By Design: stories of revival in a time of change
- Text by Huck

At Huck we’ve always been about celebrating independent makers, thinkers, and doers. Which is why we’re excited to launch By Design, in partnership with 99designs by Vistaprint.
The series will celebrate small businesses across the UK, all while spotlighting the power of design in helping them do what they do. Over the next two months, we’ll share stories of solidarity and resilience: from social-enterprise organisations giving back to their communities, to the neighbourhood stalwarts that have been doing their thing for years.
After a difficult year, 99designs are helping these businesses step back into the world with a brand new visual identity, as well as a financial grant to help them as they enter their next chapter.
Follow along for more stories.
#01 How Whitley Bay Skate Club built a scene from scratch
In the first instalment of By Design, we explore how a retro skate shop in the North-East became the launchpad for a thriving creative community.

#02 Meet the people getting Glasgow cycling
In story two, we take a ride with Bike For Good, an organisation working to make cycling more accessible in the Scottish city – and beyond.

#03 The ‘behind-bars’ coffee company transforming lives
In story three, we step inside Redemption Roasters, a “behind-bars” business working to reduce reoffending rates in the UK.

#04 Meet the family diversifying the world of greeting cards
In our new film, we meet Avila.Diana, a family business diversifying greeting cards with their unique designs.

#05 London’s paper-bag dynasty is forging a new future
Meet the Gardners, the family behind a business and East London staple still going strong after 150 years.

#06 The charity using football as a vehicle for change
Football Beyond Borders is a group using the beautiful game to reach young people in ways that others can’t.

#07 Meet the green-fingered student behind Botanical Babe
When the pandemic forced her to move back in with her parents, Tesni Boughen decided to turn her plant obsession into a new business.

#08 Meet the woman changing the yoga scene for the better
Sanchia Legister is on a mission to shift yoga culture away from white middle-class cliches.

#09 The LGBTQ bookshop bringing queer literature to the masses
Queer Lit is creating an online space for hundreds of LGBTQ writers.

#10 Meet the Syrian chef bringing a taste of home to Cambridge
In our last film, we meet Faraj Alnasser who has brought delicious Syrian cuisine to sleepy Cambridge.

By Design is an editorial series created with 99designs by Vistaprint, in which all participating businesses receive a design makeover, as well as a financial grant to help them embark on their next chapter.
Take a look at the other 99 small business design makeovers on 99 Days Of Design.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck

Analogue Appreciation: Emma-Jean Thackray
Weirdo — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, multi-instrumentalist and Brownswood affiliate Emma-Jean Thackray.
Written by: Emma-Jean Thackray

Meet the shop cats of Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district
Feline good — Traditionally adopted to keep away rats from expensive produce, the feline guardians have become part of the central neighbourhood’s fabric. Erica’s online series captures the local celebrities.
Written by: Isaac Muk

How trans rights activism and sex workers’ solidarity emerged in the ’70s and ’80s
Shoulder to Shoulder — In this extract from writer Jake Hall’s new book, which deep dives into the history of queer activism and coalition, they explore how anti-TERF and anti-SWERF campaigning developed from the same cloth.
Written by: Jake Hall

A behind the scenes look at the atomic wedgie community
Stretched out — Benjamin Fredrickson’s new project and photobook ‘Wedgies’ queers a time-old bullying act by exploring its erotic, extreme potential.
Written by: Isaac Muk

“Welcome to the Useless Class”: Ewan Morrison in conversation with Irvine Welsh
For Emma — Ahead of the Scottish author’s new novel, he sat down with Irvine Welsh for an in-depth discussion of its dystopic themes, and the upcoming AI “tsunami”.
Written by: Irvine Welsh

“Struggle helps people come together”: Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
Huck’s February interview — To hear more about the release of the indie darling’s first collaborative album, we caught up with her and Devra Hoff to hear about the record, motherhood in music and why the ’80s are back,
Written by: Isaac Muk