In this episode of Branding Done, host Dave O’Hearns is joined by Henry Compton, Motion Designer at Dawn, to explore how animation has become one of the most powerful tools for modern brand storytelling.

From social-first motion graphics to immersive brand films, Dave and Henry unpack how animation can elevate your brand beyond static design- helping you communicate ideas faster, connect emotionally, and stand out in crowded digital spaces. They share real-world examples, behind-the-scenes insight from Dawn projects, and practical advice on using motion effectively across websites, campaigns, and social platforms.

You’ll learn:

• Why animation builds stronger emotional connections than static visuals
• How motion design brings clarity to complex ideas
• Where brands go wrong when using animation — and how to avoid it
• How to use movement to reinforce brand personality and tone
• What the future of motion design means for marketers and business owners

Whether you’re a brand manager, marketer, founder, or creative, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how motion can transform your brand from being seen… to being remembered.

How do you make a brand truly stand out? In this conversation, Dave O’Hearns, Founder of Dawn Creative, sits down with James Wigglesworth to discuss how the agency helps ambitious businesses outshine their competition through bold branding, motion, and digital design.

From redefining brand identity to building websites that convert, Dawn Creative’s approach is all about clarity, creativity, and consistency- helping brands connect with audiences and grow with confidence.

What you’ll learn:

How to create a brand that outshines competitors
Why strategy and creativity must work together
How great design builds trust and drives performance
Real examples of brand transformations by Dawn Creative

Whether you’re a marketing leader, business owner, or creative professional, this chat offers insight into the process behind award-winning brand, motion, and digital work that makes a lasting impact.

Discover how Dawn Creative helps brands wake up, rise, shine, and outshine.
Visit www.dawncreative.co.uk to learn more.

#Branding #BrandDesign #DawnCreative #MarketingStrategy #BrandIdentity #CreativeAgency #DigitalDesign #BrandTransformation #DesignLeadership #Outshine

To book a brand or web review, email us at wakeup@dawncreative.co.uk, or go to https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/brand-review/ or https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/web-review/.

Barry Moore, VP of Global Marketing Strategy at Adidas shares insights from his remarkable 25-year journey at the brand, and reveals how the global sports giant maintains its position through strategic marketing frameworks and brand consistency.

In this episode, Dave and Barry talk about:

• Meeting at age 16 as footballers and reconnecting after 30 years
• Landing at Adidas through university connections and strategic networking
• Treating brand loyalty like supporting a football team – no competitive products allowed
• Creating clarity through a global marketing framework that prioritizes 20-30k products
• Building partnerships with athletes that offer product validation, visibility, and brand affinity
• Balancing global consistency with local market adaptation
• Using two logos to separate sports performance from cultural lifestyle products
• Leveraging reactive marketing during sports moments like Jude Bellingham's overhead kick
• Understanding that marketing fundamentals don't change despite new platforms
• Embracing "compound creativity" – the compounding benefits of brand consistency
• Taking a measured approach to AI while exploring its potential applications

The secret to successful marketing isn't complex: define what you're trying to do, decide what success looks like, and focus on consistent execution rather than chasing every trend.

A great episode, one of our favourites so far! We hope you enjoy.

To book a brand or web review, email us at wakeup@dawncreative.co.uk, or go to https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/brand-review/ or https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/web-review/.

In this episode of Branding Done, we dive into a question that many businesses wrestle with: is there really a difference between your employer brand and your main brand? Shoshana, the founder of Fairy Job Mother, joins us to share her insights on this and explain how to build an employer brand from scratch if you don’t already have one.

Shoshana’s journey from corporate life to launching her own business is nothing short of inspiring. After spotting gaps in how young professionals are prepared for the modern workforce, she made it her mission to bridge that divide. With experience working alongside brands like Marks & Spencer, BT, and Amazon, and as host of the “Future Talent Talks” podcast, Shoshana is full of practical advice and fresh perspectives.

Together, we explore why recruitment and branding are so closely linked. Shoshana explains why a bad candidate experience can impact more than just hiring—it can ripple out and affect how people see your brand as a whole. She also breaks down how to align your company’s values with how you hire, which is increasingly important to socially conscious young professionals.

