This is all very new to me, but I thought it was about time that I actually introduced myself to those of you that don't already know me!...
Meet 'Dee' - The face behind zest! graphics...
zest! graphics limited was established back in 2004 by little old Me! - Mrs Deann Rooke (or Dee for short!). Also affectionately known as 'The Pest from Zest!'
I've over twenty years experience in the graphics and print industry - starting straight out of college after studying both BTec Design and Technology and HND Art and Design, I walked into a work experience placement with a small local design agency and stayed there for over eleven years, gaining a huge insight into the world of design and print.
A few years after the birth of our son - I took the plunge and decided to 'go it alone' - a very scary and daunting prospect - but set up zest! graphics. Over sixteen years later - here I am still happily running my little design company and would never look back!
I absolutely love my career as a graphic designer and get excited by turning peoples ideas and dreams into reality. Whether it's a scribble on the back of a 'fag packet' or just a few handwritten notes - I love working with clients on many different projects - whether it be a logo design, new business stationery, corporate brochure or something totally bespoke such as wedding invitations & table plans. It's the satisfaction I get from creating something from scratch to the producing a final product which is out there for all to see.
So - why zest! graphics?
Really? Do you want know?
I remember when I decided to start up on my own, thinking OK - where on earth do I start? What do I call myself as a company?
This was a fresh start for me so needed to come up with catchy - something suitable. It's really tough when it's something for yourself - something so close & personal.
A good few years back (i'm talking over 25 years ago) - I'd helped my sister on a college project of hers and as part of her catering and hospitality course, she had to devise a business concept for a cafe / bar / restaurant... Not quite sure how, but she came up with the name Zest!
She had to be seen to 'commission a designer' - so between us we designed a logo for her new imaginary bar and she went away, and submitted her project for her college assignment. She passed her course with flying colours bless her!
That little logo sat unused for many years and I'd always liked it - it seemed such a shame to let it go to waste - soooooo there we go, with her permission - zest! graphics was born!
zest! graphics seemed the perfect name for a business start up and that 'fresh start' by all accounts. Using the strapline 'a fresh approach to visual communication' said it all in a nutshell too.
I remember people back then saying 'why on earth have you chosen the word Zest? It begins with the letter 'Z' - you'll be right at the back of the Yellow Pages and Phone Book!
I didn't care - I'd set my mind on it and zest! graphics was here to stay.
So - over the years I built up my little client base and can honestly say, I have worked on some great projects along the way. I'd like to think that I provide a friendly yet professional service and am both honest and reliable. To see some of the testimonials that clients have provided for my new website seem to second that. Take a look https://www.zest-graphics.co.uk
I've met some fab people who have not only become business colleagues, but also friends.
As a small company, I feel I deliver a very personal service, offering professional and affordable solutions for graphic design and printing needs to business small and large.
Over the next few blogs I shall try to give a deeper insight into the world of zest! graphics and showcase a range of services offered and why they are so important.
I do apologise if I've bored the life out of you, but just wanted to say thank you for reading and I hope to get better at this as time goes by!
Hope to catch up again soon...
zest! wishes
