Method to the Mayhem

It was an honor and privilege to be asked to participated in Sarah Robinson's "30 Days To Changing Your Game." The idea; 30 bloggers, 30 blog posts and 30 ways to inspire others to create new habits and new ways of thinking to changing their game.

The excerpt from my article is below. You can read the full article; It’s The Little Things on Sarah Robinson's Blog, Escaping Mediocrity.

There is no secret to being a success on Twitter; it’s the little things that count. The same principles can be applied to your daily life as well.

A few things I did that changed my game and it can for you too.

Value - Sharing your knowledge, expertise and helping others with it, adds value. You will be the trusted person that everyone will go to.

Be Nice – Being nice is very easy to do and don’t expect anything in return. It doesn’t take much to show kindness, that kindness will be returned in full when you least expect it.

Community – Contributing and being part of a community; helps build relationships and trust. It will also give you the sense of belonging, like family. When in need, you can call on your community for support.

Share Your Life – Take a chance; Open up and share something about your life. People are more willing to do business with someone they know something about, builds trust.

Labels: 30 Days To Changing Your Game, Design, Escaping Mediocrity, Inspiration, It’s The Little Things, Marketing, Sarah Robinson, Self-Promotion, Twitter

Posted by Calvin Lee at Friday, February 19, 2010 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

These days I do a lot of my networking and marketing on-line. The web reaches more people than any brochure or media kit, with less time and money. The two that really helped me are: On-line networking/directory web sites and posting in forums.

Having a profile/account/portfolio on any free networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, or Creative Hotlist will get your name out there. Posting on forums will also help to build relations and trust that may bring you new clients and projects.

That's how Create Magazine contacted me to design their 5 page featured article. I have a portfolio on their site. After looking at my work. They thought I might be a good fit for the magazine.

I post on design forums pretty often and have built many relations. As a result, Jeff Fisher, Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, asked me to submit some of my work for his new book, Identity Crisis! 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities Into Successful Brands.

Another example, Steve Gordon, Jr., RDQLUS Creative. Asked me to submit my work for his book, 100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers: Insider Secrets for Working Smart & Staying Creative.

Labels: 100 Habits, Alltop, Chris Brogan, Design Tips, Freelance, Graphic Design, Guy Kawasaki, Jeff Fisher, LogoMotives, Marketing, Networking, Promotion, RDQLUS, Self-Promotion, Steve Gordon Jr, Successful

Posted by Calvin Lee at Sunday, November 08, 2009 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I'll be giving away 2 licences of Billings 3, sponsored by Marketcircle. Billings is a time tracking and invoicing application for the Mac, targeted at designers & freelancers.

Billings generates the most professional looking invoices anywhere and includes 30 professionally designed templates to choose from. Simply add your logo and contact details and you are ready to invoice out of the box. You can get your first invoice out in 5 minutes.

It was just announced that Billings won an Apple Design Award at WWDC 2009

UPDATE: Congrats to Winners Adrian Mironescu (@mironescu) and Tim Rodgers (@timrodgers)

HOW DO I ENTER THE GIVEAWAY?

It's Simple! Just leave a comment below. That's It! I will announce the two winners on here in a week. Good Luck!

I would like to also thank Ryan Cash, Marketing + PR Co-ordinator at Marketcircle for helping with the giveaway. For more information about Billings 3, head on over to Marketcircle.

Follow me, @mayhemstudios @marketcircle and @RyanACash on Twitter.

Labels: Adrian Mironescu, Billings 3, Designer, Free, Freelancer, Giveaway, Invoicing, Mac, Marketcircle, Marketing, Professional, Promotion, Ryan Cash, Software, Tim Rodgers, Time Billing

Posted by Calvin Lee at Tuesday, June 02, 2009 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I recently wrote an article for Twitter Backgrounds Gallery website, "How to Brand Yourself with a Twitter Background."

In the article, I talk about when marketing and branding yourself, you want all pieces to look similar and cohesive: logo, business cards, letterhead, envelope, website, brochure, media kit, marketing materials, signage, etc.

And how Twitter profile backgrounds is another tool in helping to market and promote yourself. The background should match your existing brand or look. Twitter backgrounds get noticed if they’re: unique, fresh and stands out from the crowd.

I also go into topics about

+ What size should the Twitter background be?
+ Type of Twitter Designs
+ Tile or not to tile
+ Contrast and readability

The article is up on Twitter Backgrounds Gallery website now. You can read the full article HERE.

Follow @mayhemstudios and @TwitterBGallery on Twitter.

