W H AT H A P P E N S

W H E N YO U L E AV E ?
University of Portsmouth
02/10/15

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Who am I?
Me.
I studied Entertainment Technology
Focused in on Web/Flash path
Took a year to work in industry
Graduated with a 2:1 in 2005
I now run Buffalo
We are a web design & development company

Page 2

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Who are Buffalo?

Us.
We started nearly ten years ago
Focus on intuitive design and development
Small and friendly
Creative agencies
BBDO, I Love Dust and Proud Creative.

Some of our clients:

Page 3

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Small but perfectly formed.

DAN

JAMES

Technbical Director

Developer

PAUL

Developer

Designer / Developer

MAX

CHARLIE

Developer

ALEX

JASPER

Managing Director

BETO

Designer / Developer

HUGO
Developer

Designer

COLETTE
Developer

...nerds at heart.
Page 4

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

50 million
Over 50 million unique
sessions across our sites

46 million
Some 46 million lines of
code written

15 million
Nearly 15m
generated through our
e-commerce projects

10 million
Over 10m raised by
our clients to date

200 projects
Almost 200 projects
completed

100 copycats
Over 100 people who
have copied our designs

15 countries
Projects completed for
clients in 15 countries
Page 5

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Greenpeace.

Working with an agency in London, we created a slick animated petition bringing to the fore
Head and Shoulders exploitation of the rainforest.

and mobile. With nearly 400,000 signatures the project has been picked up across the world.

Page 6

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

HBO.

Working with BBDO New York and HBO we built a game that lets users guess their favourite

With a separate version for mobile devices and an optimised experience for tablets the

HBO show by watching jump cut videos of fans describing each programme.

project was very successful - generating a lot of attention for the campaign.

The site allowed you to challenge your friends on Facebook and each play could result in an
overall prize along with weekly bonus prizes from HBO.
Page 7

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Mason Cycles.

Known around the bike world - Dom Mason wanted to create the most beautiful, engineered

Built using Spree Commerce the site tracks stock and bike builds - letting Mason Cycles

frame and bike components with his new venture.

concentrate on new products rather than administration - naturally the site is also fully
responsive.

We worked with Dom from the early stages of the company to put together an immersive site
that showcases beautiful photography and the to detail that comes out in each product.
Page 8

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Momiji.

developed a passionate community of collectors.

the world and as with all our sites is fully responsive..

We worked to create a site that fused an easy shopping experience with the quirky brand
that Momijis fans love.
Page 9

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Buster & Punch.

Their products are absolutely beautiful and we couldnt be prouder to work with their

Built using Spree Commerce the site has a trade system and features integration with Xero

founder Massimo Buster Minale to translate their brand online.

for accounting. It allows the client to concentrate on new ideas rather than administration naturally the site is also fully responsive.

Page 10

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Slice.

Slice create amazing events for clients like Santander, Nike and Lynx.

Built with Expression Engine the site lets Slice keep their content updated whenever the
needs arises.

The site pulls together animation, video and subtle UI interaction throughout.

Page 11

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Buffalo's home.

Page 12

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

What did I do after graduating?

I got started...
...honed my skills
Did freelance work
Put a good portfolio together
Joined a company with other graduates

Page 13

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Started a company - Limeknight

Winged it.
We built Flash games and sites
Clients such as:
- Portsmouth City Council
- University of Portsmouth
- SEDA
Great learning curve
Tough market

Page 14

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

What happened next?

Saw the bright lights.
I got headhunted
Great offer that I couldnt refuse

Ultimately I made the wrong decision

Wallet vs. Heart
Missed the excitement

Page 15

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Starting Buffalo
Risk.
Left the stability of my job
Took a designer and developer on the way
Started working together
Existing contacts gave initial work

Page 16

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Starting Buffalo
Working it out.
Designed and built a CMS and a shop

Solidly busy since January 07

Survived two recessions...

Page 17

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

We are growing...
...over the past two years.

100%

75%

TURNOVER

STAFF NUMBERS

Page 18

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

The result...
... on me.

500%

100%

STRESS LEVELS

HAIR LOSS

Page 19

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

The enterprise bug...

...is addictive.
There is nothing like working for yourself
Being paid is much sweeter
Freedom to change working times
However - its not for everyone
Responsibilities change to worrying about others

Page 20

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Things to remember...
...to start out right.
Spend your money wisely
Get a great portfolio together
Be determined - be a friendly pest!
Buy a good domain name, hosting and email

Page 21

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Things to remember...
...to keep it going.
Volunteer for work experience
Get as many contacts as possible
Use Twitter and comment on blogs etc

Page 22

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Even more things to remember...

...balance.
Get out of the studio/bedroom now and again
Ask for feedback from people in the industry
Dont copy other peoples work/designs
Buy lots of coffee/Red Bull/Relentless

Try to have fun

Page 23

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE? University of Portsmouth.

Recap...
Quick tips.
Work out what you excel at by trial and error
Make friends that can help you - both peers & industry

Put together a cracking, edited portfolio

If you code then have detailed examples to share
Get experience working somewhere with clients

Page 24

Thanks.

www.builtbybuffalo.com

dan@builtbybuffalo.com

Twitter: @flowersofvanity

Registered in England
Company No. 0604823
VAT Registration No. 899 6307 54