On an adventure all about design but what will we do…
First challenge, break the ice, we asked what coo are you?

​The Herd

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​Erin Reid 
Product Design

Colour Coo
Colourful Stripy Highland coo 
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Jamie Walker
Product Design

Colour Coo
Navy Blue Coo
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Brandon Walker
Music

Colour Coo
See-Through Coo
Frida Lindblad
Digital Media & Interactive Design

Colour Coo
Light Beige Highland Coo
The Blue Coos were one of the 5 creative teams taking part in the Creative City Challenge 2019.

But what is the creative challenge I hear you moo? The Creative City Challenge is an event run by Edinburgh Napier University where students are sent on a scavenger hunt around Edinburgh for a unique employability event. We visit some really cool creative companies, meet some cool people, get tasked with challenges relevant to each company and get get a taste for life after education.  After we have completed the challenges we have less that a week to come up with a blog (this one) to showcase all we have learned and help inspire others.
With a beige coo, a see-through coo, a stripy coo and a blue coo
​We followed the paper and it took us too… design 442!!
We met a guy called Ian a graphic design wizoo,
We designed an interactive skills area and got the next clue. 

442 Designs

 The first stop for the Blue Coo herd was 442 Design on St Andrew’s Street.

​As a company, 442 have provided a fusion of interior design and graphic design solutions for around 15 years. Based in Edinburgh they have designed for a wealth of different clients from Amazon to Arsenal Football Club. One of the firms largest projects was Arsenal's merchandise store "the Armoury" at the Emirates Stadium in London and this was one that would be related to the task that had been set for us!

Graphic Designer, Ian Westwater told the Blue Coo that for 442 Design, social media is a tool for sharing inspiration, rather than for serious company promotion. Whereas LinkedIn is their chosen platform for work-related matters such as recruitment. Have a look at 442's website displayed on the right hand side for more information.
CHALLENGE 1
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As one of 442's largest clientele, Arsenal Football Club are always looking at ways of improving and making their shopping experience at the stadium more engaging for guests. In previous years arsenals clientele developed an in-store experience which allowed you to show your football skills. Not only this but a State of the art camera allowed the user to stand alongside a realistic digital version of a player from Arsenal and you and let you know how you're doing. 

As this system required video of the players and a member of staff to operate it, the system soon became outdated and unused. As this takes up a large area of the store, 442 want to reuse the space with the existing technology in a better way and one that helps to promote the club's charity, The Arsenal Foundation. Our ob was to redesign it.
The Final Product! 

This brief made us think about why having role models to look up to is so important. We want to allow Arsenal to inspire the younger generation. We know that with a little hard work and determination you can achieve anything, no matter where you start. We wanted to visually represent this in the way that younger users would understand. 

The Blue Coo thought of simple but effective adjustments to the system, where instead of starting the game in the stadium with a star player, the user started in a small area with limited space to play. Then after reaching a milestone they would begin working there way up to 5 a sides cages, Arsenal's training camp and finally to the Emirates stadium. We also added the Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus, who would grow with the player through their journey.

We felt this solution went hand in hand with the goal of the Arsenal Foundation, to provide better playing spaces for children and to help make football more accessible and safe. 
Creative Inspiring Individual !!

After graduating in Visual Communication and Digital Publishing, Ian worked for a small company in Fife for two years. He would regularly send his portfolio to other companies in search of something bigger even if they were actively recruiting or not. This tactic found him a role within 442 Design where he has been for the past 5 years. He did inform us that he had now found a role within a Glasgow based firm and would soon be leaving 442 to pursue a different life in the west.

​Ian was a wonderful host. The Blue Coo were inspired most by this company’s sheer openness to ideas and utilising creative collaboration within their workplace!

