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]]> en Copyright 2011 2011-05-05T21:41:47+00:00 Groovy Animation on Danger Beach’s New Music Video http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/groovy-animation-on-danger-beachs-new-music-video Apache from oneedo on Vimeo. Check out the groovy animation in this music video for the band Danger Beach on Dream Damage Records. Super cool and inspiring. 2011-05-05T21:41:47+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Creates New Identity for The Den of Hollywood http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper-creates-new-identity-for-the-den-of-hollywood Located in West Hollywood in the shadow of the legendary Chateau Marmont, The Den of Hollywood wanted to rebrand the restaurant and bar with a fresh identity to signal their new ownership. Zookeeper was enlisted to take over The Den's social media in late 2010, giving us unique insight into their customers and discovering a dedicated, hip core of regulars, many of whom work in the entertainment industry. With Pink Taco moving in across the street later in 2011, The Den's management was willing to go with a new look that pushed the envelope. We created an illustrated identity intended to surprise then endear, a magical unicorn with a mischievous mustache. The strong, bold logotype below was customized to be completely unique to The Den. Not taking itself too seriously, the logo symbolizes the fun times to be had at The Den, an unpretentious, favored hangout in the heart of LA. 2011-05-04T22:22:10+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Creates New Logo for Hollywood Coaching http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper-creates-new-logo-for-hollywood-coaching David Brownstein, founder of Hollywood Coaching, approached us for a new logo for his professional development business that caters to movie studios and entertainment executives. He desired a logo that would appeal to both companies and individuals, with a modern, fun feel.    In the project kickoff meeting, David came wearing a black fedora and was brimming with ideas, sparking the concept that would become the final logo. Zookeeper illustrated a custom iconic mark of an inspired fellow with creative thoughts bursting from underneath the hat. The fun logotype was customized and then filled with lights to symbolize ideas popping to life. The finished product is an identity embodied with excitement, energy and approachable sophistication, the same qualities Hollywood Coaching brings to its work.  2011-04-18T22:20:55+00:00 Dave Waite Friday Photo http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/friday-photo Intersection of steel and sky. 2011-04-08T17:41:14+00:00 Dave Waite LogoLounge Selects Two Zookeeper-Designed Logos for Master Library Book http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/logolounge-selects-two-zookeeper-designed-logos-for-master-library-book We were excited to hear this week that two of our brand identities have been selected for inclusion in the new Logo Lounge Masters Library Series book, "Typography and Enclosures" from Rockport Publishers.  What is the Master Library series? Like the existing (and continuing) LogoLounge book series, the Master Library books will bring you exemplary logo design work from creatives around the world. Each book in the Master Library series will focus on a very specific logo design category. Our logos that were chosen include the identity for Valley Ice Arena (enclosure) and Peter B Media (typography). We now count five identities that have been published in LogoLounge books.  2011-03-04T08:53:18+00:00 Dave Waite Legendary Typographer Doyald Passes Away http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/legendary-typographer-doyald-passes-away Legendary typographer, logotype designer and teacher Doyald Young died on Monday. After I moved to L.A. nearly four years ago, I became much more aware of his impact in the design world. He was a long-time Art Center professor in Pasadena and design bookstores here would carry his brilliant and inspiring books. He would make trips from his home in Sherman Oaks to personally deliver his books to Hennessey + Ingalls locations in Hollywood and Santa Monica. Circulation was limited – Amazon and other bookstores do not often carry them.      I can't recommend his three terrific books on logos and logotypes highly enough. I'd encourage anyone with an interest in typography and logotypes to add Dangerous Curves: Mastering Logotype Design, Fonts & Logos and Logotypes & Letterforms to your design library while they are still available. They are essentials. You can order them here:   Doyald Young's Official Site   Some other good links to learn more about Doyald and his remarkable career:   A Recent Interview   Fonts He Designed at MyFonts.com   Biography 2009 AIGA Medalist Award   The Poet of Letterforms: The Passing of a Legend Doyald Young   Wikipedia Entry   (Photo by Don Perdue) 2011-03-02T21:04:33+00:00 Dave Waite Merry Holidays http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/merry-holidays 2010-12-21T15:53:44+00:00 Dave Waite “Internet Killed The Video Star” by The Limousines http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/internet_killed_the_video_star_by_the_limousines Oh my, the irony. And zombies. Breaking stuff. Do music videos get much better than this? We like. 2010-11-18T01:05:01+00:00 Dave Waite Wires in the Sky in the Valley http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/wires_in_the_sky_in_the_valley Wires in the sky. A quick picture from yesterday. 