results
Good design is a sound business investment, delivering engagement and impact with tangible results.
Our services
Brand
Research, strategy & positioning. Naming.
Brand identity. Logo design. Brand guidelines
Stationery. Literature & marketing collateral.
Packaging. Print management
Digital
Website design & build. MailChimp.
Animation & video. Social media
Media
Illustration & photography. Exhibitions.
Signage. Architectural & vehicle graphics
principles
Word to the wise
Knowledge
With age, comes wisdom. Wherever you want to go, we’ll take you there. Our 75+ years of combined experience helps us navigate every project with energy and expertise. We’re inquisitive, asking all the right questions to ensure you stand out in a crowded space.
Less talk more do
Process
No jargon, no spiel. We research. Scribble. Plot. Plan. Scrunch it up. Start again. Do better. Our process is transparent and trusted, running with a journey we’ve used time and time over to create strikingly simple designs that speak clearly and create lasting impact.
From here to eternity
Partnership
We’re all about investing time in building partnerships that stand the test of time. Many of our clients see us as their in-house design team. We love that. We’re small and agile, using a network of trusted creative specialists handpicked to suit any project.
Paint the town red
Community
We like to get stuck in locally, proudly co-organising the First Friday Club – a monthly networking event for local professionals. Charities and arts organisations benefit from discounted rates. We donate our time and expertise for other worthy causes and sponsor the Pride of Reading Fundraiser of the Year award.
principals
Helen Waring
Account Director
Co-founder Helen has been in the design industry since 1986, adapting from Letraset to LinkedIn while working with many global and local brands. A Royals’ season ticket, new grandson (and expanding shoe collection) keep Helen busy, as does her work with three local charities.
Barnaby Firth
Creative Director
A massively experienced designer, having graduated from Newcastle over 25 years ago, Barney co-founded Cream Design in 1997. He loves watching his three sons play sport, cheering on the mighty Royals and keeping the ale belly at bay with some early-morning running and cycling.
Andrew Taplin
Senior Designer
Andy has been working hard for clients big and small for 18 years, most of which with Cream. Since he joined, however, playing football, buying new trainers and going on nights out have been subbed for DIY, changing nappies and a taste for falafel wraps.
clients
We pride ourselves on working across a diverse range of sectors. From SMEs to major players, we apply our strategic creativity for maximum impact. Here are a few of the people we’ve been working with lately.
