FMP - First meeting with S.A.M

Today I met up with Ben Stringer (managing director) Rob Biss (managing director) and Sam Schiffer (Assistant manager) of SAM - The Sussex Academy of Music...

SAM is a new music tuition Academy on Shoreham seafront, catering for anyone and everyone. I emailed them at the start of the new year and they seemed keen to support me with my FMP in creating advertising for them. I am glad I decided to work with them - After a meeting with them today that could not have gone better, things seem very promising.



I arrived early whilst they were having their lunch - They decided to start the meeting anyway - very friendly people, and the meeting felt very casual and relaxed. The timing is perfect for them, as my work should be finished in time for the new term at schools and colleges. They were very impressed with the work I showed them, they described it as 'fresh' and they were keen to see that I had paid and made the effort to get things printed/made to a finish. They liked the serious quality of the designs with the fun, comedy aspect that could appeal to schools.

The company has been in trade for 4 months, and was set up about a year ago by Ben and Rob. The budget to date has been around £125,000 and they have endorsements and support from top end suppliers in the music trade. Through their contacts they can provide free professional printing which could be very handy.

What we discussed at the meeting were issues such as where the company wants to go in the future and what work they would like me to produce. They hoarded me with loads of their existing advertising (which I will post later) and explained to me what they didn't like about it. The only feature that will remain the same is the company logo, which is pretty tight in it's design.

SAM would like t0 -

• Work within schools/colleges within the next year.
• Get more people on board and start making a profit.
  
• Work with the NHS for people with special needs.
• Possibly work with the police force to get people away from crime with music.

They clearly stated that they did not have the time to create decent and fresh advertising, and they are not only excited to work with me for both our benefit, but they also said they would be keen to have me working with/ for them in the future - especially with other organizations like the NHS. They currently have the support of the EBP (educational Business partnership) and Adur council.

The work they require -

• A campaign to promote the awareness of the company.
  

• Themed templates for all advertising/documents...
  

Such as 'Rock', 'Jazz' etc... Diverse for their different audience range.

• Striking Pdf artwork/advertising to send in an email...

To get attention of schools etc, and get admittance and recognition. Work that 'says everything' about the company in one image.

• Artwork that could be applied to existing website.
  

They want a consistant corporate identity and house style, but they also want the diversity they have seen in my work examples. I've arranged to have weekly meetings with SAM as and when we are both free. This could be a very exciting project...

I left them a copy of my 'comic book' design CV, forgot to leave them a CD with my work on it so I will post it to their address next week.

Ashley