2010-11-11T16:24:32+00:00 Dave Waite The Dreaded Buffaslug Logo Finally Headed to Extinction http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/the_dreaded_buffaslug_logo_finally_headed_to_extinction Finally! The dreaded Buffaslug logo is extinct. R.I.P. One of the ugliest logos in all of sports – and a prime example of why logos should be designed by a professional brand identity firm and not attempted in-house. A good read from The New York Times on how cartoonish designs are dying off as hockey logos return to their classic roots. 2010-10-06T20:06:14+00:00 Dave Waite Last week’s rainbow http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/last_weeks_rainbow 2010-10-05T03:34:05+00:00 Dave Waite Cool artwork by Nathan Orton at La Luz de Jesus http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/cool_artwork_by_nathan_orton_at_la_luz_de_jesus Saw some inspiring art from Nathan T. Ota at the La Luz de Jesus gallery on Saturday night: Check out more of his art at his site. 2010-09-28T16:43:23+00:00 Dave Waite Is it time for a new website? http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/is_it_time_for_a_new_website Is it time for a new website? Here are seven signs that it’s time for an upgrade. Stuart Silverstein, friend of the Zoo and e-commerce superstar, is interviewed: AllBusiness.com Article 2010-09-24T22:39:05+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Designs the New Logo for SolarFresh http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_designs_the_new_logo_for_solarfresh A start-up farming company that grows vegetables year-round in hothouses in Oregon, SolarFresh came to us seeking a brand identity that was fresh, vibrant and full of life. Zookeeper researched then brainstormed a logo concept that would symbolize the energy of the lights that are used in the hothouses, as well as an idea that would represent growth. We designed this logo with an “o” that beamed with glowing energy and an “f” that forms a leaf. Then we darkened the green in the “fresh” type to show the magic of the light ripening into fresh vegetables. 2010-09-13T02:57:50+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Designs the New Logo for Balloon Celebrations http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_designs_the_new_logo_for_balloon_celebrations Balloon Celebrations has been Los Angeles’ premier party planning corporate event company since 1981. The boutique shop employs a small army of balloon crafters and manipulators that can literally transform plastic helium into breathtaking works of art for any occasion. We created their new logo using transparent circles of color that smartly come together to form a unique shape. We customized the typeface, which was chose for its smooth curves and friendly personality. The result is a vibrant, fun logo that immediately conveys visually what the retail store does. Zookeeper also wrote their new tagline, “The Art of Fun.” 2010-09-11T07:02:01+00:00 Dave Waite New Taglines Added to the Zookeeper Portfolio http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/new_taglines_added_to_the_zookeeper_portfolio A short and sweet tagline is a terrific way to differentiate your business from the competition. Coupled with a strong conceptual logo, a tagline brings extra oomph to your brand.  We’ve recently added a slew of new taglines to our portfolio. 2010-09-11T02:53:27+00:00 Dave Waite Sunset Strip Music Fest http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/sunset_strip_music_fest The Sunset Strip came alive again two weekends ago. With several blocks closed off to traffic, over 10,000 rock and hip-hop fans attended the Sunset Street Music Festival on August 28th. Here were the highlights. A video from Kid Cudi‘s show:     Video from the Smashing Pumpkins performing “1979”:   Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees brought his mohawk and rocked out, singing their “Animal” hit:   Travie McCoy rapped out a fun set:   Fergie joined Slash to finish off a rocking set:   2010-09-10T20:16:38+00:00 Dave Waite I found Jesus… http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/i_found_jesus ...dancing at the Sunset Strip Music Fest on Saturday.   