Studio
Canyon
posted on 28th April 2010
We are a creative consultancy with one clear purpose, to help organisations build great brands and strong businesses.
Canyon
Studio 2,
9 Inkerman Street St Kilda VIC 3182
Australia
+61 3 9534 1018
http://www.canyonbranddesign.com
Interview with Quentin Brown – Canyon
Tell us about your business. What do you do?
We develop brand strategies, create brand identities, and find the best ways to communicate a brand promise. I’d like to think, we do a lot of thinking! It’s about getting the right balance of ideas and execution. We are never boring because we never get bored.
Tell us a bit about you.
Growing up as one of 4 kids in the country provided me a work ethic and no bullshit foundation which is helpful when building a business.I graduated Monash Uni in 93, leaving straight after to travel the world. And travel I did, straight to the UK where I started working. A group sacking from a Regent Street pub led to the beginning of a career in design within a London based studio. I returned in 1996 happily entwined, continuing my career within design working with some of the top tier studios including Cato and more recently Cornwell. I am not defined by my work, but I enjoy it.
How big is your team, who are they and what do they do?
The team is 7, consisting of my business partner Mark Patterson who is the MD and myself. Scott James, our Design Implementation Manager, an extremely unique individual. Zoe Crawforth is our Client Services Director, a uniquely extreme individual. Paddy’s our junior designer, Dale is doing his IBL year, and Rachel is our bookeeper. We gear up with Freelancers when necessary. We work best when all parts of the business pitch in creatively, you can only do this if the normal guards are down in relation to defined roles. Ideas come from anywhere and anyone: identifying a good idea is the challenge.
Has the creative industry in Australia changed much since you first started?
The landscape has changed with the stalwarts of the industry having more competition than before. There is also a better understanding publicly as to the importance and contribution design makes to our everyday lives.
Tell us about your space.
Our studio looks out onto Inkerman street, a concrete floor and ceiling with plenty of height and light.
What projects inspire you?
Any project that puts us under pressure, the challenge to continuously produce great work is inspirational whatever the project.
What were the key moments in your studio’s history?
Starting a business during the GFC, getting the right people on board and winning a design award in our first year.
Are you doing any side projects or collaborations?
Yes, Leap is a bi-annual publication celebrating Melbourne's creative community in all its forms. As a creative hub we actively draw in skilled, but like minded people outside our studio.
What was your biggest failure?
Maths.
What are you most proud of?
Establishing a genuine and inspirational team, backing ourselves in creating a business where we get things done. The problem many studios have is they are paralyzed with intent, just get it out there.
What is your dream project?
One that keeps giving.
What music is playing in the studio right now?
Zombies.
What was the last book you read?
You shall know our velocity, Dave Eggers.
What inspires you?
Hopefully the young guns we employ!
Sorry, there are no comments. Why don't you start the talk?
Comments