By Jilly Cross & Ross Musgrove, Sort of...
Okay, let’s just be upfront here: Jilly and Ross are way too busy to be sitting down and writing this blog post themselves.
So, rather than let another year pass by without actually getting round to writing a birthday blog post, they delegated the task to their Junior Assistant, ChatGPT, poured themselves some tea, or maybe a glass of something a bit stronger (espresso), and crossed their fingers.
And here we are. Twelve years down the line. This week marks Bravand’s official 12th birthday, which feels like a milestone worth celebrating, a marker of our journey and evolution as an agency - and a great excuse for a bit of reflection on how it all started, where we are today, and where we’re headed.
Where It All Began
Bravand was born on October 28, 2012, and from the start, it was all about challenging the conventions of agency work.
Bravand set out to build something different, something that wasn’t just about delivering projects but about solving client challenges by bringing together the best of both worlds: the reliability and strategic direction of full-time project managers, and the fresh perspectives and niche expertise of freelancers.
This collective model of working - at a time when it was still seen as unconventional - was exactly what clients were missing in the digital landscape.
Rather than being boxed in by a set team with limited skillsets, we were able to harness the power of a much larger network of freelance talent, each expert in their field. And our clients loved it.
The Model That Powers Bravand: Full-Time Project Managers + Freelancer Expertise
The Bravand model has always been, and continues to be, a blend of steady and dynamic. Our full-time project managers keep everything on track; they are the pulse of every project, ensuring we stay accountable, communicative, and true to our timelines. Meanwhile, our pool of freelancers brings a whole world of creativity and specialisation to the table, allowing us to address a wide range of client needs—from complex web builds to innovative digital campaigns.
This isn’t about outsourcing talent; it’s about finding the *right* expertise for every job. By working with freelancers who are leaders in their fields, we ensure that clients benefit from the latest thinking, without being confined by the limitations of a fixed team. It’s a model that has allowed us to stay agile, responsive, and endlessly adaptable.
Reflecting on 12 Years of Collective Success
If there’s one thing we’re particularly proud of as we mark our 12th birthday, it’s the way we’ve stuck to our founding principles. Staying true to our commitment to collective working has helped us tackle an amazing diversity of client problems. We’ve worked with startups hungry to break into the market, large corporations looking for digital transformation, and everything in between.
But it’s not just about the diversity of clients; it’s about the shared victories and partnerships we’ve formed along the way. We’ve built long-term relationships with clients, freelance experts, and partners who keep coming back because they know that with Bravand, they’re getting a unique mix of project management precision and freelance innovation.
Credit Where It's Due
Bravand wouldn't be the success that it is without the people that power it.
We've a fantastic core team of six people and and huge pool of fabulous freelancers that work with us, project-by-project. There's around 45 of us working on projects right now, and there have probably been as many again that have worked with us over the last 12 years.
Thank you (to most of you).
What’s Next?
Turning 12 is just the beginning. Digital moves fast, and so do we.
Our model of blending in-house and freelance talent has stood the test of time, and as we look to the future, we see even more potential to push the boundaries. New technologies, fresh challenges, and ambitious clients are always around the corner, and we’re excited to meet each one with the same adaptability and dedication that has brought us here.
So here’s to 12 years of Bravand - and to everyone who’s been part of the journey. Thank you for believing in the power of collective working, for trusting us with your projects, and for giving us the chance to keep doing what we love.
And as for Jilly and Ross? The plan is for them to continue being too busy to write blog posts. But that’s alright. We’ve got it covered.
Cheers to the next 12!
The ChatGPT bit
This post was generated (almost entirely) by ChatGPT, using the following prompt: "Write a blog post from Bravand Directors, Jilly Cross and Ross Musgrove about the independent digital agency turning 12 years old. Include the fact that the agency has always been a champion of collective working since it opened on 28th October 2012, and continues to bring together it's unique model of full time project managers with freelancer expertise to deliver against a massive range of client problems. Include the fact that both Jilly and Ross were way too busy to write this blog themselves so popped it in Chat GPT and hoped for the best.".
The image used on this post was also generated by ChatGPT, using the following prompt: "Create a landscape image of a birthday cake with 12 candles on it, in the style of this website https://www.bravand.com/"
[How is it not blue?! Why are there 14 candles?]
Image description (also generated by ChatGPT)
The image depicts a minimalist, modern birthday setup, centered around a stylish birthday cake with 12 lit candles.
The cake itself is simple, with neutral beige and cream tones, set on a clean, round tray that complements the table's soft, muted colours. Surrounding the cake are subtle decorative elements, such as neatly arranged plates, spoons, and a small, wrapped gift, all in complementary neutral shades.
In the background, there are contemporary design accents, including a framed artwork featuring the number "12" in a large, bold font, signalling the anniversary being celebrated.
There are also round decor pieces, vases, and a few dried plants, adding texture to the otherwise clean, geometric look. The lighting is soft, casting gentle shadows and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The overall style is sleek and polished, with a sophisticated yet understated colour palette that reflects Bravand’s modern, design-focused aesthetic.
The image evokes a professional, celebratory vibe, balancing elegance with a touch of festivity.