Labels: Branding, Design, Marketing, Self-Promotion, Tweet, Twitter, Twitter Backgrounds Gallery

Posted by Calvin Lee at Sunday, April 05, 2009 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Have some exciting news or completed a successful project? That's a great reason to send out a press release and a way to promote yourself, your services without sounding like a saleman. When writing a press release, go into details how your solution made the project a success.

Give credit to the client with background information about them, their company and link backs when possible. You're not only promoting your clients but also yourself. They will appreicate it.

The more press releases you have online, on the different press release websites, more likely you'll pop up in searches on search engines. Press releases is one great way to get ranked near the top of most searches. Also submit your press releases to media outlets; news wire, local/national/industry related newspapers and magazines.

There is a great article on BoDo, written by author Neil Tortorella, "Building Your Media List." The article is about building your prospects and contacts list. Simple things you can do yourself by checking local newspapers, business magazines and local book stores. Using your contact list to distribute your news and PR.

Another great resource for press coverage is Peter Shankman, owner of HARO, Help a Reporter Out™. Reporters need sources and people to contribute to their articles. When you sign up for HARO. Each day, you'll receive up to three emails, each with anywhere from 15-30 queries per email. If you see a query you can answer, go for it! It's that simple.

A few online press release resources you can submit to. Also check out the megalist of free press release websites on Blogging Secret.

+ Associated Press
+ Biz Journals
+ Fast Pitch
+ PR Compass
+ Online PR News
+ PR Leap - fee
+ PR Web - fee
+ PR For $25 - fee
+ PR Mac
+ Free Press Release
+ 24/7 Press Release
+ PR Log
+ California Press Release
+ 1888 Press Release
+ Click Press
+ Free News Release
+ I-Newswire
+ PR
+ PR 9

Labels: Associated Press, Biz Journals, Blogging Secrets, BoDo, Clients, HARO, Marketing, Media Press Kit, Neil Tortorella, Peter Shankman, PR, Press Release, Search Engine, Self-Promotion, SEO

Posted by Calvin Lee at Tuesday, December 30, 2008 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Brian Hoff, owner of The Design Cubicle recently joining the Twitter community. He's been introduced to a diverse range of creative and talented persons that share his same passion for graphic/web design, web development and blogging.

Brian asked Mayhem Studios along with twenty five other designers, developers and blogger friends on Twitter, if they would like their business cards featured on his next blog post, 26 Business Cards of Graphic & Web Designers on Twitter.

You can read the full article and discussion at The Design Cubicle.


Mayhem Studios also received a mention in the October issue of Flogged Magazine (pdf - 5.2 mb). As one of the featured Twitters of the month.

"Some exciting, beautiful and funny tweeples we’ve met on twitter ... you’ve made the past month exciting, thank you."

About The Design Cubicle
The Design Cubicle is run by Brian Hoff. A graphic/web designer and front-end web developer with 7 years of professional experience.

His experience and passion for graphic design has led him to start The Design Cubicle which focuses on graphic design, offering free tips, resources, articles on all subjects of print and web design. Topics range from, but not limited to, print and logo design, web design, typography, freelancing and marketing.

For more information about Brian Hoff, please visit www.brianhoff.net

About Flogged Magazine
Has a client rejected one of your designs recently? It was a great one too. You kept on looking at the design, it excited you! Well, send it off to Flogged Magazine, we celebrate good designs that have been flogged in a monthly magazine.

Labels: Blogger, Branding, Brian Hoff, Business Cards, Flogged Magazine, Graphic Design, Marketing, Promotion, The Design Cubicle, Twitter

Posted by Calvin Lee at Sunday, October 19, 2008 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

In the past, I have written about Networking and Marketing On-Line with business, design and portfolio web sites along with forums.

Another great way is Social Bookmarking. Social Bookmarking is sharing your content like articles, blog posts, press releases and personal bookmarks on bookmarking web sites. It's a good way to bring more traffic to your web site.

By bookmarking on these web sites. It's the easiest way to get registered on search engines. Search engine spiders crawl all the major bookmarking web sites and will lead to links on your web site.

Another important thing to remember is to include keywords, labels and tags on the bookmarking web sites. Makes it a lot easier for people to find your bookmarked links.

