Even award winning design work doesn’t guarantee victory.
But great work in the hands of the right candidate, with the right intentions, at the right time? Now that can make a difference.
Especially when an independent candidate takes on folks flying the colours of more established, national parties.
Without the heritage / support / good will (or bad will) of a larger party, an independent candidate can often struggle for air in the mayhem of an election.
(And trust me, as someone who’s also worked on a less-than winning design project for a parliamentary campaign, I can confirm that all “levels” of elections are laced with degrees of mayhem.)
So when Craig Reeves contacted me about a little support I jumped at the chance: great guy, right intention, perfect timing – I couldn’t resist rolling up my sleeves and getting into it.
Harvington and Norton Ward in the Wychavon District Council elections 2024. This is an early election as the former councillor became an MP in the 2024 General Election.
The ward was historically a safe conservative ward, with a solid Liberal Democrat showing. Fresh from the general election, Craig had a chance to change this.
We turned what some would perceive a visual weakness into a strength. As an independent there was no existing brand recognition beyond Craig’s face to face work.
In a landscape dominated by monochrome colour offers, and against a backdrop of independent campaigns that usually opt for their own colour, or black and white, we went for a combination of vivid blue and a yellow highlight. This was used on a foundation of white with black type.
As well as setting Craig’s materials apart from single colour campaigns, it felt assured and hopeful as a combination.
These colours were paired with a combination of modern sans serif headline type, and classic serif body copy. Reinforced by an upward angle, and shadow for depth, the headline copy felt fresh and forward thinking, while the body copy lent familiarity, readability, and authority to the piece.
Overall the piece felt clear, modern, and fresh – a representation of Craig’s approach to the campaign and his work as a councillor.
I can’t stress enough that this bit of graphic design didn’t win the campaign for Craig. His success is down to his own vision, drive and hardwork.
But I do believe that – as in most communications campaigns – solid, considered graphic design is a foundational element of success.
DC Design works has collaborated with me across a number of visual deliverables, from logo design, out of home advertising and animation. All work is approached with care and creative flare.
– Craig Reeves, Independent Councillor
