The Little Christmas Workshop: These Rothco Creative Minds Don’t Stop at Their Day Jobs

In the spirit of giving this Christmas, Irish creative agency, Rothco, part of Accenture Interactive, has opened up ‘Our Little Workshop’, a charity store at their agency building in Smithfield, Dublin. They’re offering an array of unique gifts created by the agency’s own pool of talented employees.

A percentage of all sales will go towards Focus Ireland, a wonderful charity supporting those who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes across Ireland. Ranging from art prints and 3D printed jewellery to children’s books and knitted toys, the team are certainly multi-talented. They come together to chat to LBB about the crafts and passions they have outside of their day jobs...

How Will Santa Find Us? by Stephen Rogers, Creative Director, & Jessica Derby, Executive Producer

Steven Rogers says: “The idea for the book was sparked back in August 2018, when a photo of a young homeless family sleeping in a Garda station was shared on social media. It was a devastating image to see and it got myself and co-author Shane O’Brien (creative director at BBDO) talking about the growing issue of child homelessness in Ireland and if there was any way we could bring creativity to the problem, in some small way, to help. 

Children’s bedtime stories are a powerful way to teach children and parents about difficult issues, so we decided that this would be the best approach. The book tells the story of a family who become homeless the week before Christmas to try and move the conversation about homelessness to a place of empathy by gently placing a child in the shoes of someone who is homeless. 

Our friend, Bren Byrne (creative partner at McCann Dublin), suggested we get a different illustrator for each page of the story and put us in touch. Younger children will love the bright, colourful and imaginative illustrations and older children will love reading the beautiful rhyme and playing the little game we have included at the end of the book.

The last piece of the jigsaw was Jess, Executive Producer at Rothco, who has collaborated with myself and Shane on similar side projects before. We asked her to help us make our little story a reality and thankfully she said yes.”

How Will Santa Find Us? was created in sole aid of the Focus Ireland charity. Please visit here for more information.

I CAN I DO Jumpers by Zara Flynn, Managing Partner

“My limited edition knits are crafted in Italy from 100 per cent cashmere to give women a comforting, luxurious feeling as a constant reminder to always be kind to themselves. The backbone is emblazoned with the slogan, I CAN I DO, and comes in three shades: The Mags in moonlight grey, named after a girl boss I work with; The CiCi in schoolgirl grey, named after my inspirational daughter; and The Emma in pitch black, named after my oldest friend. 

The design was born out of a time in my career when I doubted myself and my achievements. According to a study by Bain & Co, women enter the workforce motivated and driven but over time, their aspiration levels drop by more than 60 per cent, while men’s remain constant. After two years, 34 per cent of men are still aiming for top management positions, but only 16 per cent of women are. Seeing this and knowing how I felt at the time made me want to do something about it. 

I CAN I DO is a reminder to every woman who has ever felt self-doubt, that she’s got this. It’s a reminder to be gentle on yourself; to acknowledge the role you play in being the backbone of your family’s lives; and to remember how awesome you really are.”

To find out more or purchase a jumper, please visit icanido.ie or @i_can_i_do_is_my_anthem on Instagram.

Prints by Sona Harrison, UX Designer

“Having studied fine art as my undergrad before moving into working in design, I started to miss the freedom of drawing and painting, so a few years ago some friends and I started an art collective to encourage each other to start making our own work again. The prints I have in the Workshop are based on a series I’ve been working on for the last year called Escape.

I tend to draw either imaginary or personal spaces, so am very inspired by my friends, travel and general observations. I love working with Posca paint markers as they are easier to work with than paint but offer the same results. And the colours are amazing!”

To find out more or purchase a print, please visit sonaharrison.com/shop or @sonahaaaa on Instagram.

Love & Robots by Aoibh O’Daly, Experience Consultant

 

“I started Love & Robots with my sisters as a way of bringing together our love of design and technology. We create fun, affordable jewellery using 3D printers in coloured nylon and precious metals before hand-finishing with sterling silver, vermeil and gold-filled chains and hooks. Everything is designed with love and made with robots - hence the name!”

 

To find out more please visit @loveandrobots on Instagram.

Hibernica Finch’s Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals by Rob Maguire, Creative Director

 

“The book I’m selling in the Workshop is for budding zoologists of all ages. I worked with Aga Grandowicz, the genius behind the book’s amazing illustrations. Unlike me, she’s not allergic to animals, so can get closer to them than I can! We wanted to create a character to make learning about animals fun, so came up with Hibernica Finch. She’s part Attenborough, part Quartermaine, and part loon.

 

This is my first book, so it’s been amazing to see it so well received – it was shortlisted for Irish Published Book of the Year at An Post Irish Book Awards, and Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year. No pressure for round two…”

 

To find out more or purchase a book please visit robmaguire.ie.

Rockabye by Helene Browne, Executive Assistant

 

“Seeing a gap in the Irish market for toxin-free baby accessories, I started making Rockabye products just over two years ago. My friends and family absolutely loved them and encouraged me to pursue it further. All the products are made from natural untreated wood and BPA-free silicone beads; they are safe for little one’s mouths and make a beautiful gift.

There are two main products that are both practical and great for sensory play. The soother clip is designed to attach to your soother so that it doesn’t drop onto the floor or get left behind (we’ve all been there!), and the teething ring can loop onto the arm of a buggy or play frame to keep little ones busy. The mixture of textures, colours and shapes provide stimulus for little ones between 0-2 years at such an important time of development.”

To find out more or purchase a product visit @rockabye_ie on Instagram. Website launching in 2020.

Art by Darius Pasalar, Senior Strategist

 

“My art piece is part of a series of work that looks at space and the animal forms inhabiting them. I think it’s interesting how they can visually challenge and complement each other. I work primarily in oils and watercolours, and I sketch a good bit as well.  

 

Creatively I must admit I am inspired by junky nicknacks and oddities. Someone recently gave me this big, mad-looking Victorian bamboo brush which I absolutely love.”

 

Darius is available for commissions via email at dariuspasalar@hotmail.com.

Knit Bits by Niamh Delaney, Revenue Analyst

 

“My mam taught me to knit - there were eight of us and she knitted everything - so I learnt how to read a pattern at an early age. I started knitting again about four years ago as work took me back into the centre of the city which meant a two-hour commute on the bus. I decided to use my time to knit small hats and booties for babies and got back into it.  

 

I recently knitted a Christmas advent calendar with 24 little socks. It took over 40 hours to complete and I am very proud of it!”

 

Website launching in the near future.