A new blog for 2025
As we step into the new year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of PJR Creative over the past 12 months. 2024 was a whirlwind year filled with achievements, growth, and a few unexpected twists—but all of it has brought us to an incredible place. Each accomplishment has been a building block, each challenge a stepping stone, shaping the vibrant and creative studio we are today. Here’s an extended look at what we accomplished, the lessons we’ve learned, and a glimpse of what’s to come.
Just before Christmas, we hit an incredible milestone: booking in our 1,000th job project!
A Record-Breaking Year
To put this in perspective, we completed 158 projects in 2024 alone, a significant leap from 112 in 2023. We’ve also welcomed our 120th client on-board, a testament to the trust and relationships we’ve built over the years. Reflecting on these numbers reminds us of the journey from our humble beginnings seven years ago to the thriving creative studio we are today. Each project has been a step forward, and we’re proud to see how far we’ve come—with so much more ahead of us. This milestone is more than a number; it’s a symbol of the dedication and passion that our team pours into every task, big or small.
Financial Growth and Community Support
While the previous financial year wasn’t our strongest (hello, tax rebate!), 2024 proved to be a year of steady recovery and growth. Being a member of Network B2B continues to be a game-changer, providing not just income but also opportunities to forge meaningful friendships and expand our professional network. The connections we’ve built have not only opened doors to new projects but have also fostered a sense of camaraderie and collaboration that fuels our creativity. Through this community, we’ve discovered fresh perspectives, shared invaluable insights, and celebrated each other’s successes. It’s a reminder that growth is never a solo endeavour; it’s built on the collective strength of a supportive network.
Highlights from 2024
From branding and brochures to vinyl records and illustrated books, 2024 was a year of creative variety. Here are some stand-out projects:
Branding for Life Coach and Public Speaker - Dave Algeo.
Helping Dave shape his visual identity was a fulfilling challenge that allowed us to delve deep into his vision and mission. Crafting his brand identity felt like bringing a unique story to life.
A lovely project to work on from start to finish.
A Commercial Brochure for Objective Health:
A sleek and professional design that captured the essence of their brand while effectively communicating their message. It was rewarding to see our work enhance their outreach efforts.
Illustrations and Promotions for Extraordinary Lives:
Creating a vibrant image bank and helping to launch their new project at various trade and Christmas events was both rewarding and inspiring. Their enthusiasm and vision behind this project has made it a joyful collaboration from the outset.
Neil and Gloria have been so enthusiastic and very generous with their appreciation for everything created for this project.
Wedding Invite
(Job Number 1,000)
A personal favourite, as it allowed me to use an idea I’d been holding onto since 1998 for a friend’s special day.
The satisfaction of seeing a decades-old concept come to life was indescribable and a reminder of the enduring power of creativity.
The neck is cut out and folded over to form a wing collar giving it a simple but three dimensional appearance.
The Bride and Groom loved it and I got a personal invite with my plus one too.
Blitzkrieg
Gate-fold Vinyl Artwork:
My first-ever gate-fold vinyl and inner artwork for a North East rock band—a labour of love for a local gem that pushed our creative boundaries and connected us to the local music scene in a fresh way.
Another feature NE EXPO’s ‘Refresh’ Magazine:
A proud moment to see PJR Creative’s story and ethos shared with a wider audience. This feature underscored the importance of storytelling in establishing a brand’s identity. In addition to these projects, we’ve designed flyers, digital booklets, posters, pop-ups, advertising panels, game packs, an eyelash training manual… and yes, even a few anatomical drawings that tested our artistic skills in unexpected ways! These varied projects highlight the versatility and adaptability that define our approach to design.
Books and Beyond
Books have become an unexpected yet delightful addition to our repertoire.
Here’s what’s in the works:
- Two poetry books currently in production, showcasing the beauty and power of the written word. These projects allow us to combine visual artistry with literary expression.
- A business book chronicling how a company made a million in just 12 months, offering both inspiration and practical insights. Designing for this book involved capturing the energy and drive behind the story.
- An illustrated children’s book featuring North East poems, a project close to our hearts that celebrates regional heritage through vibrant visuals and storytelling. This project is particularly special as it blends art, education, and culture.
