Chris Rush and Andy Peel, who conveniently have the initials of CR.AP, something which they decided to name their business after. An unusual choice, but one that aims to get them noticed in a very competitive industry as the friends are an advertising creative team that dabbles in all areas. From above the line to digital, they've worked with all sorts of clients and budgets up and down the country.
We caught up with them to pick their brains and see what they're up to.
Why did you choose the name 'Cr.ap' for your business?
We chose CR.AP because it's our names. I doubt we'd have been so flippant with the word otherwise. When we were doing the portfolio rounds during uni, we felt that we were easier to remember with a catchy name. Be it good or bad, you'd remember CR.AP. It's also a good name for us because we try not to take ourselves too seriously.
Tell us more about your backgrounds.. why did you set up on your own?
We both went to Sunderland University and studied Advertising & Design. Before that, Chris did a graphic design course at college and I did A-levels. We've not officially set ourselves up as a company, we see it as a way to brand ourselves as a team. Though you never know, one day there maybe a CR.AP agency. Though I don't the Government would ever do business with CR.AP. It certainly divides opinion, but isn't that what advertising should ultimately do?
Best client/project so far?
We've worked on some great projects. Cracking a few things for IRN-BRU recently was great but winning the ScotRail pitch and seeing our work Scotland wide is always nice. We've also done an anti-smoking campaign for PHA in Northern Ireland, which resulted in far more people giving up smoking than expected. So I guess there are a few different kind of high points.
What are you hoping 2011 will bring?
We'd like to be officially hired in 2011, we've done placements, short term contracts and longer skints as well, but three years later, we're still chasing that elusive permanent role. If we can better 2010, that would also be good. Though a nomination at the Scottish Ad Awards, being in Creative Review and our website featured in Simon Veksner's "How to make it as an advertising creative" will take some beating at this point in time.
Finally, any words of wisdom for other aspiring creative folk?
Keep at it. Not many people hang around after some of the set backs we've had. Always stay true to the idea. Little things make a big difference and the most obvious, be nice.
*To see more of their work vist http://www.wearecrap.co.uk Or see their Portfolio.
