Sunday, 27 April 2014

OUGD502 Life's a pitch: Barcelona research

OUGD502
PPP2
LIFE'S A PITCH
BARCELONA RESEARCH


Where we work and why?

Barcelona is one of Europe's best city for business and is the fastest improving European city, with growth improved by 17% per year. Barcelona is also one of the world's leading tourist, economic, trade fair/exhibitions and cultural-sports centres, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities.

Benefits of Working in Barcelona








What are the cultural and design considerations of working in Barcelona?

Culture of Barcelona

Barcelona's culture stems from the city's 2000 years of history. To a greater extent than the rest of Catalonia, where Catalonia's native Catalan is more dominant, Barcelona is a bilingual city: Catalan and Spanish are both official languages and widely spoken. Since the arrival of democracy, the Catalan culture (very much repressed during the dictatorship) has been promoted, both by recovering works from the past and by stimulating the creation of new works.

Museums
The National Museum of Art of Catalonia possesses a well-known collection of Romanesque art, including wall-paintings from Romanesque churches and chapels around Catalonia that have been transferred to the museum, Gothic art from the 13th–15th centuries, Renaissance and Baroque art from the 16th-18th centuries, Modern art from the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century, as well as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection.

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, usually known as MACBA (acronym of Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona), focuses on post-1945 Catalan and Spanish art, though it also includes foreign works. Adjacent to the MACBA, the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, or CCCB, hosts temporary exhibitions, a cinema, concerts and other cultural events.


Architecture




The Barri Gòtic ("Gothic Quarter" in Catalan) is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Many of the buildings date from medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. Other historical areas include El Raval and El Born.

Catalan modernisme architecture (often known as Art Nouveau in the rest of Europe), developed between 1885 and 1950 and left an important legacy in Barcelona. A great number of these buildings are World Heritage Sites. Especially remarkable is the work of architect Antoni Gaudí, which can be seen throughout the city. His best known work is the immense but still unfinished church of the Sagrada Família, which has been under construction since 1882, and is still financed by private donations: as of 2007, completion is planned for 2026. Other examples of his work are the Palau Güell, thePark Güell, the Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and the Casa Batlló. Many turn-of-the-century buildings were constructed in the context of the huge widening of the city which came with the construction of Eixample and the incorporation of other municipalities into a larger Barcelona. This was based onIldefons Cerdà's linear mid-19th century urban plan, which was revolutionary at the time and which is still notable for allowing new architecture to be built on unused ground.

Another notable architect was Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who designed the Palau de la Música Catalana, the Hospital de Sant Pau and the Casa Lleó Morera. Josep Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Ametller can also be seen on Passeig de Gràcia. Adolf Florensa, one of the first architects to adapt structures from the Chicago School, was in charge of many original works in Via Laietana, the Palace of Communications and Transports of the 1929 World Exposition and most especially the new urban plan of the Gothic Quarter.

Since the constructive work done for the 1992 Summer Olympics and with grand-scale urban regeneration taking place in time for the 2004 Universal Forum of Cultures, Barcelona has become a center for avant-garde architecture, starting with the Hotel Arts and its twin the Torre Mapfre. Among those works, the Torre Agbar is one of the ones that has caused more disparaging opinions. As a result of its unusual shape, the building is known by several nicknames, such as "el supositori" (the suppository), "l'obús" (the shell) and some more eschatological ones.

Barcelona won the 1999 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for its architecture, the first (and as of 2011, only) time that the winner has been a city, and not an individual architect.

Transport

There are two airports within the Barcelona which is Gro is Girona airport which is under an hot away from the city and the BCN is Barcelona airport. The use of two airport allows international affairs for the company to be easier for travelling.

Language

In Barcelona there are two official languages: Catalan and Spanish. Next to Catalunya there are other territories where the Catalan is used: the Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands and part of Aragon, the Franja de Ponent. It is the only official language in Andorra and its use extends to the south of France and the city of Alghero, Sardinia. As a result, it is calculated that there are a total of nine million people that speak Catalan and 11 million that understand it. The Catalan is the ninth most spoken language in the European Union.

Wednesday, 23 April 2014

OUGD502 PPP2: Life's a pitch Research

OUGD502
PPP2
LIFE'S A PITCH
RESEARCH AND RESOURCES

http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/starting-your-own-design-business

http://www.creativebloq.com/career/start-a-studio-3122745

How to be a graphic designer with out loosing your soul - Adrian Shaughnessy 



This book was really useful for tips and advice for setting up a business, as well as important information on costing.