2010-09-01T01:18:39+00:00 Dave Waite And we’re back… http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/and_were_back After that long pause in the firing, we’re back. Lots of blog updates on the way. Stay tuned… 2010-09-01T01:13:12+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Creates New Logo for Hypnotic Air http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_creates_new_logo_for_hypnotic_air Screaming eagles. Demonic clowns. Saintly angels. Artist Matt Andrews sends them down the road in serious style. He imagines and then paints inspiring images on bikes, trucks and cars. He came to us seeking a brand identity for his new airbrush studio named Hypnotic Air. We created this logo to reflect the energy and impact of his impressive painting style. The custom-illustrated swirl draws the eye in and doesn’t let go. The type was heavily altered to have a unique feel. We also worked to give the logo a sense of depth and dimensions. Just don’t stare too long or you will get very sleepy… 2010-08-27T22:22:01+00:00 Dave Waite New OK Go Video http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/new_ok_go_video Check out this amazing new video from OK Go, “This Too Shall Pass.” Using a Rube Goldberg machine, they filmed this all in one shot. Wow. 2010-03-08T17:04:37+00:00 Dave Waite Copywriter buddy Mark Radcliffe featured in short film Lemonade http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/copywriter_buddy_mark_radcliffe_featured_in_short_film_lemonade Good buddy Mark Radcliffe is one of the characters in Lemonade, a short film about a group of advertising professionals who are laid-off in 2008 by a large NYC ad agency and how that changes their outlooks on life. Worth watching: 2010-02-18T09:18:00+00:00 Dave Waite Eat Naked One Step Closer to Being Published… http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/eat_naked_one_step_closer_to_being_published Just heard exciting news from Margaret Floyd, an exceptional nutritionist here in LA. She’s getting very close to being under contract for her forthcoming book, Eat Naked, which will explore how eating fresh food that’s whole, organic, unrefined, and often comes unpackaged is a healthier nutritional choice. The book would launch in Spring 2011 and appear in bookstores everywhere. Zookeeper developed the logo, tagline and website late last year. Very, very excited for Margaret. 2010-02-18T01:42:26+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Designs Entertainment Company Logo http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_designs_entertainment_company_logo Hollywood director, writer and producer Jon Polansky enlisted Zookeeper to brand his entertainment company, No H Productions. As a movie director in Los Angeles with a notable last name, Jon sought to place the emphasis on his first name and make his company’s moniker memorable. We created the movie-production company’s logo with a big and bold NO H, and a film spool to be instantly evocative of the industry his business is in. We then splashed it with a vibrant green color to symbolize growth and fun, reflecting the spirit of a production company on the rise. 2010-02-02T01:02:47+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Creates Apparel Monster for Majicco http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_creates_apparel_monster_for_majicco After creating the new name for this Los Angeles-based kids clothing company, we imagined the Apparel Monster. An illustrated creature threaded together with a zipper neck and button head to be imaginative, fun and playful. More whimsical than scary, the Majicco logo serves as the flag for the stylish, European-influenced brand that’s taking a hip and cutting-edge approach with its fashion designs for kids. We customized a classic font, tweaking it to be youthful and infusing it with an attitude of play, with the two o’s combined to symbolize childhood stretching to infinity. The uncommon gold and silver coloring is intended to make an immediate, bold impression. 2010-01-21T19:49:41+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Writes the Copy for Bebe’s PH8 Fashion Brand Launch http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_writes_the_copy_for_bebes_ph8_fashion_brand_launch When fashion brand Bebe launched their new venture, PH8, they enlisted our help to create the new copy for their apparel brand that would replace Bebe Sport in retail locations across North America. Reflecting an uplifting, optimistic feel, the copy told the story of PH8, framing the new brand as a fusion of function and fashion for women embracing an active lifestyle. We wrote the new copy that appeared in their brand guide book, promotional emails, direct mail, call scripts and website. 2009-12-08T22:59:49+00:00 Dave Waite Several New Clients Enlist Zookeeper’s Creative Services http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/several_new_clients_enlist_zookeepers_creative_services We’ve been fortunate to work with several new clients lately. Check out the roster of companies that have enlisted our creative services. 