Welcome back to the Firework Crazy blog where we bring you the very latest in all you need to know about fireworks and the latest goings on at our company. Now, as you may know our fireworks are enjoyed by the general public and some of the biggest events in the UK. With events in mind we spoke to Creative Awards, the UK’s oldest established awards maker, who create bespoke awards for ceremonies and events around the world. We sat down with Creative Director Jack Carr who shared his insights into awards, events and more.
Hi Jack, thank you for sitting down with us. Tell us a little bit about Creative Awards.
Thank you for having me! Creative Awards was set up 40 years ago by my father. Based in the heart of Hatton Garden, our family run business has grown over the years and, many moons and awards later, we have grown into one of the biggest awards companies in the country. We work with businesses, events and private individuals who are all looking for one thing – amazing awards. We offer both custom designed awards, built from scratch, as well as a range of stock, customisable awards. As is each award, each client is different and we work closely with each individual to understand their brief, offer our advice and suggestions and make a stand out award.
That’s great to hear. What are some of your favourite designs or works that mean a lot to you?
That’s a very good question. I am sure that with the firework displays you have organised it is always difficult to choose one that means more than another. Each award is special for its own reasons as they mean something totally unique to each client. On a personal level, there are two awards that really mean a lot to me. Firstly the Sir Terry Wogan Award for Children in Need and secondly the Teenage Cancer Trust Award. As a child I grew up watching Children in Need and have fond memories of the amazing event that has helped many children across the World. Being approached to design the award meant a lot ot me as the work that the charity do really does make a difference and help. With the Teenage Cancer Trust Award we had the opportunity to work with Jamie Hewlett of Gorillaz and Tank Girl fame. Seeing his creative process was really interesting and memorable. Lifewise, of course, the charity itself is a fantastic cause and it is great to see our work helping and rewarding people.
Creative Awards work in the events industry like ourselves. What tips and advice can you give to other suppliers?
Working with various suppliers and organisers with events can always be difficult. My biggest piece of advice that I can offer is to be able to meet your deadlines and have them clearly defined. We produce thousands of awards each year and have to manage many different deadlines. Boring as it sounds, by planning and being clear with each client we can manage our workload and produce fantastic awards that are on brand, budget and deadline.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
My favourite aspect of my job is the creative element to it. More often than not we are working on around 80-100 awards at once so I am always in between designing, creating prototypes and helping the process to go smoothly. We have a team of around 8 craftsman at our workshop and I enjoy getting their feedback on the designs and working with them to choose the right material to make something special.
What’s a stand out firework display that you have seen?
Well, there are two that immediately spring to mind. Firstly, the New Year’s celebrations in London. I simply love the use of colour, space and music that makes it such an exciting event for all. On another note, I have such fond memories of Guy Fawkes displays with my family at the local leisure centre. There was something magical about the dark, November night being lit up by the display.
Once again, Firework Crazy would like to thank Jack and all of the team at Creative Awards for taking the time to sit down and have a chat with ourselves. For more information on any of their awards visit www.creativeawards.co.uk/