​If Ian were a coo, he would be a black, long-haired, Highland coo. (Stylish!) .
Code Clan was next and a challenge we couldn’t quite get into
We may of failed to break the code but as a team our mindsets grew

​CodeClan

Second on the agenda were CodeClan, Scotland’s only digital academy! Which has branches in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. ​

CodeClan has a very diverse body of students – from design graduates, events managers, to taxi drivers: if you apply to join one of their full- or part time courses, the company are much more interested in how you think and in your approach to problems than your qualifications.
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Code Clan’s own marketing team encourages a large social media presence, and has a range of promotional vlogs and blogs to let people know what they're up to and what goes on at CodeClan. They also have banners which they use at large social events and conferences, as well as utilising LinkedIn for professional tasks. If coding in this digital era is something you are interested in, and you see one of their big banners. Go and have a conversation, i'm sure they wont mind. 
CHALLENGE 2

When applying to study at CodeClan, each student needs to complete the pictured test in order to show their thinking process and how they solve problems regarding code.

We were given this task and in 10 minutes had to work as a team in order to achieve the correct answer! The test ended up being more difficult than we had originally thought as none of us had come from a coding background but was enjoyable none the less!
The Result!
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We first looked at the paper and started to eagerly read what was given to us. There was little instruction, so we knew it would either be 1) very straight forward or 2) very puzzling (It was the latter).

The Blue coos worked through the first 2 steps with ease until we were faced with the decision, does the number 4 replace, add on to the existing number, come after the existing number, or does the existing number remain the same? We worked hard to go through all the possible outcomes, but unfortunately we ran out of time. The blue coos made an educated guess but got it wrong.
 
When our tasker came back he explained that he didn't really depend on us getting the right answer. It was about showing how you problem solve, work under pressure and as a team, work through different ideas.
Creative Inspiring Individual !! 

Kate, Events Manager, originally worked in hospitality it want her cup of tea. She was attracted to Code Clan when her partner told her about the adaptable and relaxed work ethos of working in a tech company. Kate then found Code Clan and fell in love. She enjoys the opportunity to find creative solutions and the flexible approach to collaboration – and not wearing a uniform.

The Blue Coo were most inspired by Code Clan’s flexible approach to applicants and range of courses and educational backgrounds they came from. 

​If Kate were a coo, she would be a ginger and white, spotted coo – with a bell.
With our hoofs beginning to tire we were happy to find our next stop was in view.
Creative Edinburgh. A hub of so much only £25 for a student a great deal it was true.
​We played with some balls and designed an arrows episode that would out do. 

Creative Edinburgh

Next door to Code Clan is Edinburgh’s main hub for creative vocations: Creative Edinburgh.
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At CE, everyone and especially their ideas are welcome; this is a very open organisation where collaboration is celebrated! From the foyer to the breakout rooms, there is an underlying atmosphere of happy business. As well as at this busy, multi functional hub, Creative Edinburgh supports around 4,000 creatives across Edinburgh online. It's main aim is to adapt to support the creative process at any stage, bringing together everyone who is needed in order to make it happen. CE recognises that the best outcomes seldom follow a predictable path.
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 Creative Edinburgh pride themselves in being a faced-to-face organisation. But they do have a killer website which has a directory to find other creatives and loads more information about coffee afternoons. CE also have Twitter, ans Instagram which they sometime use to to advertise jobs, and showcase work. 
CHALLENGE 3

At Creative Edinburgh we were faced with a task based around brainstorming. A large bucket with  ping pong balls in it was placed in front of us. We were to pick 3 at random, each having a different word on them.

With these words we then had to design something around what was said on them, and try to imagine the different creative people that would be needed to make that design a reality.
The Product!
The balls that Fate gave us were 'Arrow', 'Wax' and 'Bag'. We brainstormed coming up with bags made from wax for you arrows,  candles in the shape of arrow bags and canvas bags from a company called arrow who makes candles. But with all the brainstorming there was one that stuck and we couldn't stop our imaginations running into overdrive elaborating it. The Masterpiece, an arrow episode.  


