WHAT associates

WHAT associates Creative Agency, Ipswich Suffolk

We help businesses, both big and small, across a multitude of sect

End of an era. After seven years as their retained creative agency, our brand work for ‘The National Schools Rugby Festi...
28/08/2026

End of an era. After seven years as their retained creative agency, our brand work for ‘The National Schools Rugby Festival’ marks the conclusion of our work with St Joseph's College .

In the festival’s 40th year, the new identity is designed to shift the focus from school tournament to national institution, with St Joseph’s proudly positioned as its custodian. The identity can be shared, worn and celebrated by all competing schools with the potential of merchandise and sponsorship opportunities broadening.

It’s the culmination of seven years of strategy, brand, sport positioning and creative thinking. We leave knowing confidently that the foundations are firmly in place for St Joseph’s next chapter.

And now, a little space opens up for new work.

We’re a deliberately small agency. You work directly with Tim and Wendy, strategy, creative and production, without the layers. We take on a limited number of clients because we believe good work needs time and personal attention.
If you’re looking for a creative partner, please get in touch.

Credit: Archive Film: Brandon Griffiths / colour-media.com

21/08/2026

We’re thrilled to see the launch of Ipswich International Film Festival, hosted at King St Cinema.

The team asked us to create an identity that could evolve year after year, whatever the festival theme.

The cinema’s 35mm projector inspired the idea. Looking at the capital I’s in IIFF, we saw the opportunity to create an aperture that echoes the proportions of a 35mm film frame. From there, the icon and typography fell into place.

And this year’s theme? Misfits + Outsiders. You can imagine the fun we’ve had with that.

More to share as the festival gets closer.

When: 31 October to 14 November 2026

Who: Dan Champion: Festival artistic director ()
Richard Johns: Executive producer.
Festival Patrons:
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Mat Kirkby
Director Sophie Fiennes

Follow this is going to be good!!

#ʙʀᴀɴᴅɪᴅᴇɴᴛɪᴛʏ .love

We’ve been working with ipswichbookfestival again this year as their creative partner, and it’s been great to be involve...
19/08/2026

We’ve been working with ipswichbookfestival again this year as their creative partner, and it’s been great to be involved from the start, suggesting a new theme and evolving the creative direction.

Last year’s identity got a few comments about the symbols and what they represented. If you looked carefully, you’d have found Ipswich icons hidden around the festival map. This year, we wanted to build on that identity and keep it fresh, while giving the new theme a bigger role.

The 2026 theme is ‘More Than Words’ because books connect us to people, places, ideas and experiences. So we’ve brought the stories of Ipswich to life, with icons represented in the typography. Look closely, and you’ll find the Customs House, Cornhill Portal, Town Hall, Obolensky statue and Grandma’s Umbrella.

The festival team are working so hard to deliver an incredible festival:

- 2–4 October
- 55 events across 11 venues
- Authors, broadcasters, historians, illustrators, poets and performers
- Free creative writing workshops with the University of Suffolk
- Schools’ Week, supported by Sizewell C. 25 authors visiting 50 schools
- Local Author Showcase and lots more...

The full programme is on the Ipswich Book website.

Loveone Tony Felgate Dial Lane Books

With thanks to Jason at Keith Avis Printer

Thank you All About Ipswich Ipswich Town FC for the invite to the launch of ‘Gawn Up’ an exhibition celebrating ITFC’s r...
10/07/2026

Thank you All About Ipswich Ipswich Town FC for the invite to the launch of ‘Gawn Up’ an exhibition celebrating ITFC’s return to the Premier League and the supporters who were there.

It was great to catch up with Louise Cobbold Art and watch her live portrait painting in action of Dara O’Shea lifting the promotion trophy, and our friend Phil Ham .

We have a couple of our own instant camera photographs included in the exhibition, alongside the shots taken by players and Ed Sheeran at the last game of the season. It’s a brilliant mix of professional photography and candid shots that tell our promotion story.

Free to visit at Ipswich Town Hall from Friday 10 July to Sunday 19 July.

A great exhibition. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Photographers featured: Adam Rosenbaum and George Dixon, Richard Calver and Matchday Images + ITFC players, Ed Sheeran and fan photography.

Just a thought... What if every visitor to Ipswich arrived via the river?No traffic queues. Bridge issues become irrelev...
23/06/2026

Just a thought... What if every visitor to Ipswich arrived via the river?

No traffic queues. Bridge issues become irrelevant. Fewer cars in town. Less pressure on parking. Instead, visitors arrive to ever-changing waterscapes, stunning scenery and a county town offering a welcome unlike anywhere else. Are we overlooking one of Ipswich’s greatest assets?

We recently experienced this firsthand during a Summer Solstice sunrise photoshoot aboard the Orwell Lady. The views were spectacular, the light magical and the journey a reminder of just how special our county town and the surrounding Suffolk countryside are. Personally, I wish every day started like this. Welcome to Ipswich!

Orwell Lady

Canon Photography: ©WHAT associates Wendy Hodgson Tim Hodgson

We’re very pleased to support ,  and Ipswich Central with the design of their Five-Year Business Plan ahead of the BID b...
04/06/2026

We’re very pleased to support , and Ipswich Central with the design of their Five-Year Business Plan ahead of the BID ballot. Clear messaging, bold typography, typographic map and a bright, confident palette (you won’t miss it!) combine to communicate their focused vision for the future. Thanks to Chris Cook and for a beautiful print finish.

Last year, we were approached by the Estates team at the University of Suffolk to explore signage options for the Waterf...
01/06/2026

Last year, we were approached by the Estates team at the University of Suffolk to explore signage options for the Waterfront Building in Ipswich. We began with site visits, concept development and design studies, considering visibility, scale, materials and the unique challenges of the waterfront location.

Our initial proposals included large-scale illuminated lettering mounted on the rooftop, visible from Stoke Bridge and reflected across the marina, as well as a facade-mounted alternative. As the project developed, it moved into the hands of the specialist teams responsible for surveys, structural engineering, architecture, fabrication and installation. Given the scale, safety requirements and technical considerations involved, this next phase required expertise beyond the initial concept stage. It’s fantastic to see the completed result.

I still think the original rooftop concept would have been incredible. Seeing those illuminated letters on the skyline would have created a real landmark. But that’s why we have structural engineers and health & safety experts to keep us creative types in check 😉

Congratulations to everyone involved, particularly , , Barnes Construction, Superstructures, Concertus Design and Property Consultants Limited and the wider project team, for delivering this project. A massive group effort.

After 18 months of looking for a new studio, we’re in! Slowly getting pictures up, furniture in and getting to know the ...
22/05/2026

After 18 months of looking for a new studio, we’re in! Slowly getting pictures up, furniture in and getting to know the neighbours.

Early morning press pass with Chris Cook at  💙 Ping!
18/05/2026

Early morning press pass with Chris Cook at 💙 Ping!

Result! 💙💙💙
02/05/2026

Result! 💙💙💙

Address

35 Westerfield Road
Ipswich
IP42UE

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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