Airside
Airside was set up in 1999 by Nat Hunter, Fred Deakin and Alex Maclean, three already successful creative individuals with much sought-after skills in interactive design who were looking for a more experimental and creatively stimulating way of working.
Being one of the few companies at that time with the capabilities to create a full web site Airside became very successful without having to compromise their creative principles. They quickly gained a reputation for producing original, exciting work which was only strengthened by Fred's other role as one half of music duo Lemon Jelly.
But as the video clip shows, this initial success came at a price. As Airside had never needed to seek out work they never felt the need to create a contingency plan in case the work dried up. In 2003 it did.
Faced with the prospect of risking collapse or adapting to the world of advertising agencies they took a leap of faith, pitched to major agencies and became disciplined and structured in their approach.
They found this strengthened rather than weakened their creativity and helped them as a company. This change in focus culminated in Airside winning the Design Week TV Graphics Award and also Best of Show Award in January 2006.
Airside was set up in 1999 by Nat Hunter, Fred Deakin and Alex Maclean, three already successful creative individuals with much sought-after skills in interactive design who were looking for a more experimental and creatively stimulating way of working.
Being one of the few companies at that time with the capabilities to create a full web site Airside became very successful without having to compromise their creative principles. They quickly gained a reputation for producing original, exciting work which was only strengthened by Fred's other role as one half of music duo Lemon Jelly.
But as the video clip shows, this initial success came at a price. As Airside had never needed to seek out work they never felt the need to create a contingency plan in case the work dried up. In 2003 it did.
Faced with the prospect of risking collapse or adapting to the world of advertising agencies they took a leap of faith, pitched to major agencies and became disciplined and structured in their approach.
They found this strengthened rather than weakened their creativity and helped them as a company. This change in focus culminated in Airside winning the Design Week TV Graphics Award and also Best of Show Award in January 2006.