2009-12-08T04:23:39+00:00 Dave Waite Dock Ellis and the LSD No-No by James Blagden http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/dock_ellis_and_the_lsd_no-no_by_james_blagden As we all know now, many of our baseball heroes put incredible doses of steroids in their bodies over the years to boost their slugging abilities. But imagine being on an acid trip and pitching? And not just pitching, but throwing a no hitter, the rarest of diamond gems. Dock Ellis did it back in the day and here’s his almost unbelievable story in this brilliantly illustrated video by No Mas and artist James Blagden: 2009-11-20T23:23:51+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Creates New Brand Identity for Changemakers Toolbox http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_creates_new_brand_identity_for_changemakers_toolbox A new consulting business focused helping people or important causes reach a higher level of success, Changemakers Toolbox provides the coaching, training, programs and tools for “changemakers” who want to create the mindset of a leader and make a bigger difference in the world. The Canadian company helps its clients get closer to finding and living out their purpose so they can create more fulfillment in their lives. We created this brand identity to be bright and optimistic, with type that has a fun, unique and inviting feel. The illustrated toolbox comes alive with a bold red and energetic yellow glow, as symbolic images fly upward.  Strong, powerful and full of life, the new logo aims to reach out and invite a wide audience in North America and beyond. 2009-11-19T05:07:14+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Creates New Logo for Eat Naked http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_creates_new_logo_for_eat_naked With an intentionally controversial name, Eat Naked is poised to get attention with a book soon slated for publication and an expansive brand launch. Eating naked is a way of eating that’s delicious, fun, accessible and, best of all, makes you look and feel great naked. Eating naked is eating without the extras. Eating naked is eating fresh food that’s whole, organic, unrefined, and often comes unpackaged. Light, lively and playful, the Eat Naked logo was created to grab attention with a bigger type and an energetic red for ‘Naked,’ designed with the disappearing ‘a’ to hint at the core of the brand’s message. We also consulted on the catchy name and wrote the tagline for the nutrition brand. 2009-11-16T19:01:08+00:00 Dave Waite The Crystal Method’s Releases “Come Back Clean” Video http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/the_crystal_methods_releases_come_back_clean_video Check out our hockey buddy Kenny Jordan’s new video that just released today, Come Back Clean (Kaskade Radio Edit Version). Kenny teams with Scott Kirkland to form The Crystal Method, one of the best selling electronica bands in the world. Last year, we designed this poster for a fundraiser hosted by The Crystal Method. We also created this “I lost me to The Crystal Method” T-shirt:   2009-10-16T19:31:36+00:00 Dave Waite Smokey the Bear has his paws full http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/smokey_the_bear_has_his_paws_full Just back from Mulholland Drive, a bit east of Laurel Canyon, checking out the massive forest fires. Overlooking Universal City, the vantage up there of the Station fires is incredible. You could actually see the flames tonight, ripping up the slopes, getting very close to the communications towers on Mt. Wilson which could vaguely be seen in the distance. When I stopped yesterday afternoon, you could just see smoke from there, approximately 18 miles from the closest fires, as the crow flies. The billowing clouds look like massive mushroom clouds – these pictures don’t do justice the size and scope of the clouds. They are enormous. My grandfather was a firefighter in my hometown of Troy, NY, and my grandmother and great aunt used to take me to many fires when I was just a kid. We’d sit there for hours and watch the firefighters do everything they could to douse the flames. Very sad two firemen lost their lives today battling the forest fires. And these fires are a long way from being over… Click on the photos above to enlarge the pictures of the spectacular – and ominous – skies.   2009-08-31T03:44:40+00:00 Dave Waite Brandweek Article on How Starbucks Became the Top Brand on Facebook http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/brandweek_article_on_how_starbucks_became_the_top_brand_on_facebook Starbucks has been doing a masterful job in the social media sphere to get their word out and build up a community of loyal followers. And it’s paying off – they’ve racked up 3.7 million fans on Facebook. Read how they’ve done it in this Brandweek article What’s your brand doing to build a community and make an emotional connection with customers?   2009-08-12T17:03:11+00:00 Dave Waite Calvin Harris “I’m Not Alone” Video http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/blog/article/calvin_harris_im_not_alone_video Recently met and had coffee with a talented LA designer about collaborating in the future. I noticed on her Facebook profile under info that she says she has slept with the same doll, Dolly, every night, since the day she was born. I forgot to ask her about that. Quite the streak. Funny the emotional connection we make to things. Which leads us to the new Calvin Harris video, the first release off his new album releasing August 17th that I’m pretty excited about. His first album, I Created Disco, was chock full of hits and energy, and seeing him live at the Henry Fonda Musicbox here in Hollywood was one of the highlights of 2008. In this new video, “I’m Not Alone,” Calvin loses his teddy bear as a kid and is