General Social Bookmarking Web Sites

+ Digg
+ Del.icio.us
+ Stumble Upon
+ Sphinn
+ Reddit
+ Technorati
+ Blink List
+ Diigo
+ Beamark
+ Simpy
+ Ma.gnolia

Design Social Bookmarking Web Sites

+ Design Float
+ Design Bump
+ Design Moo

Labels: Blink List, Blog Marks, Del.icio.us, Design Float, Digg, Furl, Magnolia, Marketing, News Vine, Reddit, Self-Promotion, Simpy, Social Bookmarking, Spurl, Stumble Upon, Technorati, Traffic, Yahoo

Posted by Calvin Lee at Monday, May 19, 2008 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Calvin Lee, Principal and Creative Director of Mayhem Studios, a small award-winning design studio located in Los Angeles, was interviewed by the FreelanceSwitch website written by Kristen Fischer, Self-Promotion Made Easy: An Interview With Calvin Lee. The interview discusses self-promotion and spec work with the designer.

The Studio would like to also thank Jeff Fisher, Jeff Fisher LogoMotives for writing about the Studios FreelanceSwitch interview on his blog, Identity Crisis. It's very much appreciated!

About FreelanceSwitch
FreelanceSwitch is a site for freelancers. Whether you’ve been freelancing for years, have just started or are considering making the switch, this is the place to get all the information and support you need.

About Kristen Fischer
Kristen Fischer is a freelance writer living at the Jersey Shore. She began writing Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs during 2004, after experiencing many trials and triumphs while forming her copywriting business. She released her second book, Ramen Noodles, Rent and Resumes: An After-College Guide to Life in Spring 2007.

Labels: Calvin Lee, Design, Design Competition, Design-Awards, Freelance, FreelanceSwitch, Interview, Jeff Fisher, Kristen Fischer, Marketing, Mayhem Studios, Self-Promotion, Spec Work

Posted by Calvin Lee at Monday, May 12, 2008 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Mayhem Studios, award-winning design firm featured in Jamie Freeman's book, 500 Simple Website Hints, Tips, and Techniques. Make Up Media and the Studios' own website design will be included in the book. 500 Simple Website Hints, Tips, and Techniques is currently in book stores.

You may view the table of contents HERE.

500 Simple Website Hints, Tips, and Techniques is a jargon-free handbook on the basics of website design. The book offers advice on planning your site, with an introduction to information architecture, tools, scripting basics, file and image formats, choosing and buying a domain name, and methods of testing websites. Key design aspects, such as colors, typefaces, and rollovers are also explored.

The book includes essential advice on following web standards, ensuring a site loads quickly, achieving a high ranking on search engines, and offers tips on marketing strategies. Once you’ve got a website that works and can be easily found, the book explains the best way to add creative and fun extras, such as Flash animation, movies, audio, blogs, and podcasts.

Jamie Freeman is a website designer and has also written several articles about designing for the web. He currently works for Message, a company that designs and builds websites. He lives in Hove, UK.

Labels: Business, Calvin Lee Design, Jamie Freeman, Make Up Media, Marketing, Mayhem Studios, Promotion, Website Design

Posted by Calvin Lee at Saturday, May 10, 2008 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Mayhem Studios is recognized for its logo design work. The Studio' are among the contributing artists, agencies and designers for inclusion in David E. Carter's, The Big Book of Logos 5. The Big Book of Logos 5, a collection of logo designs from around world. 12 logos from the Studio' are among the winning logo designs that will be featured in the book, now available in book stores.

Mayhem Studios clients include Downtown Entertainment, ET Products, Baca Sigala & Associates, Applied Dialing, All Sport, Sports Bar, Dermatologic Laser Institute, Calvin Lee Design and Southeast Student Film Festival are among the logos featured in the book.

Labels: Business, David E. Carter, Design, Logo Design, Marketing, Promotion, The Big Book of Logos 5

Posted by Calvin Lee at Sunday, April 06, 2008 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

The Studios latest blog post, On-Line Copyright Infringement is featured on Create Magazine's February 18th Create Cast, Podcast, Blog Spotlight. The article explains 4 simple things you can do to have work stolen from your site removed.

Be sure to check out Create Magazine's website. It's a great free resource to help promote yourself. Create Magazine gives you many free tools: posting your portfolio, your latest news, blog posts and the opportunity to network with other creatives.

The Create Cast
Create Magazine's free weekly podcast, provides interesting interviews with leaders in their particular creative field. The Create Cast is another way for Create to fulfill on our mission to inform, connect, inspire and educate the creative community.

Create Magazine
Provides creative professionals with an insider's perspective on the people, news, trends and events that influence the local advertising and creative production industries. Articles and features, written by local creative leaders and influencers, keep Create readers well-informed about the changing climate of business and competition. The magazine prides itself on not only its content, but also by the way that it is displayed. Create is published bi-monthly and gives creative professionals a great medium for sharing information that facilitates strategic partnerships and career growth within their respective communities.

