A Gateshead design agency founder who left school with no formal school qualifications and now works with the likes of Walt Disney and Universal Studios is helping a Middlesbrough design agency reach for success.
Jason Knights is managing director of Blue Kangaroo Design, a small design agency that works specifically with entertainment character licensing and toy industry clients all over the world.
After initially joining the British Army when he was 16, he worked for a design agency, but his career aspirations weren’t met so he decided to form his own business - Blue Kangaroo Design.
A bet with a work colleague who challenged him to find work with the Walt Disney Company has now led to him working with household brands and travelling the world to discuss major contracts and commissions.
His ongoing work with businesses, particularly in the US, brought him to the attention of the Department for International Trade (DiT), which helped him build his business internationally to such an extent that he is now working with brands including Lucas Film, Walt Disney, Universal Studios, Mattel, Tomy, and Warner Bros. His work has also led to a Board of Trade Award and he was made a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion.
Through a mutual contact in the DiT, Mr Knights was asked if he would offer guidance to an up-and-coming young designer in Stockton who was looking for business support.
Robert Bedford, 29, grew up loving computer games and used to draw gaming characters as a hobby. His artwork progressed to the music scene, leading to the creation of Juiced in which he designs logos and merchandise such as caps and T-shirts for clients including rock bands.
After working with Mr Knights on how to secure lucrative contracts, Mr Bedford’s business Juiced has expanded into new premises at Middlesbrough’s Boho 5 complex and he has taken on new graphic designer Niamh Dixon.
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Mr Bedford said: “I wasn’t business trained and Jason’s advice has been so helpful. He has been my go-to person when I needed support and my mindset has changed dramatically thanks to his help. One of the first things he helped us with was our own rebrand and his experience of dealing with big clients has had a very positive effect on my business.
“Having Jason mentoring me has totally changed the way I do business.
“I’m more assertive in my negotiations and every project we do, we try to make it bigger and better than the one before or we’ll add something to it to push the boundaries. That’s what I’ve learnt from Jason and I’m very grateful.”
Mr Knights added: “Having your own business can leave you in a lonely place. I’m really happy to help Robert and Juiced get the work that they deserve. It’s good for me to share my experiences and help someone on their way in business.
“Robert has a good, sound base for business and a great team behind him and he is building his brand in all the right places. If our small design agency in Gateshead can have a worldwide footprint, then there’s nothing stopping Juiced from doing the same.”