OUGD502 Life's a pitch: roles and responsibilities

OUGD502
LIFE'S A PITCH
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Bobby:  - My roles include leading the communication design, interactive design, and concept forward thinking in any work assigned. I also guide my team with skills and experience related to graphic design. Some examples of my work can include visual layout, brainstorming, and copy writing."
Jasper: Art Director - "My role is to make sure that illustrators and production artists produce and complete their work on time and to the creative director or client's satisfaction. A major part of my role in the development of a project is to make decisions on the visual elements of the project, and by giving the final say on the selection of models, art, props, colors, and other elements."
Lizzy: Brand Identity Developer - "Brand identity design is concerned with the visual aspects of a company or organization’s brand or identity. Some of my roles in terms of design include creating a unique logo, or signage, and is then often integrated throughout all the elements of a company’s materials such as business cards, stationery, packaging, media advertising, promotions, and more."
Sam Visual Image Developer - "My roles is to develop images such as photography, 3D modeling, and image editing. My specialty is to aid web development, software development, or multimedia development in a job"
J'nae: Account Executive - My role is to bring more clients into the agency to increase revenue. I establish relationships with clients and closing deals being a direct link between the agency and the existing client, managing day-to-day affairs such as media placement, distributions, contract negotiation, etc and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Joe: Illustrator - "My roles include conceptualising and creating illustrations that represent an idea or a story through two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. I do drawings for printed materials such as books, magazines, and other publications, or for commercial products such as textiles, packaging, wrapping paper, greeting cards, calendars, stationery, and more."

Monday, 21 April 2014

OUGD502 Life's a pitch: Initial research

OUGD502
LIFE'S A PITCH
INITIAL RESEARCH

http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/starting-your-own-design-business

Design businesses appear to be easy to start until it’s time to find clients. Networking groups can be a source of clients, but the quality of work will retain customers over time. Every person who wishes to start a design business will not be successful just for having the idea. Take the time to work through these ten tips to make a good decision prior to starting a design business of your own.

1. Evaluate your personality

Some people are not cut out to work from a home office. The discipline to start work every weekday morning takes a special profile. If your source of ideas comes from other people, the ideas will run out early when working alone. Be honest with yourself and ask at least three other trusted advisors for their input.

2. Inventory your skills

Look closely at existing technology and determine the level of education that will be required to learn how to use the newest tools. To run a design business independently, you must possess more than eighty percent of all the skills necessary to be productive in each phase of development. Also, getting a masters of business administration is a good option if you would like to improve your skills.

3. Consider multiple funding sources

Your personal savings account may have enough for part of the funding, but serious consideration must be given to acquiring bank funding, angel investors and a start-up loan from the Small Business Administration. The application processes for each of these entities will better prepare you for the first year of business.

4. Assess competition

Starting a locally-focused design business is not as important with the availability of social networking. Location is not limiting for the creative designer who can communicate well in writing and on the phone. Certain types of design such as interior design require a local customer base with fewer competitors, but other design businesses can have a far reach. If your immediate area is saturated and your clientele must be local, consider a smaller community within comfortable driving distance.

5. Define the market

Previous professional experience will determine which markets are open to your services. Some knowledge of certain industries can be the springboard for your next venture. Start with what you know and gain a foothold in that area before moving into less familiar territory.

6. Write a business plan
A basic formula for developing a business plan is to write down your vision of the business in five years, which becomes your end point. Then write down how to get there in six month increments. Include income levels, location, employees, and number of clients in a plan that will guide you through the start-up stages of the business. More detail is better because the plan will provide more indicators of success.

7. Find professional advisers

Every business owner must have colleagues in similar businesses that can provide support and advice. A financial advisor can offer invaluable guidance to protect income from unnecessary taxes. An accountant is necessary to keep the business in line with tax laws. Supplier relationships are critical for the delivery of goods and services. All of these professionals can become clients when relationships are valued and maintained over time.

8. Create a portfolio
Potential clients will request a sample of your work. Develop the portfolio from former projects, but protect proprietary information by blanking out logos and trademarks. Your care with the property of former clients will convey volumes to potential customers who have innovative solutions that have not yet been introduced to the market.

9. Develop a brand

Professionally developed logos and slogans are valuable to the business that lasts over time. Brand consultants are valuable advisors because they can match your personality with the business image you wish to project. Include this initial expense in the start-up plan for the business.