Labels: Blog, Copyright, Create Cast, Create Magazine, Design, Infringement, Marketing, Podcast, Promotion

Posted by Calvin Lee at Sunday, February 17, 2008 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

The Studios' works, Dermatologic Laser Institute Logo, Fagerholm & Jefferson Law Corporation Stationery Design and ET Products Stationery Design are among the winning entries featured in David E. Carter's, American Corporate Identity 2008, Now available in bookstores.

Several hundred creative design firms have work included in American Corporate Identity 2008, ranging from the well known to the up-and-coming. Many trend setting styles have first appeared in this series since its inception, making this book a must-have reference for every corporate identity designer’s bookshelf.

David E. Carter, best-selling editor/author in the history of graphic design books. Since 1972, he has produced more than 100 books; all David E. Carter graphics books are published by HarperCollins of New York City, with distribution in more than 120 countries around the world.

Labels: American Corporate Identity 2008, David E. Carter, Dermatologic Laser Institute, Fagerholm and Jefferson Law Corporation, Graphic Design, Marketing, Promotion

Posted by Calvin Lee at Sunday, January 13, 2008 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

The Studio unveiled its new Radio Control (RC) Car in their new promotion. We thought it would be fun and cool way to use a custom built Radio Control (RC) Car in our new promotions.

It all started when I gave a buddy of mine, Chris (No.e Studios), 2 iwata airbrushes I never use anymore. As a thank you, he custom painted, decal and built the Radio Control Car for me. I thought that was very cool. Thanks Chris!

Labels: Marketing, Mayhem Studios, No.e Studios, Promotion, Radio Control RC Cars

Posted by Calvin Lee at Saturday, December 01, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Mayhem Studios published in the Nov/Dec issue of Create Magazine, Scoops Section, reporting on the Studios latest accolates. Contributed to an article for Home Business Magazine, 12 logos published in the Big Book of Logos 5 and 3 website designs in 500 Simple Website Hints, Tips and Techniques.

About Create Magazine
First published in 2001, Create Magazine is an award-winning, bi-monthly publication that provides creative professionals with an insider's perspective on the people, news, trends and events that influence the local advertising and creative production industries. With five regional editions nationwide, each issue features articles by local community leaders who are the trusted source for information and commentary on the Advertising, Design, Printing, Photography, Film and Video, Animation and New Media industries.

Labels: Articles, Create Magazine, Design, Home Business Magazine, Marketing, The Big Book of Logos 5

Posted by Calvin Lee at Sunday, November 25, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Jeff Fisher's latest book, Identity Crisis! 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities Into Successful Brands, featuring two case studies by the Studio, is now available at your local Borders book stores, Barnes and Noble or online at Amazon.com.

For more information, please visit Identity Crisis Book

About Jeff Fisher
Jeff Fisher, author of the "Savvy Designer's Guide to Success" is the Engineer of Creative Identity for Jeff Fisher LogoMotives. He has received over 550 regional, national and international design awards for his logo design efforts. His work is featured in over 85 books about logos, the business of design, and small business marketing. Fisher serves on the HOW Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, the UCDA Designer Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, and the HOW Design Conference Advisory Council. In addition, Fisher also writes for CreativeLatitude.com and HOW Magazine.

Labels: Case Studies, Design, Identity Crisis, Inspiration, Jeff Fisher, LogoMotives, Marketing

Posted by Calvin Lee at Tuesday, October 30, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Mayhem Studios is among one of the creatively self-employed contributors interviewed in Home Business Magazine, "How Young Artists, Writers and Other Creative Types Embrace Self-Employment," written by Kristen Fischer, author of "Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs."

It’s inspiring when you hear about people making their dreams a reality. Even more so when they’re doing it before they even turn 40.

You can also download the article HERE (3.91 mb).

When Fischer was promoting her book, "Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs," she found that most interviewers were more amazed by her than the 65+ creatives she interviewed. They seemed stunned when Fischer told them that she was 28 when the book was released, and started working on it at 25. She didn’t think it was a big deal at first, but  then realized what a profound thing she had done by writing that book—and how astonishing it was because she hadn’t even hit 30 yet.
 
This led her to become intrigued by others around her age who are doing extraordinary things. It’s hard enough to do it as a mid-lifer, but to do it just out of college or with only a few years of experience in the traditional working world? That is really awe-inspiring! So, how do they do it? And are more people considering this career platform?

