This month we caught up with Ormeau Baths residents Luke Carré (Lead Creative) and Cameron Brown (Web Developer) who represent the Belfast team for Betley Whitehorne Image . Both Luke and Cameron reflect on some of their favourite projects so far, their experience as part of the Ormeau Baths community and some of the misconceptions about their industry.
First up, tell us about Betley Whitehorne Image…
Luke: BWI are a full-service design agency working out of Guernsey, Jersey and Belfast. We specialise in branding, advertising, bespoke websites, plus everything in between.
We’re a friendly team, working with clients big and small. Our belief is that design can create a brighter, braver and better future for everyone. In short, we love making things happen. Ambitious creatives looking to make an impact, that’s us.
What excites you most about your role?
Luke: The start of every project excites me. Each one different, with their own set of unique challenges and aims, this keeps things fresh, no day is the same.
I also love how most projects start with nothing, just ideas. You take the best ones and develop them into something outstanding, ultimately helping companies or individuals succeed. That journey is so rewarding and addictive too.
Cameron: I genuinely love what I do and the thing that excites me the most is that it is constantly changing. There are always new technologies to learn and new skills to develop!
What do you enjoy most about Ormeau Baths?
Luke: It’s the energy, changeability and the beautiful building itself. Every day you see new faces from varied backgrounds and industries. Everyone is striving to build something successful. It’s inspiring. I can’t wait to get back.
Cameron: I joined Ormeau Baths during Covid so I haven’t got the full experience of the baths yet but already I love the community aspect and the culture about the place. I love seeing individuals from different businesses and sectors helping and supporting each other.
During your time at BWI, what’s one project that’s really stood out to you?
Luke: Difficult question! I’ve been with BWI for over 8 years, so I have many to choose from. Projects where clients are passionate and ambitious about what they do, these are the most exciting and typically the most successful.
Our work for The Guernsey Photography Festival stands out to me, not only because they required the full spectrum of design but we also got to immerse ourselves in the event itself, attending exhibitions and eye-opening talks from world-leading photojournalist.
Cameron: One project that really stood out was our first Belfast client. Since I started we had been working on Guernsey clients so it was nice to be able to work with someone local and have face to face meetings about the project.
What’s the biggest misconception about your work/industry?
Luke: I think that some people misunderstand the value that a good agency can add to a project or brand. If you use an agency to get one thing and that’s it, you’re missing out. The best agencies will go above and beyond, sharing ideas, ambitions and foresight of what great things can be achieved in the future.
I also think that smaller business’ can get put off by agencies, perhaps fearing that it will be expensive or that the agency won’t have time for smaller projects. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, smaller projects are usually the most interesting and sought after by designers. We work within smaller budgets and often these projects can be the start of something much bigger.
Cameron: I think when smaller businesses hear the word agency they think expensive costs and that they will be pushed to the side but this is not the case. We value every client the same and want to exceed expectations.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
Luke: I’m looking forward to seeing people, business and the world return to some normality. It saddens me to see businesses who’ve worked so hard to get where they are, now struggling. Hopefully, 2021 is the year we turn things around.
Other than that I’m looking forward to taking my wife and two children back home to the island of Guernsey for a long-overdue holiday to spend time with family and on the beach! (hopefully).
Cameron: Hopefully normality and a holiday (or two). It will also be good to see businesses getting back up and running without the fear of the unknown.
I also haven’t got over to Guernsey yet to meet the rest of the BWI team so I am looking forward to hopefully getting over to see them this year.
If you could pick up a skill in an instant, what would it be?
Luke: Having spent most my life on a small island I should have this skill in the bag, but surfing is a skill I would love to improve at, that and to be able to be fluent in another language.
Cameron: Anything to do with DIY! Over lockdown and being stuck in the house too much I’ve ended up doing more damage than good. Under every shelf and behind every mirror there are a lot more holes than there should be.
Who is your dream business mentor?
Luke: I’m pretty rubbish at name dropping people in the industry. Instead, I draw inspiration from the multitude of talented people who fearlessly follow their interests and passions, creating excellent content, projects and businesses. That’s all I need to spur me on.
Cameron: Elon Musk, would love to see what he does during a 9-5 day.