10. Ask for referrals

Every time you complete a project, remind the client to refer other clients to you. Referral customers are almost as valuable as repeat customers. Meet with any referred customer within one week of receiving their name. Starting any business is challenging, but with proper planning and honest personal evaluation, your design business can grow into a viable business. Remember that economic activity is required for business growth so position your business where clients have needs. Endurance is important when starting a business so make sure the funding sources are open for at least a year to support your lifestyle in conjunction with the business venture.

Thursday, 17 April 2014

OUGD502 PPP2: Life's a pitch Finance and costing

OUGD502
PPP2
LIFES A PITCH
FINANCE AND COSTING

We decided that we would operate as a private limited company (limited by shares) but then realised that operating in spain may mean different business models, through research we found that it didn't make a difference.
  • Sole Trader/Sole Proprietor (Empresario Individual or Autónomo)
  • Partnership (Sociedad Civil)
  • Limited Liability Company (Sociedad Limitada/SL or Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada/SRL)
  • Public Limited Company (Sociedad Anonima /SA)
  • New Enterprise Limited Company (Sociedad Limitada Nueva Empresa/SLNE)
  • Co-ownership (Comunidad de Bienes/CB)

The standard Spanish Private Limited Company is the SL, the Sociedad Limitada and is very similar to the private limited company in other EU countries. The formation procedure normally takes two weeks and as an alternative; we can supply you with a ready made company. An SL company requires a registered office, this will initially be in Madrid, but is easily changed if required.

Incorporating a Sociedad Limitada (SL)

The formation procedures of a company is as follow:

Company Name

We apply for a company name certificate from the Mercantile Register, confirming that your company name is acceptable and not already registered. This certificate for company name clearance is important as it is given to the notary, and a copy is also given to your bankers and the tax authorities.

Share Capital

The share capital is €3000 and the shares can be issued for cash or through a donation of assets.
There is no public register of shareholders of a Spanish company, whilst the initial shareholders are stated in the deed of incorporation, any subsequent changes of shareholders are by a notarial deed, which is not filed at the Mercantile Register.
The shares of a Spanish limited company can be transferred at any time and are sold through signing an agreement in front of a Notary.

Registered Office

All Spanish SL's must have a registered office. You must select a Spanish registered office for your corporation.

VAT Number 

All Spanish companies have a VAT number when they are incorporated, so your company can trade immediately.
This VAT number is not on the VIES register, we can apply for registration on the VIES register, this normally takes up to 2 months.  



  • What are your costs, charges and financial considerations?
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=offices+in+barcelona&oq=offices+in+barcelona&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l3.5818j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=offices+to+rent+near+plaza+catalunya+barcelona&safe=off
http://www.instant-offices.es/centros-de-negocios/barcelona.aspx?source=googleuk21global&gclid=ck6g4bottb0cfzdktaodwd0atg
http://www.matchoffice.com/office/spain/catalonia/barcelona/?gclid=CMmfrLSTtb0CFQ_HtAodzzUA4w
http://www.transartists.org/studio-spaces


http://www.homesession.org/EN/01_philosophy/candidResid.php


Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar)€7
1/2 Kg (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast€3.66
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk€0.89
12 eggs, large€2.03
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes€1.51
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese€5.91
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples€1.86
2 kg (4,5 lb.) of potatoes€1.84
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket€0.80
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality€7
2 liters of Coca-Cola€1.67
Bread for 2 people for 1 day€0.96
Housing
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area€1,271
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat€131
Internet 8MB (1 month)€36
40” flat screen TV€480
Microwave, known brand, 800/900 Watt€89
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.)€4.95
Hourly rate for cleaning help€11
Clothes
1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar)€78
1 summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, ...)€26
1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or similar)€79
1 pair of leather business shoes€85
Transportation
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 140 CV 6 vel. (or equivalent), with no extras, new€20,242
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas€1.44
Monthly ticket public transport€46
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 Km. (5 miles)€14
Personal Care
Medicine against cold for 6 days (Frenadol, Coldrex, ...)€5.55
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...)€4.65
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.)€2.70
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.)€2.90
4 rolls of toilet paper€1.40
Tube of toothpaste€1.78
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city€14
Entertainment
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub€27
2 tickets to the movies€17
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats)€79
Dinner out for two in Italian restaurant with wine and dessert€52
1 cocktail drink in downtown club€9
Capuccino in expat area of the city€2.24
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.)€2.68
iPod nano 16GB€154
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans)€0.28
1 month of gym membership in business district€55
1 package of Marlboro cigarretes

http://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/barcelona-spain
!