For more information, please visit Kristen Fischer's website at www.creativelyselfemployed.com.

About Kristen Fischer
Kristen Fischer is a freelance writer who specializes in creating marketing collateral for a wide array of businesses. After more than three years of working 9-to-5 jobs, she started her copywriting business in 2003. She has contributed to Men's Health magazine, Philadelphia magazine, Skope magazine and College Bound magazine. She lives in Manasquan, New Jersey.

Labels: Creatively Self-Employed, Design, Home Business Magazine, Kristen Fischer, Marketing, Mayhem Studios, Writing

Posted by Calvin Lee at Friday, September 14, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

There is great article on BoDo, written by author Neil Tortorella, "Building Your Media List." The article is about building your prospects and contacts list. Simple things you can do yourself by checking local newspapers, business magazines and local book stores. Using your contact list to distribute your news and PR.

Mayhem Studios August e-newsletter, which list a few online syndication services is featured in the article as well.

About BoDo: Business of Design Online
BoDo blogs about the business of design including: starting your own design business (online or off); marketing; dealing with clients; working with printers, photographers, copywriters and other surrounding industries; pretty much anything to help a design business grow.

Labels: BoDo, Business, Marketing, Mayhem Studios, Media Press Kit, Neil Tortorella, Newsletters, Press Release, Promotion, Self Employed

Posted by Calvin Lee at Monday, September 03, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Los Angeles, Calif. – The work of Mayhem Studios, an award-winning Los Angeles-based design firm, will be featured in Create Magazine's Sept+Oct 2007 West Coast issue. The Studio designed the 5-page West Coast regional feature article written by author Jaimy Lee, “Agency Roll Call: West Coast Agencies Purvey The Changing Landscape of The Advertising Industry.”

The article and design showcases local agencies, getting the scoop on what they are up to and their philosophy on the future of the ad biz.

Create Magazine prides itself on choosing talented contributing designers through out the country to represent their region,” says Kristen Schaeffer-Santoni, art director for Create Magazine. “Calvin embodies that sentiment and it was truly a pleasure collaborating with him for the feature. His passion shows through in his work, and his vision adds to the story for an easy and interesting read.

The Sept+Oct issue hits newsstands in September 2007. To find out more, visit Create Magazine at www.createmagazine.com.

About Create Magazine
First published in 2001, Create Magazine is an award-winning, bi-monthly publication that provides creative professionals with an insider's perspective on the people, news, trends and events that influence the local advertising and creative production industries. With five regional editions nationwide, each issue features articles by local community leaders who are the trusted source for information and commentary on the Advertising, Design, Printing, Photography, Film and Video, Animation and New Media industries.

About Jaimy Lee
Jaimy Lee spent nearly two years as a reporter for a local newspaper in San Diego County until she quit her job for five weeks of Eiffel Tower photos, Oktoberfest steins and Roman rainstorms. After returning, she has worked for a freelance writer out of San Diego, contributing to the “San Diego Business Journal,” “San Diego Home/Garden & Lifestyles,” the “San Diego Union-Tribune,” Today’s Local News, Carlsbad Magazine and 944 Magazine. The Point Loma Nazarene University graduate has covered sports, arts, business and hard news and still isn’t sure what her favorite topic is to write about.

About Mayhem Studios
Mayhem Studios is a small, award-winning design firm located in Los Angeles, California, developing identity and brand recognition for the business sector across the nation. The Studio uses strategic and creative design with effective messages targeted to the client's specific audiences to produce identity and branded collateral pieces, annual reports, brochures, logo design, advertising and interactive web sites.

Calvin Lee, principal & creative director of Mayhem Studios is a graduate of Platt College and serves as a member of the Platt College Advisory Board for the Visual Communications Department, NO!SPEC Committee and on the Creative Latitude Management Team.

Labels: Agency Roll Call, Article, Create Magazine, Design, Jaimy Lee, Marketing, October, Promotion, September

Posted by Calvin Lee at Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I would like to give Jeff Fisher a big Thank You for dedicating a blog post to me and my press release, Identity Crisis! Contributor 'Toots' His Horn. On his blog, Identity Crisis Book. Regarding using press releases to promote yourself.

Jeff's Fisher's blog, Identity Crisis Book is promotion for his next book, Identity Crisis! 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities Into Successful Brands, will be released in September 2007, by HOW Design Books.

Identity Crisis!' takes a fresh look at 50 before and after case studies by exploring the process of redesigning existing identities to help businesses refine their image, communicate with customers, and find success.

