Attention to Detail

colerainefc.com catches up with our graphic designer Nigel Johnston to discuss his first few months in the role…

Nigel was approached by the club in the summer to aid in the club’s media output on a voluntary basis and he has assisted with goal GIFs, in-game graphic templates, Club Shop branding, plus much more.

This isn’t Nigel’s first voluntary position at the club as he previously sold shirts and confectionary under the Jack Doherty stand – a far cry from the current Club Shop

Q1. Nigel – tell us about your volunteer role at the club? What are you currently doing and have done?

Basically, I’m on-hand for any graphic design that might be required by the Club. Initially, I was brought in to create a set of brand guidelines to maintain consistency across all media to support the existing, very talented, Media Team.

Currently, I prep the pre-match graphics for socials about two games ahead. I also make sure the in-game graphic templates are ready to go for the matchday Media Team. I also had a lot of fun creating the animated goal gifs, which hopefully we will see a lot more of…

The Club’s official YouTube channel, Coleraine TV, has increased its output significantly, so we have applied the new branding there. We’ve just recently completed the Perspex sponsorship backdrop for presentations and post-match analysis too.

The Club Shop is a particular jewel in the Club’s crown. I’ve been able to help the Shop Team with any artwork they might need for new products, including the new 2021 Coleraine FC calendar.

Q2. Have you any design graphics in line for the future? Can we expect to see anything exciting?

My role is to support other areas of the Club, so anything I do is generally dictated to by demand, so I’m looking forward to seeing what lies ahead. I’m hoping to work with the Club Shop as they grow their range of merchandise.

I’d like to increase branding at The Showgrounds and during the matchday experience. The development of a Club Mascot is also something that we are looking at. Engagement with our global fans is integral to a modern football club, so there will be a natural growth there too.

Q3. This isn’t the first time you have volunteered with the club?

No, it’s not. From 2005-2009 I was involved with the Club Shop, which is why I am so impressed with what we have now. A far cry from selling shirts and strawberry sweets from a cold hatch under the main stand!

At that time the Club had several crests on the go. So, I designed the current crest based on the traditional town coat of arms and the iconic red chevron to give us a consistent visual identity. Since then I’ve always been in the background providing artwork help when needed; branding, signage, merchandise etc

Q4. What makes it special volunteering with a club you have supported all your life?

Let’s face it, I was never going to represent Coleraine FC with my footballing ability, so volunteering as the Club’s in-house graphic designer allows me to do that. Most full-time professional clubs have a team of graphic designers, as communication and design is now vital to how a football club operates.

Coleraine is a special club, it’s owned by the fans. In fact, all those who have roles at the club are supporters first. We also have a very talented fanbase from which the club can tap into. Working alongside one of, if not the best, Media Team in the league has been an absolute privilege this season.