Updated July 2025
We've run workshops and art sessions, and with the help of Salford Council and the Youth Council Steering Group, developed the style and identity for the brand. I'm really proud of what we've achieved.
We pitched back in March, and I was pretty sure the combination of illustration skills and performing family-friendly comedy made me the right guy for the gig. I showed my stuff to the children, and they seemed to agree. Caroline Boyd took charge of logo, colour and typography while Pauline Johnson was on child engagement for the workshops. I project managed and did the illustration work.
Going forward, community groups wanting two run events as part of the child-friendly will get the brand guide book which includes artwork by the children, design instructions (brand guide) written from a children's viewpoint making them easy to read and understand, as well as a whole library of illustrations (seen here) to use however they want.
Some of the images here are very loosely based on children I met during the project, and my eight years living in Salford. Others are made completely up :)
Salford has a unique personality and feels very much like the North East, where I'm originally from. It's been an amazing experience and I've thoroughly enjoyed finding the voice of a Child Friendly Salford.
Over the last couple of months, I've been working in a team, listening to children, finding out what they want to make their city safer, to create the brand design, assets, and illustrations for Child Friendly Salford.
The 'Child Friendly City' is a UNICEF global initiative to make cities….well…. child-friendly. Many cities in the UK have begun this process and this was Salford's opportunity as part of a wider 'Greener Healthier Salford' incentive.
These photos are taken from last week's children's workshop. The venue is Salford GRIT, the new art studio in Salford shopping centre that's only been open a few weeks and is already bursting with creative folks. Handier still is that it's a 5-minute walk from the equally new and impressive Salford Youth Zone.
Who's we? Well, that's the freelancer's day connection. Myself, Caroline Boyd (from Boy oh Boy Design) and Pauline Johnson (Civic and Social) pitched ourselves to Salford as a collaboration. Three folks, experienced independent creatives, coming together with the just the right set of skills to make this project pop. A few agencies pitched, and we got the commission.
It's been a long time since I project managed or art directed, as I'm very hands-on, and the division of work has been split between design, illustration and workshops.
In the interview, we were grilled by the Salford Youth Council, and one child asked, "What makes you different from the other people we're talking to?". I think my answer was the right one.
Here's also a sneak peek of the illustration sketches, and all will be revealed next month. I'm really proud of what we've achieved so far; it's been an amazing project to take on.
Links
Salford Council
Unicef Child Friendly Cities
Salford Youth Zone
Onside Youth Zones
Illustration
Brand Design