Readers will get an inside look at the challenges of redesigning identities. They'll see the creative and strategic thinking behind fresh design work as well as have a powerful tool to show clients what a difference a professional can make to their image.

For more information, please visit Identity Crisis Book.

Jeff Fisher, author of the "Savvy Designer's Guide to Success" is the Engineer of Creative Identity for Jeff Fisher LogoMotives. He has received over 550 regional, national and international design awards for his logo design efforts. His work is featured in over 85 books about logos, the business of design, and small business marketing. Fisher serves on the HOW Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, the UCDA Designer Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, and the HOW Design Conference Advisory Council. In addition, Fisher also writes for CreativeLatitude.com and HOW Magazine.

Labels: Design, Identity Crisis, Jeff Fisher, Marketing, Promotion, Redesign

Posted by Calvin Lee at Monday, August 06, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Los Angeles, Calif. July 10, 2007 - Mayhem Studios, award-winning design firm will be featured in Jamie Freeman's book, 500 Simple Website Hints, Tips, and Techniques. Make Up Media, Calvin Lee Design and the Studios' own website design will be included in the book. 500 Simple Website Hints, Tips, and Techniques will be released by RotoVision in 2007.

500 Simple Website Hints, Tips, and Techniques is a jargon-free handbook on the basics of website design. The book offers advice on planning your site, with an introduction to information architecture, tools, scripting basics, file and image formats, choosing and buying a domain name, and methods of testing websites. Key design aspects, such as colors, typefaces, and rollovers are also explored.

The book includes essential advice on following web standards, ensuring a site loads quickly, achieving a high ranking on search engines, and offers tips on marketing strategies. Once you’ve got a website that works and can be easily found, the book explains the best way to add creative and fun extras, such as Flash animation, movies, audio, blogs, and podcasts.

Jamie Freeman is a website designer and has also written several articles about designing for the web. He currently works for Message, a company that designs and builds websites. He lives in Hove, UK.

Labels: Business, Calvin Lee Design, Jamie Freeman, Make Up Media, Marketing, Mayhem Studios, Promotion, Website Design

Posted by Calvin Lee at Tuesday, July 10, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Los Angeles, Calif. July 2, 2007 - Mayhem Studios, Award-Winning Los Angeles based design firm client, Fagerholm & Jefferson Law Corporation and the Studios' own identity will be featured in Jeff Fisher's next book Identity Crisis! 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities Into Successful Brands. Identity Crisis will be released by HOW Design Books in 2007.

Identity Crisis takes a fresh look at 50 before and after case studies by exploring the process of redesigning existing identities to help businesses refine their image, communicate with customers, and find success.

Readers will get an inside look at the challenges of redesigning identities. They'll see the creative and strategic thinking behind fresh design work as well as have a powerful tool to show clients what a difference a professional can make to their image.

For more information, please visit Identity Crisis Book

"It's a pleasure to include the crisp, contemporary design work of Mayhem Studios in 'Identity Crisis!' Calvin Lee's efforts are a great example of a one-person design firm being able to compete successfully with much larger design entities on the international creative playing field."

Jeff Fisher, LogoMotives, author of Identity Crisis! 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities Into Successful Brands.

Jeff Fisher, author of the "Savvy Designer's Guide to Success" is the Engineer of Creative Identity for Jeff Fisher LogoMotives. He has received over 550 regional, national and international design awards for his logo design efforts. His work is featured in over 85 books about logos, the business of design, and small business marketing. Fisher serves on the HOW Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, the UCDA Designer Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, and the HOW Design Conference Advisory Council. In addition, Fisher also writes for CreativeLatitude.com and HOW Magazine.

Labels: Award-Winning, Book, Branding, Corporate Identity, Graphic Design, HOW Design Books, Identity Crisis, Jeff Fisher, Marketing, Mayhems Studios, Promotion, Redesign

Posted by Calvin Lee at Monday, July 02, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

If you have a design question, need a critique or just hanging out in the lounge. The HOW Design Forum is the right place for you. I really enjoy interacting and learning from all the forum members, aka HOWies. It's really fun when HOW members participate in creative projects like the "Our True Colors" HOW Poster.

Jasmine Wabbington was the head honcho on the project with Jroz, serving as project manager. Both amazing ladies rounded up 37 members to participate. The results were amazing!

The poster came out great! Congrats to Jasmine, Jroz and all the HOWies.

