Part 20 – 1990s Setting the Standard

In all, Time-Life was an active client from the 1970s up to the year they merged with AOL in 2000. They always demanded the highest standards and in financial terms over that period they must have been our biggest client.

The most fascinating period for me was the production of their European direct mail campaigns, often in 5 or more languages. The technical challenges were immense, and we created some unique solutions, all at a time before quoting on jobs – they cost what they cost.

Direct Mail was an art form, and these packs were designed scientifically to achieve the best response and were tested in many versions.
The design and artwork of the mail pack (prior to the MAC) called for great skill and accuracy. As the book series being promoted did not yet exist, we made highly realistic mock-ups of sample spreads for photography.
The mail packs were produced in several languages, and working in other languages was an expertise that we had built up and won us much new business.

My journey as a graphic designer, an introduction

Part 01 – 1960s In the Beginning: Undergraduate work

Part 02 – 1970s The Royal College of Art & The Advent of Colour

Part 03 – 1970s Starting Out in the Real World

Part 04 – 1970s My First Major Client

Part 05 – 1970s More Than One Man

Part 06 – 1970s Striking It Lucky

Part 07 – 1970s Embracing Ground-breaking Techniques

Part 08 – 1980s Changing Roles for Designers

Part 09 – 1980s Our First Technology Client

Part 10 – 1980s Growing Through Recommendation

Part 11 – 1980s The Dream Client

Part 12 – 1980s Moving into Corporate Design

Part 13 – 1990s Ramping Up the Workload

Part 14 – 1990s Graphic Design goes Global

Part 15 – 1990s A Steep Learning Curve

Part 16 – 1990s Working for The Nation’s Favourite

Part 17 – 1990s The Challenge of the Future

Part 18 – 1990s Picking up the Crumbs

Part 19 – 1990s Vested Interest

Part 20 – 1990s Setting the Standard

Part 21 – 1990s Still Growing after All These Years

Part 22 – 1990s New Business from Old

Part 23 – 1990s Keeping up with Demand

Part 24 – 1990s A Full-Service Consultancy

Part 25 – 1990s Into the Unknown

Part 26 – 2000s Learning New Tricks

Part 27 – 2000s Lifestyle Publishing Moves on

Part 28 – 2010s and Now…