It is time for an update about the way Snapper Graphics operates. We have gone through some big upheaval in the last year, partly because of the tremendous drop in work, partly because we were ready for a change. 

Change of focus

When the April 2020 lockdown hit, our work came to an almost complete standstill, and while we were very grateful for government support, it quickly became obvious that work would not come back to the same levels in the foreseeable future. This has spurred us on to look for alternative sources of income, and by the end of the year it became obvious we also needed to trim down our staff levels and scale the business right down to its core - Snapper Graphics is basically just Jan now, supported where necessary by partner Jackie O’Brien.

Currently I divide my time between Snapper Graphics, the Waiheke Resources Trust, where I am setting up GIS mapping and reporting systems to support their environmental projects, and my friend Gary Wilton’s business Make Tracks, where I design, plan and build steps and other walkway structures. I’m about to start collaborating with my daughter Mika, who will graduate as an architectural designer this year, on our first landscape design projects, most likely under a new trading name. I see 2021 as a year of transition, a chance to explore new directions and build a fresh sense of excitement and passion, something that has started waning a bit in recent years. For me that is the main reason I have taken the plunge.

What this means for you

This has not been an easy decision, and I take my commitment to my clients very seriously. I’m not retiring though, and I will continue with many of the original Snapper Graphics projects. Key team members Alex Stone, Jackie O’Brien and Mike Codling are also still available for editing, research and illustration work, but not on the same level as before, as they have also needed to find other sources of income. 

I’ll keep my Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier Island portfolios, many of the map and walking projects I’m involved with, as well as a few projects that involve a more holistic approach where a strong landscape integration or Mana Whenua engagement are required. I will still be available to complete unfinished projects, but in some cases I may approach you about shifting some of the workload, if capacity is a problem.

Introducing DallowBoss

I have spent a long time looking for a colleague who can support you with your projects going forward. I’m very pleased to have found who I think is a perfect fit: Barnaby Boss of DallowBoss - an excellent designer with a great track record in wayfinding solutions, mapping and interpretation. I’d be more than happy to introduce you, if this has not already happened. Where needed, I will support Barnaby with advice, historic files and creative solutions, so feel secure in the knowledge that our shared work history and my years of experience are not lost. Since February this year we have started collaborating on a number of projects, and this will continue as long as required. 

I’ve also teamed up with Lara Simmons of Trestle Creative for a Heritage Interpretation Strategy for Papakura. Lara’s strength lies in heritage, built environment and innovative approaches to interpretation.

This is not a goodbye, more a reshuffle. Please feel free to check in with me at any time to clarify your options, I’ll keep you updated with further changes, including a new trading name to be introduced next year.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2022!

Jan Ramp