Looking ahead, we discuss how recruitment is evolving, with companies focusing more on skills than formal qualifications. Shoshana also shares how technology is changing hiring practices and how brands can adapt.

Whether you’re looking to improve your employer brand or just starting to build one, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Don’t miss it!

To book a brand or web review, email us at wakeup@dawncreative.co.uk, or go to https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/brand-review/ or https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/web-review/.

To book a brand or web review, email us at wakeup@dawncreative.co.uk, or go to https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/brand-review/ or https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/web-review/.

In this episode, we speak to Kerry Curtis, the Brand Development Director at Total Fitness about building a successful fitness brand. Kerry shares how they shifted from traditional marketing to a holistic brand-focused approach that touches every part of the business. Learn how Total Fitness incorporates its brand strategy in everything, from board decisions to the gym floor, including their recent venture into a women's gym. It's not just about logos and slogans; it's about infusing genuine values into the core of a fitness empire.

Taking a look at Total Fitness's story since 2018, Kerry emphasises the importance of people, culture, and values in standing out in a crowded market. Gain insights into creating a sense of belonging in their facilities and staying innovative to connect with specific customer groups. Kerry's thoughts on navigating the ups and downs of gym memberships and how Total Fitness sets itself apart during high-demand times provide valuable lessons in brand uniqueness.

In our wrap-up, Kerry and I discuss the changing trends in fitness marketing. We move beyond the typical "new year, new me" campaigns, exploring the impact of promoting a sustainable and inclusive fitness journey throughout the year. It's about celebrating small victories and motivating individuals to "feel the moment." Then, it's over to you to guess which is the lie in her "two truths and a lie" (Dave got it wrong).

To book a brand or web review, email us at wakeup@dawncreative.co.uk, or go to https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/brand-review/ or https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/web-review/.

Ever wonder how design decisions are made in the world of finance? Our guest for today, Kyle Cassidy, a Senior UX Design Manager at Barclays Bank, is here to peel back the curtain. Discover how his journey, starting from a Degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship to a pivotal role in a leading bank, has shaped his perspective on UX/UI design.

Join us as we dissect the role of data patterns, tracking specifications, and research in making informed, evidence-based design decisions. Kyle shares rich insights about the principles of 'Don't Make Me Think' and its significance in creating a positive user experience. This episode is a deep-dive into the nuances of designing for diverse-user groups and how the challenges of satisfying both young and old users can influence design strategies.

In the ever-evolving world of UX/UI design, we look at the future. Hear Kyle's thoughts on emerging technologies like AI, VR, and AR, and how they may shape the industry. Learn about the importance of setting success metrics and adapting to change in an industry that sees constant evolution. We also delve into the intricacies of regulatory compliance and how it can affect design systems in the banking sector. A must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the dynamic world of UX/UI design, the role of data, and the future of this industry.

To book a brand or web review, email us at wakeup@dawncreative.co.uk, or go to https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/brand-review/ or https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/web-review/.

In this episode we're joined by Lisa Pearson, ex head of Marketing for Arriva and Merlin Entertainments Plc (Blackpool Division), Board Member at The Women's Organisation and current Marketing Director at Open Media. Phew! Lisa, with her impressive portfolio of 22 career experiences, 12 volunteer roles, and 7 honours and awards, graces us with insights from her life and career, and her steadfast commitment to both professional and volunteer work.

From the corridors of banking to the vibrant world of media, Lisa has witnessed firsthand the evolution of brand values and propositions. Listen as she unravels the overhaul of brand guidelines and values at Open Media, a company flourishing under its impressive growth. Pay attention as she underscores the vital need for consistency in upholding these values across all departments, not just marketing, for a brand to truly bloom. This conversation promises to crack open a fresh perspective on the distinctiveness of personal and brand values apart from visual identity.

But, our conversation doesn't stop there. We venture into the terrain of hard work and personal goals. We discuss our thoughts on the mantra of 'work hard and be nice to people', and the joy derived from completing tasks or surpassing personal goals. Lisa generously passes on the torch to younger generations with her mantra - doing your best and striving for excellence. Brace yourselves for an engaging dialogue that dips into the depths of values and how they mould both individuals and brands.

To book a brand or web review, email us at wakeup@dawncreative.co.uk, or go to https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/brand-review/ or https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/web-review/.