Open scene: Arrow is in Madame Tussauds. He hears a noise and turns round. Then he feels his quiver being yanked from his back. Its' gone. 

luckily Arrow had an arrow in his bow already so he Is not 100% defenseless. 

He moves through the wax museum as tense music plays. It's hard to tell which of the figures are wax and who is the enemy. Arrow hears another noise and instinctively shoots his remaining arrow towards the source of the noise but it is seen to be a wax figure with the note 'Catch me if you can!'
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We knew for this kind of idea we would require many creative minds in order to achieve it. From Scriptwriters to 3D artists it would require a lot of people, but through Creative Edinburgh we would have access to meeting these kinds of people and sharing our skills with them.
Creative Inspiring Individual ​!!
 
Events Manager Kath started out as a psychology student. One year of that and she re-specialised, throwing herself into an English Literature degree which she thoroughly enjoyed. Following graduation Kath sought internships, taking her time in order to find what she really wanted. Through doing some ‘accidental freelance’ work Kath would then go on to find her passion in Creative Edinburgh and what it does as an organisation, one in which she later became a part of! Not too far from English Lit, is it… [?]
 
Inspired? The Blue Coo says: ‘Student membership is only £25 per year!”

If Kath were a coo, she would be mustard yellow, with a yellow flower in her mouth. (And yes, you have guessed Kath’s favourite colour.)
It was past lunch time and our belly’s were grouchy. it was time for a sit down and a trip to the loo
We stopped for burritos which where so big we couldn’t even chew

Grazing at the Grassmarket!

Vertical Divider
As the coos travelled from Creative Edinburgh to BBC Scotland, we decided stopping for lunch was a necessity. 

Jamie the Navy Blue Coo recommended El Toro Loco on the Grassmarket, where we could get some authentic Mexican street food and have some time to reflect on the day so far.


The blue coos were very impressed with the burritos. With our 4 stomachs full we carried on our creative adventure.
Our next clue took us to the BBC, where we had our next challenge an interview.
The title, “What does Amy Ferguson Do?”

BBC Scotland

After a much needed burrito break, The Blue Coo herd found themselves down at the east side of the royal mile, and in the radio studios of BBC Scotland.

BBC Scotland is one of the nations favorite radio stations.We were welcomed into the offices by Esme Kennedy, senior producer for The Afternoon Show, who outlined the task we would have to undertake, and made us comfortable in the studio. Esme showed us how to working the recording studio and explained the importance of great first impressions especially when you have a guest o n the show. 

The BBC used to be a popular route for radio and journalism interns, but has since seen a drop-off in this due to legislation that unpaid staff cannot be found doing work they might have been paid for. Whilst this is in the interests of equitable employment, it can be a barrier to gaining experience for those trying to find a way into the industry. The BBC has a significant presence on all social media platforms.
CHALLENGE 4

After reaching BBC Scotland we were faced with the task of conducting an interview with an employee. This interview would have to concern what it is that they do at BBC Scotland everyday, plus the various roles and such that they have undertook in order to get to where they are now!

​After setting the levels for the microphones and getting used to the studio we were introduced to our guest for the interview! Our guest was Amy Ferguson, a director of BBC Scotland's Afternoon radio show. We had to do a bit of research in order to find engaging and entertaining questions to ask that would help give insight into what exactly she does at the BBC.
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The Final Product

We started by designating positions
Working together on research and questions
Jamie recording
Freida interviewer
Brandon social media 
Erin Video recording

We found that Freida was an absolute natural behind the microphone, and really made the interview flow well with Amy!​

Below you can listen to our completed interview with Amy. We all really enjoyed this task as it took us out of our comfort zones, doing something we had never done before. So close your eyes, relax and have a listen.
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Creative Inspiring Individual !!
 
Our interviewee, producer Amy Ferguson, found her own niche through good old-fashioned internship. She is now joint producer of The Afternoon Show, where new Scottish musical talent is promoted. Amy states that there is a huge breadth of emerging talent in Scotland at the present and she loves being able to share it with the public.

