In 2011, Raz and Jodi O’Connor could see that Newcastle was on the cusp of a renaissance. So harnessing their specialities in design, brand management, and strategic thinking, together they established their brand and design studio, Ronnoco.
Now, seven years later, and themselves a part of the vibrant growth of Newcastle’s business and design community, they’ve established a studio in Tighes Hill and appointed two new team members; Designer Andrew Hopkinson and Administration Assistant Jayne Gavenlock.
Creative Director of Ronnoco, Raz said the new team members add to the ability of the team to deliver brands built with purpose.
“At Ronnoco, Jodi and I have always had a passion for connecting businesses with their audience and helping them articulate their personal and business why,” Raz said.
“In recent years we’ve seen a greater commitment to brand strategy from start-ups through to large corporates, and we’ve had the pleasure of being a part of this growth.”
Ronnoco recently won a creative pitch which will see them take on their first international client. This is on top of a successful year which saw them awarded the NEWi Best Website of the Year for their client, SiDCOR. The website was developed with a user-focused approach typical of Ronnoco’s strategy and reflected their expertise in bespoke web design tailored to their clients.
Also close to both Raz and Jodi’s heart is there continuing involvement with the local design community.
“Newcastle’s design community is dynamic. We’re lucky enough to address graduating design students at the University of Newcastle as part of The Business Centre’s Talking Heads initiative and keeping in contact with the next wave of designers coming through to the workforce is valuable for them and for us,” Managing Director, Jodi said.
Cementing their involvement with the business community, Ronnoco has recently completed a rebrand of The Business Centre. The centre’s renewed vision and focus provided Ronnoco with the opportunity to create a brand that represents their ongoing commitment to empowering people through their business. Also, for the second year running, Ronnoco has designed Hunter Headline’s The Annual, providing them with a way to keep in touch and support the region’s business community.
Ronnoco is continuing its philosophy of keeping things simple – offering a small team, clean design and clear messaging.
“That doesn’t mean we can’t think big. The truth is, it takes smarts to find the essence of a brand and communicate that clearly, with design simplicity. The people of the Hunter are known for getting right to the heart of the matter. We think we fit right in,” Raz said.
IMAGE | The Ronnoco team.
