When Aberdeen Mad regular aurora_borealis reignited a campaign to get Dons legend Neil Simpson a testimonial by posting this thread (click here), nobody realised how far the campaign would get.
Interest in a 'Get Neil Simpson a testimonial' Facebook group that was set up months previously was reinvigorated with hundreds of new members, a collection for a flag to be flown at games raised hundreds of pounds in excess of what was initially required, a petition was set up with hundreds of signatures, and last week even the notoriously backward local newspapers recognised that a groundswell of opinion was in motion - although they twisted it for their own purposes, of course.
The collection is still active, with all cash being used to promote the campaign in terms of flags, leafleting and other methods, and a local design business was quickly on board to help with the money-raising operation by selling Simmie gear and donating all profits to the campaign.
That business is Dolly Digital, run by lifelong Dons fan Mark Elrick, which is already making a name for itself thanks to some funny, left-field Dons-centric t-shirts and other merchandise.
Aberdeen Mad caught up with Mark to find out a bit about him, and why he's giving his time up for the Simmie campaign.
Aberdeen Mad: Tell us a little bit about Dolly Digital and your involvement in the company?
Mark Elrick: Dolly Digital is my freelance creative design studio, based in Aberdeen, working across the disciplines of graphic design, illustration, digital, print and interactivity. We create branding, logos, brochures, animations, websites and everything design based for multi-national and local clients.
AM: What have you been doing to get involved in the Simmie campaign?
Mark: As soon as I saw the campaign on Aberdeen Mad, it took around two seconds to decide I’d like to help out. A design was created, that simply states “SIMPSON” and incorporates a circa-1985 Simmie in full flow. This is available as clothing, prints, greetings cards and iPhone cases. Dolly Digital will not make a penny from this design. Profit from each sale has went into the fund, and will continue to do so. We are proud to say we've contributed a little to the funds generated. We have also helped raise awareness to the campaign through Twitter and Facebook. The fans have spoken, hopefully Mr Milne and his cohorts listen.
AM: What made you decide to join in the campaign?
Mark: The fact that Neil Simpson, one of Aberdeen FC’s most decorated players, didn’t receive a testimonial when he was entitled to one still really irritates me. Regardless of the skewed impression of Simpson others have, Aberdeen fans know the man played a massive part in our successes of the past and he is humble about this. The man won everything in his 11 years with the club. So anything that raises the profile and awareness of this issue is a good thing.
AM: How long have you been following the Dons?
Mark: I’ve been a Dandy for 30 years. Following on from my dad and his dad. I went to my first game around 1981. I need to check with Childline if it’s cruelty, but hopefully my wee ones will continue to support the Dons.
AM: What are your AFC-supporting high and low?
Mark: High – Proud to say I was in the Beach End for Aberdeen 3 -2 Bayern Munich and seats in roughly in the same area for Aberdeen 4 – 0 Copenhagen. Throw in Cup Finals and League deciders and there are loads of highs.
Low – I don’t want to pick out one result. So, probably the apathy that’s evident down Pittodrie today. In my opinion, Stewart Milne is the main reason for the apathy that’s surrounding the club. He appears to offer very little in terms of actual cash, even less enthusiasm, zero innovation and displays no leadership qualities. His custodianship (he is just that, he doesn't own the club, the club is ours) has created the apathy that currently surrounds the club.
Coincidentally his custodianship is reflected in the 'Honours Won' list and I believe his custodianship is also reflected in the teams that have taken to the field during this period. Mainly they show little enthusiasm, zero innovation and displays little leadership qualities.
AM: What other Dons-related items does Dolly Digital sell?
Mark: We’ve been creating designs for just over a year now. El Capitano, Ginger Hair Is Now Acceptable, Adi-dons, Simpson, Wee Captains, Hewitt – 9.6 seconds, Wee Alickie says “FFS Mackie!”, Accoste, Big Vern, STA NDF REE, #COYR and loads more.
The designs are available on clothing (baby sizes up to 3XL, girlies, V-Neck, Long-Sleeve and Hoodies), Prints, Greetings Cards and more recently iPhone cases (3G, 4 and 4S).
We were recently asked to collaborate with ‘Aberdeen Fans’, a group dedicated to providing some noise and colour at Aberdeen games. Profit from the sales on these designs will go into the pot to help cover the cost of future displays, etc.
We’re also available for commissions from companies, groups or individuals.
Our once-popular ‘Sone Aluko’ design is available to R*****s fans at Battle of the Boyne prices. Only £1690!
AM: I do like the 'Ginger Hair Is Now Acceptable' one, I must admit... OK, plug time: what's your website, Facebook, Twitter etc...
Mark: OK, here goes:
Aberdeen FC merchandise: http://www.redbubble.com/people/dollydigital
Freelance: http://www.dollydigital.co.uk
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dollydigital
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dolly-Digital-Design-Studio/126033064102948