We’re celebrating the return of our ever-popular ‘Free Design Giveaway’, by looking back at previous winners, and how their chosen project impacted their businesses…

2020

The giveaway was first launched back in 2020, as a way for PHd Design to help support those businesses who were struggling under the weight of the global pandemic. Out of the entries received, one stood out having been hit hard by lockdowns – ‘The Olde Peculiar’. This pub based in Handsacre, had a tremendous history and real ambition. And following a long period without investment, the owners wanted to give the pub branding and signage a makeover – ready for when lockdown ended, and they were able to welcome back customers. However, in close second place was ‘Gina’, a charity providing support to victims of rape and sexual abuse. When we discussed with them the work that they do and the impact it has – we knew we had to help them, so we extended our offer of a free design project – which they gladly accepted.

Both rebrands were fantastic projects for our team, giving them a chance to really flex their creative muscles.

The Olde Peculiar

The Olde Peculiar opted to receive a full rebrand, which included a new logo, signage design and menu design. We think you’ll agree that the results look fantastic!

“We’re very proud of our village pub, being established in 1700 we have a lot of history, character and appeal, but our image looked a little tired. Now… with the help of the team at PHd, our new logo, branding and signage grabs people’s attention, complementing our already superb venue. We’re so pleased with the sensitive re-brand perfect for us, and our customers!”
-Corrine O’Donnell, Owner

GINA

The team at GINA, opted for a full rebrand, hoping that a vibrant new brand would help to build awareness of the charity and their work. The rebrand was certainly a success, and awareness of the charity has greatly increased since 2020. Most recently they have collaborated with actress Emily Atack as part of a BBC documentary exploring sexual harassment.

“We wanted to bring a totally different spin to our sector through our brand; we want to bring colour, eccentricity, intrigue, and just a tiny sprinkling of the good kind of ‘crazy.’ This might sound weird (to have ‘fun’, ‘colourful’ quirky branding for an organisation in our sector); however, we believe that our sector needs this element of vibrancy and something unique (it needs the colour, brightness, joy and hope). Not much to say PHd other than, we LOVE THESE!”
-Lisa Thompson, Chief Executive Officer

2021

Our team agreed that for the 2021 giveaway, we wanted to do things a little differently. This time the competition would be open only to those businesses within the food and drink industry. One entrant in particular caught our attention, with their application requesting a fresh new look. They explained that their products had been rejected by stores, potential customers and the wider target audience. The feedback she had received confirmed that the existing branding and packaging were to blame.

Naturally Heavenly Chocolates

Like many startup’s their initial branding and packaging choices were ‘bootstrap’ selections. With a friend designing the original logo and the packaging being the cheapest available. After having taken the time to understand the businesses ethos, the importance of sustainability and budget restrictions – PHd put together a low cost, multi-functional packaging solution. And using our contacts we were able to source an eco-friendly packaging for the same price per unit as the previous packaging.

“Within a few weeks I was receiving invites from vegan events and companies who had rejected me previously. I’ve been invited to an ’emerging food business’ stand at the BBC Good Food Show, and I’m in discussions with numerous retail units and farm shops who are asking to stock my products.”
“There has been an 80% increase in sales in the 4 months following the rebrand. Social media followers increased by 144% in the first 3 weeks alone, and many people visiting me at markets said that they had seen the brand on social media and wanted to come and say hello and make a purchase.”
-Tina, Owner

2022

2022 was a landmark year for PHd Design, in which we not only celebrated 30 years of design excellence – but also taking home an international design award for our rebrand of Titanic Brewery. To celebrate, it seemed only fitting to run the giveaway not once, but twice this year…

Staffordshire Gin

Staffordshire Gin caught our attention with their unusual request, they were looking for a unique packaging design to house their upcoming limited edition gin. Our team put pencil to paper and began fleshing out initial designs that would compliment their existing branding, whilst highlighting the uniqueness of their new gin. We were also able to source an affordable print company that could accurately print highly detailed designs onto textured paper.

We’ve had to keep this fantastic design under our hats for some time, but now that the ‘Hertiage Edition’ gin has been officially launched, we’re pleased to share the end result.

Military Chef

Our second giveaway of the year received some great applications, but our team were blown away by the enthusiasm of ‘Military Chef’. A former armed forces chef had set up shop selling chocolate and other sweet treats, and was now looking for a full rebrand to help make his business stand out from the competition.

Our team gave their existing logo a full redesign, making it more professional, whilst still embodying the military essence. We then redesigned their packaging to fit the new branding. The new designs proved to be very popular with customers.

Our 2023 Giveaway is Live

If you’d like to be in with a chance to win a free design project from our award-winning design team – you’re in luck – our 2023 giveaway is open to applicants until 22nd February 2023. To be in with a chance of winning simply head to the competition page by clicking here and fill out the application form.

Looking for Design Support?

If you are considering working with a design agency, PHd Design might be the right fit for your business and brand’s needs. Our award-winning design team have been delighting clients for just over 30 years, and our studio is ranked in the top 100 of all creative agencies in the UK.

If you would like to learn more about working with us on your next infographic or design project, please get in touch.

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