hellbent on reanimating his stuffed bear, slicing and dicing models to bring it back to life. Part snuff film, part man-on-a-mission, the vid is pretty hypnotic. Check it out: 2009-08-10T09:37:12+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Designs New Logo for Benson Marketing Group http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_designs_new_logo_for_benson_marketing_group Benson Marketing Group provides custom printing solutions to retail stores across the country, delivering hundreds of unique products that include bags, labels and tags. While focusing on country stores that sell folk art and antiques, Benson Marketing Group sought a new brand identity that would allow them flexibility in the future as they expand their business to serve a wider umbrella of stores, while appealing to a largely female client base. Brainstorming and pondering many possibilities, we wanted to create a logo that symbolized the delight a customer would feel when leaving a store with a new find that was either a gift or a present to themself. Zookeeper created a custom illustration of a ribbon, with a playful swirl, and colored it red to pop with excitement. The sturdy yet approachable Benson sans-serif type was customized and kerned to give a feeling of space, and a darker blue was chosen to convey trust and security. 2009-02-26T21:45:51+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Creates The New Logo for LBK Global http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_creates_the_new_logo_for_lbk_global An emerging entertainment-and-technology consulting company specializing in talent management, new media, business development and strategic initiatives, LBK Global focuses on making connections. Their mission is to identify new trends and assist their clients in building key relationships that lead to long-lasting partnerships, new business and increased revenue. We designed the LBK Global logo to emphasize connections, with the LBK merging with the Global to create excitement.  The logomark’s sharp arrow contrasts with the rounded corners to be futuristic yet friendly, with the gradient drawing distinction between the two words. The brand identity’s mark shows four arrows of connection uniting together, with a plus sign formed in the negative space to symbolize the help and positive increase in revenues that LBK Global can provide to businesses enlisting their services. 2009-02-10T21:46:04+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Relaunches 700-Page Website for Iwata-Medea and Artool http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_relaunches_700-page_website_for_iwata-medea_and_artool In late 2008, we relaunched the website for Iwata-Medea, the world’s leading airbrush product manufacturer. It’s bigger, better and faster than ever. And Artool, creators of the world’s finest airbrush stencils, is fresh out of the oven with its own new website. We created, designed and developed both new sites to run quicker, look smoother and be completely Web 2.0-friendly. Built using XHTML and designed with CSS, the sites are powered by a dynamic content management system that serves up pages faster than ever. More new content, a Flash movie and a new blog from the company president greet visitors on the front page. Iwata-Medea first approached us in 2003 to completely redo their self-described “funhouse of chaos.” The site was built to revolutionize the information available on the web about airbrushes and techniques through its quality, presentation and organization. Designed to be the ultimate destination for all airbrush users, the site’s primary goal was to be comprehensive, yet easy to use. Zookeeper responded by building a site intended to be the ultimate airbrushing destination on the web. The site includes extensive product information on Iwata airbrushes, spray guns and compressors, Medea paints and the full range of Artool offerings, along with expansive sections on resources, uses, tech support, contact information and news about the company. Today the site, with substantial monthly updates, totals more than 700 pages and forms “the backbone of how we communicate with our customers now and in the future.” Visit the Iwata-Medea website. 2008-11-15T21:32:20+00:00 Dave Waite Zookeeper Creates New Website For LA High-End Custom Homebuilder http://www.zookeeper.com/branddesign/news/article/zookeeper_creates_new_website_for_la_high-end_custom_homebuilder From acquiring the domain name to launching the site, Zookeeper did it all for Douglas Raub Design + Development, a high-end custom homebuilder in Southern California. After creating their new brand identity and logo, we assembled all the content, including writing the copy, optimizing the site for search engines and directing the photo shoot. We plugged it all into a design that was created to be simple, elegant and exceptionally user-friendly. The site features a Flash portfolio movie and dozens of crisp, breathtaking photos of the firm’s work, imaging the company in the best possible light and positioning them to grow rapidly in the future. Visit the Douglas Raub Design + Development website. 2008-10-01T21:36:18+00:00 Dave Waite