Pioneer Programme promotion backfires on Nesta

Last autumn three design groups donned tasselled leather togs and coonskin caps and shot Nesta fulla buckshot.

Figuratively, at least. Following the July launch of its Graduate Pioneer Programme, which aims to help graduates from creative industries set up their own businesses, the organisation approached six groups to prepare promotional materials for a roadshow. There was no written brief – creatives had to go to Nesta’s office for an hour-long lecture – and no promise of payment. It was all a ‘bit wrong’, says our source.

The design groups responded by submitting one proposal, printed on their own letterhead and topped with individual covers based on collective inspiration, Davy Crockett. Kings of the wild frontier, indeed.