We’re WHAT associates, a creative studio based in Ipswich, founded by Tim and Wendy Hodgson in 2013. You work directly with us, no layers, no handovers, just the people doing the thinking and the making.

We work with organisations of all shapes and sizes, from established institutions to those just starting out. Arts and culture. Education. Public and private sectors. Different challenges, same need: clarity. We help define what matters and bring it to life, creating brands and experiences people connect with. Every project is different. The aim is the same: work that feels clear, colourful and unmistakably yours.

We’re graduates of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and Gold accredited by the Carbon Charter, so we think carefully about the long-term impact of what we make on people and the planet.

People like working with us

  • We approached WHAT with just an idea and within weeks, they transformed it into a comprehensive strategy, brand narrative and eye-catching identity. Wendy and Tim completely understood what we were trying to say, even before we had the words. The kaleidoscope identity they created reflects the personal nature of reading and the ever-changing spirit of our festival. It’s thoughtful, clever and beautifully rooted in our town. We’re so grateful for their creativity and brilliant partnership.

    Emma Lightfoot. Ipswich Book Festival Organiser

    view Ipswich Book Festival case study

  • I’ve enjoyed the experience of working with WHAT. They have listened to me and I think may have told my story more clearly than I could have done myself. I love the name. The new identity perfectly captures the spirit of HERD. It’s modern, memorable and aligns with our vision of a supportive and inspiring environment.

    Kats Scott, Business Owner

    view HERD Exclusive Networking case study

  • Smart, purposeful branding with heart. Wendy and Tim don’t just make things look good, they make them mean something. Bold, dynamic, strong and very us. You smashed it!

    Sarah Nkugwa, AMPP studio

    view case study

  • Tim and Wendy (WHAT) did a brilliant job for us and we are always getting compliments on their behalf. The engagement with what we were doing was incredible and shows in the work.

    Tom & Becks Ison, Owners at Good Inside

    view Good Inside Cafe case study

  • It has been an amazing experience working with Wendy and Tim from WHAT associates. They understood our organisation and developed a brand that supports us into the future. Our name links to our curriculum while providing inspiration to all our pupils. We are delighted with their work and can't thank them enough.

    Sarah Skinner, Penrose Learning Trust

    view Penrose Learning Trust case study

  • Working with Wendy and Tim is a joy. They listen, really listen and truly immerse themselves in your brand. Every concept they bring will be strategically thought through and rooted in the brand’s personality. They will stretch you, ask you to be brave and at times they will challenge you. But everything they do is underpinned by their passion for truly great marketing and communications.

    Sarah Edwards, Director of Admissions, Marketing and Communications

    view St Joseph's College case study

  • We asked Wendy and Tim to evolve our branding after 20 years in business. We were worried we had become a bit stale and we wanted to come out of the pandemic with a new look and feel. We were not prepared for the incredible lift they gave us, their holistic approach led us to not only fall back in love with the experiences we offer, but also to think about what we say and what we do. We have seen an uplift in sales since our new website, and they have helped us with everything from photography to marketing. Really recommended.

    Emma Lightfoot, Owner

    view Orwell Lady case study

  • We’re delighted at the way that the new brand has been received. It has transformed our visual identity into a style that makes us fit for the 21st century.

    Louise Ballard, IKON Operations Director

    view IKON Training case study

  • WHAT associates have exceeded our expectations, helped evolve our brand identity with creativity, and professionalism and we were blown away by the results! Thank you for a fantastic job and very well done indeed! 

    Farheen Allsopp, FARO

    view FARO case study