Other sightings of the HOW poster were spotted on Jeff Fisher's blog, blog-omotives and Jroz's blog, From The Drawing Board

Labels: Graphic Design, HOW Conference, HOW Forum, HOW Poster, HOWies, Jasmine Wabbington, Jroz, Marketing

Posted by Calvin Lee at Wednesday, June 27, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I have a good friend James Tadeo, Web Developer who's been drawing little doodles of his experiences with clients during his lunch time breaks. They are quite funny since it rings true for most designers dealing with clients. I thought, it would be great to share it with you guys.

James has a whole collection of doodles and growing daily. So check out his doodles at Lunch Time Comics.

James Tadeo, Web Designer and Programmer works with design companies, ad agencies, and in-house marketing departments promote products and services by helping them to produce and plan integrated campaigns consisting of print, multimedia, and the Web. Specializing in integrating ASP or PHP server side code to add intelligent and useful functions to Web sites.

Labels: ASP, Business, Clients, Comics, Design, Fun, James Tadeo, Lunch Time, Marketing, PHP, Promotion, Web Design, Web Development

Posted by Calvin Lee at Friday, June 22, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Most people or clients don't understand the value of logos or what goes into designing a logo. It's not just about making something look beautiful. Owning a computer with software doesn't make one a designer. Hire a professional!

There is a higher value on logos: everyone will associate that identity/mark with you. That is why logo design tends to be more than say a brochure, flyer or a poster. When you see the Nike Logo. You think of sports and athletics. There is an instant recognition.

A few factors used to determine logo design pricing

+ Research
+ Client Budget
+ How complicated the logo will be
+ The amount of concepts, revisions
+ How the logo will be used
+ What target/market
+ Longevity of the company/logo

Labels: Business, Business of Design, Logo Design, Marketing, Pricing

Posted by Calvin Lee at Thursday, June 21, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Mayhem Studios is recognized for its logo design work. The Studio' will be among the 130 plus contributing artists, agencies and designers for inclusion in the publication Branded and in David E. Carter's, The Big Book of Logos 5. Branded and the Big Book of Logos 5, a collection of logo designs from around world.

12 logos from the Studio' are among the winning logo designs that will be featured in the book, which will be on sale, Summer of 2007.

Mayhem Studios clients include Downtown Entertainment, ET Products, Baca Sigala & Associates, Applied Dialing, All Sport, Sports Bar, Dermatologic Laser Institute, Calvin Lee Design and Southeast Student Film Festival are among the logos featured in the book.

Lori Hobbs, M.D., Dermatologic Laser Institute, gives high praises for the Studio’s production.

"Calvin Lee, Mayhem Studios, thank you so much for helping me in the design of my logo. I love it! It is exactly what I wanted. Your patience and expertise made my new endeavor comforting and exciting. Calvin evoked professionalism and care to my project which I wholeheartedly appreciate. Calvin is fantastic!"

Mayhem Studios Published In The Big Book of Letterheads

Two of the Studios' works, Mayhem Studios stationery design and Calvin Lee Design stationery design are among the winning entries featured in David E. Carter's next book, The Big Book of Letterheads, now available by Harper Collins Publishing.

The Big Book of Letterheads includes nearly 400 letterhead sets, all selected for their ability to inspire the reader and provide countless brainstorming ideas.

Mayhem Studios Works Featured In American Corporate Identity 2008

The Studios' works ET Products Stationery Design, Fagerholm & Jefferson Law Corporation Stationery Design, and Dermatologic Laser Institute Logo among the winning entries featured in David E. Carter's, American Corporate Identity 2008, available November 2007.

Several hundred creative design firms have work included in American Corporate Identity 2008, ranging from the well known to the up-and-coming. Many trendsetting styles have first appeared in this series since its inception, making this book a must-have reference for every corporate identity designer’s bookshelf.

Labels: American Corporate Identity 2008, Branded, Business, Design, Logo Design, Marketing, Promotion, The Big Book of Letterheads, The Big Book of Logos 5

Posted by Calvin Lee at Sunday, June 17, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

BoDo also know as Business of Design Online, website have launched this week. It's a great resource for designers setting up shop who have searched for answers and assistance by posting questions on various forums, emailing pros for advice, reading everything on offer and googling when it's not.

Topics including: starting your own design business (online or off); marketing; dealing with clients; working with printers, photographers, copywriters and other surrounding industries; pretty much anything to help a design business grow.

Forums, books and blog postings are helping to address this issue, but from our vantage point, concentrated help was needed.

As a Creative Latitude response, the Business of Design online (BoDo) was created.

Conceived and developed by Catherine (cat) Morley, Neil (nt) Tortorella and Jeanette (jay) Wickham (the BoDo team), BoDo’s aim is to provide a focused wealth of information, tools and techniques for successfully managing and marketing a design practice.

