Member Spotlight

Andy McDonald

When I, Andy McDonald, started our Reading based company, Graphic Force in 2001, I never thought it would lead to a further three companies in 2009, which I'll go more into later.

I've been in the design and print industry since 1986, which has given me vast experience, not only in design, but on print process and how the printer requires the file. (I'm fortunate not to be one of the many designers around at present who does not possess much print knowledge).

I spent all my working life up until 2001 designing for other people, but never being satisfied with their various aspects - bad 'bums on seats' customer service, lack of people skills and respect to staff, so I decided to go self-employed as Graphic Force and not display those disappointing qualities which so many businesses in our country suffer from.

Graphic Force uses tools such as In Design, Illustrator and Photoshop to produce literature from large organisations such as Hampshire Constabulary and Radius Environments, right down to solely owned companies. Our business ethos is simple: Be professional, honest and respect all sizes of businesses. Graphic Force has a passion for corporate identity and will follow designs right through from printed matter and onto the web, which is headed by our web designer, Gary Louch who we've known since 2001 and has recently joined our team.

In 2005 I was joined by Kes Williams who has assisted to grow the company further with her energetic and friendly approach to customers. She also possesses enthusiasm and vision for each and every project.

Now as the 'Graphic Force Group' we have added three further companies:

The first of the incorporated companies is 'Munkee Bum Design' which caters for the more quirky and fun side of the business, where as Graphic Force provides more corporate requests. Kes currently heads Munkee Bum Design with myself at the other end... the design side! Munkee Bum Design has turned a lot of heads because of its 'dare to be different' name. Munkee Bum thinks more out of the box for ideas and aims to do something different for its clients. So for design that's funky and fun, why not swing over to Munkee Bum? Email: studio@munkeebum.com

The second venture, 'Crimehangers', was born out of my frustration as volunteer police officer. Far too many people are still leaving valuables on display when leaving their vehicles. Break-ins to vehicles are rife and I thought that there must be a way to educate drivers on this. We have found a very economical way of advertising your company whilst preventing thefts from vehicles. If you'd like to know more, you can always Email: studio@graphicforce.co.uk

Thirdly is 'Forever and a Day'. Still in its infancy (and 3 years of nagging from Kes), provides wedding stationery. We were so horrified at what couples were being charged and the lack of choice, that we felt we could do it better and cheaper. Although not live yet, Forever and a Day will be an online ordering service with a lot of choice and the designs are our own and not 'bulk bought' from one source. We aim to launch in Oct 09.

So, what of the future? Well it could end up with the UK being run by married monkeys in a vehicle crime free society! Who knows?