Average and Median Monthly Salary Comparison in Spain in Graphic Designer

 Maximum: 6,000 EUR
 Average: 1,933 EUR
 Median: 1,300 EUR
 Minimum: 1,100 EUR

Graphic Designer VS Advertising / Grapic Design / Event Management VS All Jobs

Average Salary in Spain in Graphic Designer1,933 EUR
Average Salary in Spain in Advertising / Grapic Design / Event Management2,420 EUR
Average Salary in Spain (all jobs)2,639 EUR
http://www.salaryexplorer.com/salary-survey.php?job=54&jobtype=3&loctype=1&loc=203






- START UP COSTS -

  • 3000 euros for share capital.
  • start up costs - software licences - 3000 euros
                            - basic office supplies - 500 euros
                            - website domain - 200 euros
                            -  initial travel - 2000 euros
                            - business costs - 20,000 euros


  • each member invests 2,500 euros = 15, 000
  • santander (loan step up) - 15,000 - bank loan
............................................................................................

                            TOTAL - (28,700) rounded to 30,000 euros


- MONTHLY COSTS -
  • 60 euros per head per week = 60 x 6 = 360 euros shopping expensies x 4 weeks = 1440 euros                                                                                                                        - 240 pp
  • 60-80 euros per head per week = (avg.) 70 x 6 = 420 euros living expenses = 1680 euros                                                                                                                           - 320 pp
  • 300 euros per head per week = 300 x 6 = 1800 x 4 weeks = 7200 euros.
  • all have mac computers.
  • someone has a printer
  • monthly rent costs (including utility and internet costs) - 1600 euros / 6 = 266 pp
  • monthly insurances per head per month - approx 300 euros x 6 = 1800 euros - 300 pp
  • travel per head per month - 150 euros x 6 = 900 euros - 150 pp
  • business costs (external printing, other design costs, other materials, stock) - 1000 euros per month - 166 pp
............................................................................................

 - TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS = (8,420 rounded to) 8500 euros per month

                                                                        1416 per person
                                                                           
                                                                                                   
                                                                       x 12 = 102,000
                                                                       + (7200 x 12 =) 86, 000 
                                                                        = 188, 400 euros
............................................................................................

- MONTHLY WAGES - 

                                                                       188,400 / 12 = 15, 500 / 6 = 2,500 euros per month
                                                                                             2,500 / 4 weeks = 625 euros per week
                                                                           625 / (7 hr day x 5 days =) 35 = 17.8 rounded =
                                                                                                                       18 euros per hour
                                                                                       +10% comission (if job completed before
                                                                                                                 deadline)


- PAY/CHARGES -

                                                                         wages - 60 + 80 = 140 pppw (living/food) 
                                                                                           x 4 = 560 pppm
                                                                                           x 12 = 6,720 pppy

                                                                                                    300 pppw (leisure)
                                                                                           x 4 = 1,200 pppm
                                                                                           x 12 = 14, 400 pppy

                                                                                          14,400 + 6,720 = 21, 120 euros
                                                                                                     rounded = 22, 000 euros



                                                                          charges - 
                                                                          by hour (if job shorter than 5 working days) =
                                                                                                                  18 euros per hour

                                                                          by week (if job shorter than 1 month) = 
                                                                                                         (approx.) 1000 per week

                                                                          above 1 month =
                                                                                                           negotiated prior to job

- PROJECTIONS - 
                                                                                        

                                                                             to break even -
                                                                                        
                                                                                        188 week long jobs
                                                                      (approx.) 47 month long jobs (avg. 4000 euro pm)
                                                                      (approx.) 13 quarter yr long jobs (avg. 15,000 pm)


3000 share capital
27,000 start up costs
..........................................
30,000 total start up funding

8,500 total monthly costs (6 persons)
102,000 total annual costs
.........................................
11.50 per hour
(10% speed commission)






according to economy minister spainish econ to expand by 1.5 percent in 2014/15 - figure increased from 1.0 this year alone.

moodys/standard n poors rating raised outlook of sp econ to stable from negative - improvement.

now is the time to establish business

santander, reports financial times, plans to write 30 bn euros to small and medium size businesses.