That's right, there won't be a Photoshop tutorial in sight.

On BoDo you’ll find continuously updated resources for running a design shop, including select e-books, business forms, excellent articles and more.

Labels: BoDo, Creative Latitude, Design Business, Graphic Design, Marketing

Posted by Calvin Lee at Friday, March 02, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I was at Barnes & Noble book store this past weekend, browsing through the new design books and magazines. While flipping through the Jan/Feb west coast edition of Create Magazine. To my surprise, I received a little mention in the Scoop section.

It also mentions an article I contributed to for "Creative Latitude, Logo Notions" written by designer Jeff Fisher, Logomotives.

Labels: Big Book of Layouts, Create Magazine, Creative Latitude, Jeff Fisher, Marketing, Promotion

Posted by Calvin Lee at Sunday, January 28, 2007 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

This time around, I thought I would take you behind my design process on a poster make over project I worked on for the Family Medical Group. The original article maybe seen on Creative Latitude, GRAPHIC-make overs web site.

A brief background: The Family Medical Group is a hospital in a community that is majority Latino and low income families. They are a fairly large hospital, they have 3 locations plus a joint partnership with 3-4 other independent hospitals. Which brings it to anywhere in the neighborhood of 20-30 hospitals.





As you can see from the original, it needed a redesign badly. It's a very plain with little to no color or graphics to draw any attention to it. They were not getting much responses to the posters or to their services. They wanted me to punch up the poster and convey a clear message.





The poster needed some color or graphics to grab your attention. Using Images of prescription drugs, as a focal point, then leading your eyes outward and down to the copy. The challenge was not going too crazy with the design and colors. Being a hospital, I had to keep it a little more conservative. Chosing colors that would draw attention but also colors that would balance out the design. Using varying shapes and sizes give the design some movement.

In the end, I think, I came up with something that works. A three-column grid allows the type to flow more smoothly and to give more flexibility as well as more interest to the page layout.

Labels: Design, Marketing, Poster Make Over, Promotion

Posted by Calvin Lee at Friday, January 13, 2006 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I am always trying to find new ways to promote myself and getting my name out to potential clients. Submitting design projects for competitions, winning and being published in books is a great marketing tool. Many potential clients look through design books for prospective designers to work with that fits their style and look.

That's why my marketing budget has shifted to design competitions but it also can be very costly. I only enter competitions which give me more bang for my buck. Ones that give you the most exposure and reaches the largest audiences. Competitions that are published/distributed nationally and worldwide.

Information on submissions for design competitions may be found on Graphics Books, books by David E. Carter and Rockport Publishers.


Other Design Competitions of interest

• American Design Awards
• Communication Arts Magazine
• CMYK Magazine
• Creativity Annual
• Design Graphics
• Graphic Competitions
• Graphis
• HOW Magazine
• PRINT Magazine
• Step Inside Design
• The Summit Awards
• Workbook Competition

I was successful that three of my business card designs were chosen to appear in "David E. Carter's, The Big Book of Business Cards," which is in bookstores now.

Labels: Business of Design, Design Competition, Marketing, Promotion

Posted by Calvin Lee at Wednesday, January 04, 2006 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I visit many design forums daily, which is great source of information, inspiration and community. It's an opportunity to market yourself by showcasing your know how and expertise in the field of design. Many award winning designers and potential clients frequent these forums often. You start to build a virtual friendship and trust among all the members. These relationships can lead to real world projects. You are not bound by borders anymore with this thing called the internet.

For me, forums have become like a second family, even though I have never met most of the members. The ones that I have met personally are great, I am happy to call them my friends. Forum members are very supportive, helpful and a loyal bunch. You mess with one member, you mess with us all.

On the How Design Forum we picked names for our Secret Santa Gift Exchange. I was feeling like a litte kid again, exicited about what I will be getting and when I will be getting it. This is what I mean about community and family.

This morning a bunch of fun goodies arrived at my door step from my Secret Santa.

• Lovely card
• Hand painted box with handmade Caramels. (delicious)
• Executive Marble Run - Erector set with marbles.
• Jet Set Roulette - Mini roulette game.
• Ninja Attack - Ninja flying toy.
• Understand Modern Art breath spray. (telling me something?)





Few of the design forums I frequent:

• How Design
• About.com
• Graphics
• Creative Bits
• Designers Network

Labels: Business of Design, Christmas, HOW Design, Marketing

Posted by Calvin Lee at Thursday, December 22, 2005 | Permalink | Comments | links to this post