These projects have allowed us to explore new creative territories while collaborating with talented authors and storytellers. Each book has been an opportunity to tell a story in a way that resonates with audiences visually and emotionally.
Collaborations and Connections
Our long-standing partnership with Advanced Joinery remains a cornerstone of our work. From drawing up detailed floor plans to designing bespoke furniture and creating CAD-cut drawings for shop fit units, it’s always a pleasure to collaborate with such skilled craftspeople. Seeing our designs come to life in physical spaces is deeply rewarding. These collaborations remind us of the tangible impact of our creative work.
The Big Picture People also kept us busy, creating learning games and safety maps for their diverse clientele. These projects underscore the versatility of our work and the impact it has on various industries, from education to corporate training. Working on these interactive materials has been a fascinating dive into how design can facilitate learning and engagement.
Extraordinary Stories
One of the most touching moments of the year was working with Neil at Extraordinary Lives to record my mam’s story.
Her account of creating a book of letters exchanged between her parents in the 1930s was featured as Episode 1 of the Legacy Recordings podcast. Hearing her voice share such a poignant and personal narrative was both moving and inspiring.
You can listen to her story here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/0bc43839
Projects like this highlight the profound role of storytelling in preserving history and connecting generations.
The Year of the Gig
2024 was a stellar year for live music, and it’s hard to overstate how much these experiences fuelled our creative energy. Our first musical adventure was with Martin Stephenson and the Daintees in February, Johnny Marr and Izo Fitzroy had shows in April, May brought Tom A Smith to the Grove before we headed to a sodden Stadium Of Light for the brilliant 'Boss' Bruce Springsteen (even better than his 2023 show in Edinburgh), we headed to the Glasshouse in June for the first time - 'twas a wonderful evening with Richard Hawley, July arrived and I headed off with the boys for a weekender in Leeds for the Manics/Suede double header in the Millennium Square.
After a brief recuperation August landed, the bags were packed again (this time with my good lady) we headed to the Peace Hall in Halifax for an outdoor party with 'Jungle' (fabulous place and a great show) then back for a couple of weeks and we were off again (to the Lakes) to see the original 'criminal' Huey Morgan in the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, he adressed me as the 'big fella' down the front row having fun! Back to the boys for Weller in October before a second visit to the Glasshouse in November for the acerbic wit and marvellous tunes of Love and Money's James Grant.
With Christmas just around the corner, we (the gig boys) headed to The Cluny for our final show of the year to listen to some amusing anecdotes and Prefab Sprout tunes with (Paddy's brother) Martin McAloon who brought an end to our musical adventures (13 of them!) The year was a continuous celebration of sound and storytelling.
Each gig was a reminder of the power of live music to inspire and rejuvenate. These moments weren’t just entertainment—they were fuel for the creative soul. With Primal Scream already on the 2025 calendar, we’re excited to see where the music will take us next.
Personal Moments
On a more personal note, we celebrated my talented niece Lizzy’s wedding in a beautiful setting near Northwich. The joy of seeing family come together for such a special occasion was unmatched.
The love and creativity that went into the event reminded me of the importance of celebrating milestones, both personal and professional.
We also said goodbye to some dear friends and loved ones this year, their memories remain close to our hearts and continue to inspire us in ways big and small. These moments of reflection and celebration have underscored the importance of gratitude and connection.
I hope you are all partying somewhere...
My best of 2024:
Favourite book: David Nicholls - You Are Here.
Podcast: The Rest is Entertainment.
Most listened to song: Bob Moses - Love Brand New.
Best Album: Michael Kiwanuka - Small Changes (Richard Hawley a close 2nd).
Gig: Springsteen or Jungle.
TV: Slow Horses (S4) or Gavin & Stacey (The Finale).
Best binge watch: This is Us (All 6 Seasons) brilliant!
And now we go again...
Looking Ahead
The first 10 jobs of 2025 are already lined up, and we’ve welcomed a new client to start the year. Our office is getting a mini-makeover, with new cabinets and bookshelves to organize and inspire our creative space. This fresh start mirrors our mindset—ready to embrace new challenges with optimism and enthusiasm. Newcastle United’s seven-game winning streak has us optimistic—both on the pitch and in the studio!
Here’s to a fantastic 2025 filled with creativity, connection, and success. Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s make this year extraordinary!
Cheers,
Pete x
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