By Luke Bradford

FrogspawnCreatives.com brings together the interests of charities and media professionals. On the one hand, charities can find media creatives, who are willing to donate their skills or work at preferential rates. Charities can post a job or skill set they require for a project, be it photography, corporate film production or simply advice on media related issues and creative projects. FrogspawnCreatives.com allows charites to find media creatives without having to go through agencies or production companies that need to take their financial cut.

On the other hand, media professionals may donate their skill set for an hour, day, or however much time they would like, meeting new clients and building relationships. They may also have direct access to the charities looking for their skills: the elimination of middleman is a great opportunity to receive briefs directly from a client and to build a working relationship. There are so many creative people with useful talents that are keen to add to their portfolio. This site offers a way of finding real briefs that will get individuals’ work out there, and all for a positive cause.

Creating a new concept

FrogspawnCreatives.com was born from my making short films and creative marketing ideas for charities and not having the time to service the increasing volume of requests. At the same time friends and colleagues were offering their time and skill sets, so a website for creatives to meet charities seemed to be the answer. I have funded the site’s production myself with additional support being provided by a few close friends.

The name FrogspawnCreatives.com came from my fascination with frogspawn and its incredible transformation. A simple black dot evolves, changes shape, changes again, then finally takes on a life of its own. I felt it was the perfect metaphor for creative ideas; how a simple idea with the right support can evolve into something real. Both charities and creatives can grow together.

A very positive feedback

Since the site’s launch in October 2009, it has received thousands of hits with hundreds of both creatives and charities registering. Projects posted by charities vary from photography assignments to help with web design, to production of a television advertising campaign. Dozens of projects have so far been posted for creatives to respond to. Charities registered range from small local non-profit organisations to major international charities.

The response has been incredible and I am very excited by the way people are getting involved. One of the first projects completed was an animated film for the launch of a conservation project ‘Restore The Earth’ and was voiced by Joanna Lumley. The film made by creatives from the site was screened alongside performances by Bruce Springsteen and Blur in Hyde Park. The project was a great example of just what can be achieved with the right working ethos from the start.

I can see a clear demand from both parties. Charities need creative help to communicate but often cannot afford expensive agencies or full freelancer rates. Creative people often have time on their hands and most are very keen to add to their portfolio or show reel as well as giving something back. I am thrilled the take up has been so positive. Currently the site is UK based but it has been accessed in over twenty countries so there seems to be interest further afield. It is early days for FrogspwanCreatives.com but like the whole ethos of the site, we can grow together.

Get in touch: http://frogspawncreatives.com/

Send your suggestions for articles to Magda Hercheui (m.hercheui@westminster.ac.uk)