The Blue Coo were inspired by the BBC’s way of connecting with guests. We were well met, swept in gracefully, and left with a smile on our collective coupons.

If Amy were a coo, she would be midnight blue
a fifth blue coo?). Esme would be brown and white. (We didn’t get a chance to ask Grant Stott.)
Time was ticking and as we thought to ourselves, come last no can do
It was our last stop and we were excited to meet the story crew
Did you know only 54 % of pet owners have pet insurance. Who would of knew? 

STORY UK

The last location for the Blue Coo herd was in the stylish setting of Atholl Crescent, in Edinburgh’s West End.
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Story is an integrated advertisement and media company, and one which is preceded by the legend that "no one ever leaves" as it is such a great place to work! There are around 40 staff at Story and their creative process involves mixing and matching to find solutions through creative collaboration. They always try to utilise this collaboration to get the most of the different skill sets within the firm.
 
Story UK doesn’t make much use of social media. I’m terms of promotion, their clients are their best publicists, and were they to use social media in promotion they would have to have a devoted staff member.

They have a firm credo: the platform is not the idea; the idea is the idea. Meaning that social media for its own sake wouldn’t serve them. 
CHALLENGE 5

As Story have a strong focus on creating engaging advertising, we were tasked with helping them to create a new radio campaign to advertise M&S Bank's pet insurance plan! We had to also highlight the promotional offer that the bank were offering to new customers, which would provide 12 months of cover for the price of 9. As good of a deal this is, without the right advertising campaign, interest would be low.


The Final Product

​We were left alone and began to get to work! We wanted to focus on the brand of M&S, and re-enforcing the fact they are a trusted and reliable brand. As well as this we wanted to engage people with relatable stories of owners and their pets.

Through role play we discovered Brandon was incredible at accents. Our favorites, the upper class accent and the Glaswegian accent. The blue Coos thought this would help showcase that M&S is not just for the stereotypical Middle class and up. 

The Script:
Middle class Brandon: When my poor Oliver (woof woof) got hit by a car last week we were so glad we had M&S to help out. 
Glaswegian Brandon: When my bird Jonny flew into the windi (tweet tweet, Bang) last week M&S sorted it all. 
person C: When my snake Micky ate my purse last week I wish I had M&S insurance.
commentator: did you know only 54% of pet owners have insurance. Don't get caught of guard. Trust M&S bank insurance. 

However after recording we realised that 30 seconds is a very short time and we only managed to fit half of our script in. The end product didn't impress Sew and Heather too much but the blue cows where having a grand time making it.
Creative Inspiring Individuals 
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Sue and Heather have very different stories at Story.

Sue was always artistic. She studied design but knew nothing of how to put it to good use, so started at the bottom and worked her way up and consistently changing jobs.

Sue has been at Story since its beginning, eight years ago. and like the legend hasn't left since.

​Heather did a degree in photography at Edinburgh College of Art then a Master’s in Creative Advertisement at Napier and joined Story UK two years ago.

​Interestingly, the two agree that often the best artistic ideas come from writers, and the best verbiage from artists.
 
The Blue Coo were impressed by the touch of eccentricity that bordered on slightly loopy attitude both Heather and Sue shared at Story, just like our good selves! 

Heather’s chosen colour of coo is ginger, ginger, and pure ginger just like herself. Sue pondered over the question for a second before deciding on green and purple tartan.
We had done it, All 4 miles now just a race to the rendezvous
We were the first ones back woohoo or should we say mooo!!!
Although there is one last thing to do,
Lets crack open the dog of brew.
After an amazing day our herd had grown! The various creatives we had met across Edinburgh had all given us an amazing insight into the careers possible right on our doorsteps, and the amazing creative things that are happening around Edinburgh every day!

We want to say a huge thanks the everyone at Edinburgh Napier University who made the Creative City Challenge 2019 possible and to all of those who we worked with and learned from throughout the day! - The Blue Coo