Rosie Palmer
Q What do you do?
“I’m the founder and creative director of Aubert Palmer, a boutique branding and packaging agency located in London.”
My team and I specialize in crafting unique visual identities for startups. Essentially, we give a "face" to these new businesses, designing branding elements that best represent their product or service. Our primary goal is to build strong, meaningful connections between our clients and their desired audience. This is achieved by ensuring that our branding is both consistent and compelling, resonating deeply with those who encounter it.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I began my journey in the design world by working for various creative agencies, gaining invaluable insights into the dynamics of the creative realm. As I progressed, I ventured into freelancing, managing my own clients and projects, which enriched my portfolio and granted me the liberty to explore diverse design methodologies and techniques. Recognizing the significance of relationships in the design industry, I actively engaged in networking with fellow designers, industry professionals, and potential clients - as well as hustling! One cornerstone of my growth has always been continuous learning; I've persistently kept up with the latest trends, attending workshops and undergoing relevant trainings.
Over the years, my dedication enabled me to collaborate with renowned brands such as Häagen-Dazs, Glenfiddich, Hendrick's Gin, and Wimbledon Tennis Championships. In addition to these professional ventures, I've always had a fervent belief in the value of personal projects. This led me to write and illustrate my own book, a project I hold close to my heart. On a lighter note, I also manage an Instagram account for my dog, which has garnered a following of over 205,000 enthusiasts! These personal ventures, though different from my professional work, speak of my passion for creativity in various forms.
Harnessing all my experiences, learnings, and networks, I founded Aubert Palmer. Here, I craft visual identities and packaging for startups, helping them connect deeply with their target audiences. This journey, interspersed with professional milestones and personal passions, has shaped me into the creative director I am today.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Our unique distinction arises from the stories our clients share. We actively seek projects where the client's passion resonates with us, ensuring that we're not just designers, but partners in their narrative. Being a boutique agency allows us to immerse ourselves wholeheartedly into every project, ensuring client satisfaction while crafting memorable brands.
But my distinctiveness in design stems from deeper roots – my foundational study in the History of Art, later complemented by Graphic Design. This academic tapestry continually informs my design philosophy, making it both rich and varied. From classical art history masterpieces to contemporary influences of popular culture, architecture, interiors, and design, my inspirations are vast, and they translate into a design language that's both informed and innovative.
Choosing to work with us means opting for an experience that's exhilarating, compassionate, and truly collaborative. Our designs transcend aesthetics; they narrate stories, foster connections, and position brands uniquely in a crowded marketplace.
Nestled in the heart of London, Aubert Palmer represents a fusion of experience and precision. We dive deep into the core of brands to sculpt authentic identities. Our packaging designs manifest our commitment to blending artistry with functionality.
Q What are you working on right now?
Right now, we're working on a project with a CBD company. This brand is currently undergoing a transformative rebranding process under our guidance. Alongside giving it a fresh visual identity, we are also art directing their product range, ensuring that each product not only stands out but resonates with the brand's renewed ethos. Moreover, we're in the final stages of preparing a comprehensive retail pitch deck. This deck is meticulously crafted to effectively communicate the brand's vision and value proposition, aiming to captivate and convince potential retailers. It's a thrilling journey, and we're keen to see the positive impact our efforts will have on the brand's trajectory in the market.
Q What’s your style?
My style is centered around crafting brands that are not just visually appealing but also deeply engaging. I am drawn to brands that possess a distinct personality, ones that not only stand out but also form genuine connections with their audience. To me, a successful brand is one that elicits a reaction—whether it's a smile, a moment of reflection, or a spark of intrigue.
Imagine being in a supermarket, surrounded by shelves teeming with products. Or online, with a cursor hovering over an array of options. At such moments, consumers are presented with an overwhelming multitude of choices. When I design, especially for FMCG projects, I immerse myself in the consumer's mindset, imagining their dilemmas and preferences. I liken this to a designer's form of 'method acting'—stepping into the shoes of the target market, understanding their impulses, and visualizing the product they'd instinctively reach out for or click on.
Yet, while I have a clear vision and perspective, I believe in the importance of flexibility. When working with clients, my personal style never overshadows the brand's essence. Instead, I approach each project as a collaborative journey, where the goal is to weave their brand story into a design that's not just beautiful but also in tune with current trends and sensibilities.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Branding and packaging.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
The primary frustration currently is the challenge of attracting new clients. While we have a solid portfolio and a record of delivering exceptional results, scaling and consistent client acquisition remain hurdles. The design and creative industry is vast, and while our unique value proposition sets us apart, making that resonate in a crowded market is the ongoing challenge.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Having a PA to organise my projects and help me with emails and meetings would be the dream right now!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell my younger designer self to be more flexible - if that art direction is not working, don't be precious and try another way in.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to scale my agency and gain a more comprehensive client list. How to have a better work/ life balance. What did they wish they knew when they started their own agency.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
New projects and new clients
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A new kombucha brand that needs branding, packaging and rollout.
Q What is your rate?
My day rate is currently £500 but I also do project rates and discounts for long-term clients. I also offer pro-bono work for charities and non-profits for free.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Rosie Palmer
Founder & CD
Aubert Palmer
rosie@aubertpalmer.com
aubertpalmer.com
You can also follow our studio dog @stanthehotdawg !
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Paula Scher
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
reading, researching, talking to other creatives!
This member profile was originally published in August 2023