Saatchi and Saatchi " The most creative global network in the world."

Brief IntroductionSaatchi & Saatchi is an well-known International Advertising Agency. Founded in 1970 and its based is in Paris. Today Saatchi has about 138 offices in 82 countries, consisting of approximately 7200 employees. Top ten Clients included, Toyota, Lexus, Procter & Gamble, Johnson and Johnson, Sony, Visa International and Kodak. The agency has achieved some prestigious records at the Cannes Advertising Festival; 4th in 1999, 3rd in 2000 and equal 1st in 2001.

Australian Based

Saatchi's Australian branch is located in Sydney.

Address: 70 George St. The Rocks NSW, 2000

The Advertising Agency in Sydney was established around 15 years ago. As time progressed Saatchi became to realise that they had design needs, and since they are the one who understand their clients best, a design studio was established 4 years ago. Unlike other large agency, Saatchi's design studio is rather small, consisting of 3 designers and a production manager. The design studio work with the advertising agencies clients as well as their own individual clients. Their design ranges from corporate to "funky " design.

Philosophy"Ideas are the currency of the futurethey solve problemsthey create opportunitiesthey entertainthey break down barriers they enrich lives."

For a long time in a graphic design field and advertising agencies, the main priority has always been consistent, whereby STYLE OVER CONTENT. A good graphic design falls into 2 categories:

1. visually appealing design but shallow in meaning

2. visually appealing design portraying strong concepts/ideas.

Saatchi believes that in every design project, the initial step is to have IDEAS and CONCEPTS, where STYLE = CONTENT. The main challenge for Saatchi is to deliver lots and lots of ideas that enables them to grow mentally, intellectually and surprise their clients beyond the expectation of the brief.

The Client"Saatchi's number ONE rule in dealing with clients is HONESTY and TRUST."

To build a client's trust, the designer has to be honest with their clients and their own work. They are always expressing to their clients that they are constantly "Thinking", and continually producing good standard design work. When dealing with clients, Saatchi develops a personal relationship, however does not question about client's ethics and morals. To gain the first contact to the clients Saatchi will send examples of their works to the clients or the company is chosen by the clients through a pick list.

Management and Work Environment."Teamwork"

Saatchi design team works collaborately from the beginning to the end of a project. They stress upon the idea of "Teamwork". With the idea working as a team, all creditation is shared equally within each member and thus this promotes confidence.

People involved in the production design work:1. Design team: 3 designers and 1 production manager.2. Agency client service person- bridge between creative and bossiness, deals directly with client, negotiates time and presents final work.3. Added sources services (only big production with high budget): photographer, illustrators, deal art buyers, freelancers, etc.

The budget and length of time assign depends upon each project. Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6 pm. "They believe in having a life outside of design work."

Structure of the companyAt Saatchi the hierarchy of the company is unusual compared to other companies.

Design studio structure

Head of Designer(20 years experience)

Graduate

Senior Designer(7-8 years experience)

Production manager(several years experience)

Designer(>1 years experience)

An Interview with Kevin Finn (senior designer)

"Designers are too serious."

BackgroundKevin Finn is Irish. He studied in Ireland for 4 years, 3 years Diploma in Business Print and 1 year Degree in Fine Art (conceptual base). After finishing his degree, Finn moved to Dublin and worked in 2 studios. One and a half years in corporate finance identity, and another one and a half years in music entertainment graphic with popular bands like U2. He later moved to New Zealand working in Design World Branding for one and a half years. Then freelance in Australia for one year in art, entertainment, and corporate identity. Finn came about working for Saatchi and Saatchi 2 years ago, initially starting off as a freelancer for 2 weeks. Finn is now a senior designer of the design studio at Saatchi in Sydney.

Finn's InspirationFinn's inspiration came mainly from personal interaction with the outside world (people, books, music, films, objects etc.) and lesser from any other designer. He believes in having a personal touch and that personal interpretation is crucial in design work. When Finn is faced with a mental block, he removes himself from his work and takes a break, either walking, traveling in a bus, reading a book or browses through magazines.

As he has had experience in working with different kind of environment, Finn says working within a small design team is best as you can build a more intimate relationship with co-workers and is able to gain a better grasp of the various stages of a production of a design.

What Finn enjoys most about designing is the challenge to solve a design problem and to come up with ideas that leads him to a final solution or outcome that he can be proud of. He loves the concept that design combines with the intellectual, the creative, and the visual mind all in one. What he hates about design is having "to make CRAPPY things look GOOD."

He believes that designers these days are too serious and needs to RELAX and HAVE FUN.

Young Designers"Successful designers is able to work in any design field."

Qualities that Finn look for in a designer:1. Personality2. Passion to design and to live.3. Fresh, keen and energetic with lots of ideas.4. Someone who can inspire him with something new.5. Sense of humour.6. Produce good standard designs.7. Open minded and flexible to ideas.

Advise and Tips for Young Designers:Be yourselfBe open mindedDevelop a portfolio that conveys your true self and styleDress smart casual when going to interviews and meetings with clients

Personal Reflection" We love it."

Even though Saatchi and Saatchi is situated in The Rocks, with a highly professional and sophisticated look, the people there are very down to earth and fun. We love the idea of having no distinct and fixed hierarchy system, where everyone works together as one and has a say in everything. This way, the relationship among the colleagues are closer and you can have more fun at work!

Christina Ngo, Daisy Fonda Latumahina, Lisa M Wijoyo, Ken Wong