As I write this I must confess I'm not entirely focused. My mind is multitasking; arranging the words in the right order but at the same time mentally packing boxes and creating strategies for working the next few days without reliable broadband!

Yep you guessed it - we're moving studio.

We're leaving our 'boutique' space in Stockbridge and moving on. We always claim to go the extra mile for our clients but this time we're being selfish and moving a mile away to the heart of the City just for us.

Why?

Bigger, brighter, great location and most importantly room for more work stations. That's the other story, we're expanding; welcoming the very talented web developer Neil Clarke into our compact creative family.

We're looking for someone who codes

At the moment we're in need of a developer who appreciates, and has an eye for, design; don't worry if you're not actually au fait with the pen tool, as long as you can understand why good design is important then you're off to a flying start.

We work with lots of web technologies and we need someone who understands and enjoys using Open Source solutions whilst solving problems creatively and efficiently.

At the moment it's a one-off freelance project opportunity but, with the right candidate, there is potential for the role to become permanent.

We're finally putting our window to good use

Not working? Download it here!

Why have a street level studio and not use the window? We've set up a screen in the window that loops the video above - it's short, punchy and attention grabbing. The window is only 4 feet or so from the pavement so it's all plenty readable.

The art and science of visual subtraction

Here’s a simple notion to get us started. In the world today we are bombarded from all corners by visual stimuli: fast moving TV ads, posters, 3D films, video clips streamed into your smartphone... there is no rest amongst the maelstrom. Question - as designers how do we cut through the clutter, reach out and communicate effectively and create something timeless? The answer favoured by today’s designer is simplicity. Clutter-free design with fewer elements that looks fresh and communicates the message without competing with the decoration.

5 things I've learned as a designer

This is a big year with big numbers: I'm about to turn 50, I've just celebrated 30 years marriage, 20 years as a professional designer and Lennon Design blew out the candles on it's 5th Birthday cake. In my 5 decades I've picked up a couple of nuggets, here's 5 things I've learned along the way.

It’s important who you work with

Surround yourself with good people who's judgement you trust. Appreciate their honesty and opinions and don't encourage sycophants. Empower people to show their capabilities rather than just doing what you tell them. Learn from them.

Bring something to the table

Don't just tick the boxes and meet the requirements of a given brief. Making the copy fit is just the start. Always reassess the objectives against what you've been asked to do. Look for gaps in thinking and opportunities to add value. Be more than just a MAC monkey and become a valued part of your clients team.

We've been working with the Royal Botanic Gardens team recently designing an exhibition that highlights what it means to care for one’s ‘place’ in the context of climate change

The Botanics often host and organise exhibitions relating to environment, geography and adventure. We've been lucky enough to work with them in designing the signage used in the exhibition as well as promotional material distributed throughout Edinburgh.

Sea Change is a four-year project that brings together artists and scientists to investigate the relationship between people, place and resources

The exhibition runs from 8 November 2013 to 26 January 2014 at the John Hope Gateway.