris Hughes, one of the UK’s top inspirational speakers, will be talking about maximising your potential in business.

If you’re going too, why don’t you stop by our stall for a chinwag. We might have a few fun freebies under the counter too!

A creative change – meet Gareth

rufusshmufus — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:36:17 +0000

The Rufus massive is expanding at a rapid rate, which is great news. There’s a real buzz about the office, with creativity and general banter a-plenty.

The newest addition to our team is Gareth, previously of Change Design. Gareth joined us earlier this month as Creative Manager to head up the design team.

Already renowned for his networking capabilities, he’s settling in well, bringing a new dimension to the team (and a few new orange bits of furniture too).

He’s a big fan of Jon Burgerman and chilli pickle.

Give us some Urban Space

rufusshmufus — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:30:37 +0000

Rufus has just completed a full brand identity project for Urban Space, a father and son property development company based in Sunderland. The first of their developments, ’33 Nile Street’ has just launched in Sunniside, the up and coming ‘hub’ of Sunderland City Centre.

Our in-house photographer, Paul, has created an image gallery for the development and Gareth Davies, Rufus’ creative manager has overseen the creative work including a marketing brochure, exterior marketing banners and a suite of advertisements. A website is also being developed by Vince, our web development manager. Watch this space and we’ll let you know when it’s live.

The apartments are already selling ‘like hot cakes’, due to the high spec interior fixtures and fittings and overall quality of the development – a cut above any other development in the city.

Marc Kennedy, the son of the development-duo, thinks they’ve found their USP – “We’re not in it for making a huge profit by using low cost materials. We want our properties to stand out in the crowd so we don’t scrimp on the finishings.”

Father, Tom Kennedy said, “The apartments are still affordable, that’s the key. They should appeal to the young professionals who like a bit of class. Sunniside is really taking off and we’re really pleased to be a part of it.”

These urban pads ooze class and the high end brand names of the kit used, such as Porcelanosa tiles, Smeg appliances and Roca bathroom furnishings speak for themselves.

Need some Urban Space?…Take a look for yourself…

View more photos at Flickr