Engage2Soar

A Brand New Blog!

2011-08-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Exciting News! We have a brand new blog! Visit us at www.menageriecreative.com/blog. With a dose of brand new articles and adventures to heighten your senses, we invite you to experience the heart of entertainment the Menagerie way! Engage2soar will be unavailable after 12/1/2011.

The Fearless Creative Spirit

2011-07-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Creative individuals are truly a unique tribe. We speak our own language. We use an infinite number of expressive tools and have a very distinct view of our world. We are also our own worst critic – often frozen with a fear of acceptance and demand to be creative on the spot.Over the past few years I’ve also learned that most creative people have something else in common – once we do conquer our

Grab the March issue of GD USA today!

2011-04-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

Great news everyone! The issue of Graphic Design USA magazine is available now at your local news stands. Look for some of Menagerie Creative's finest works on pages 92 and 93 as we are honored to have had our work showcased in this packaging issue.Thank You!

A Brand-new Website & Blog for Menagerie!

2011-04-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

After years of planning, months of crafting & programming and weeks of finessing photography, I’m very proud to share with the world Menagerie Creative’s brand-spanking-new website. Huge thanks to Nova, Thom, Dean, John, Nancy and the entire Menagerie crew for all your long hours, hard work and patience as your fearless captain navigated through some uncharted waters! Now it’s time to hear from

The Oscars™ in Full Motion

2011-02-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Here at Menagerie we pride ourselves on being film aficionados, typophiles, and lovers of creativity in motion. With the 83rd Annual Academy Awards™ just a few days away, we wanted to take this opportunity to share some of our favorite motion graphics sequences from the yearly telecast.The first Academy Awards™ held on May 16, 1929 at the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel was a prestigious event

2011 Graphic Design USA Winners!

2011-02-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

Menagerie is proud to announce that three of our package designs are winners in the 2011 Graphic Design USA American Package Design Awards: Leading Ladies/Leading Men Collections, Marilyn – The Premiere Collection, Paul Newman – The Tribute Collection.Graphic Design USA has sponsored national design competitions that spotlight areas of creative excellence. This year, more than 1,500entries were

A Recipe for the Best in Worldwide Logo Design!

2010-12-01T12:41:00.001-08:00

Nearly a year ago, good friend, mentor and author Peleg Top invited me to judge entries for his latest book entitled Logolicious – a pocket-sized treasure packed with today's most visually delicious logos. It was my honor to be part of the prestigious jury which edited and shaped the book. Each selected work captures a unique concept, stunning typography and a perfect balance of graphic design's

Film Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

2010-11-30T16:28:00.001-08:00

Many of you may already know I am personally one of the Harry Potter franchise’s biggest fans. I’ve ready every book at least once (Deathly Hallows 4 times actually). I just returned from Thanksgiving Day visit to Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. And, I’m officially declaring an undying affection for Potions Professor and present Hogwart's Headmaster Severus Snape.If you haven’t

Due Date Film Review

2010-11-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Last year, director Todd Phillips took comedy to new heights of hilarity with "The Hangover." Now, re-teaming with its breakout star Zach Galifinakis and superstar Robert Downey Jr., Phillips brings us "Due Date," his darkest, and most surprisingly heartfelt comedy yet.A week before his wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) is due to give birth to their first child, L.A. architect Peter Highman (Downey)

Roll Out the Red Carpet! The Leading Ladies and Men are Here!

2010-10-07T16:34:00.001-07:00

Imagine yourself surrounded by America’s most glamorous film stars of The Golden Years of Hollywood. From the seductive presence of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor to the daring bravery of Clark Gable and Cary Grant, you can relive 30 legendary performances in 2 must-have DVD sets – Leading Ladies and Leading Men Collections. And, we’re thrilled to invite you behind the scenes on the making

Top 10 Flight Tips for a Portfolio that Soars! #08

2010-09-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

08: TAKE A DETOURIf you feel your work is lacking breadth or isn’t as consistently strong as you know it can be, create a series of self-initiated pieces that demonstrate your conceptual and technical prowess. One way to accomplishing this is take a show stopping project you’ve already created and build an entire campaign around it. Another suggestion is to take one of your personal hobbies or

The Sound of Music...It’s one of our Favorite Things!

2010-09-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

So many of us grew up watching The Sound of Music year after year. From the delightful story of the von Trapp family, the gorgeous Salzburg scenery, to the wonderful songs written and composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein, this story has enchanted audiences for generations. What many may not know is that this story has been well acquainted with audiences long before the movie release in 1965.So, “

A Diamond Anniversary

2010-09-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

In Greek, diamond means “unconquerable”. Formed under tremendous heat and pressure, it is no wonder that a diamond symbolizes strength. Diamonds are also synonymous with the 75th Year Anniversary - a milestone for relationships and a landmark event in pop culture.It was 1935 and America was still going through the Great Depression while the rest of the world felt the uneasiness with Germany’s

2010-09-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

As Fall begins and the summer craze of 3D blockbusters cools off, we invite you to take a look back at technological advances from the last decade which have changed the face of entertainment. Plus, take a peak at some cutting edge innovations which will alter our movie-going experience forever!1. Blu-ray2. DVR/TiVo3. On-Demand TV/Movies (Netflix, iTunes, iPod/iPad Apps)4. Portable Entertainment

A Global Menagination – Part 3

2010-08-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

Polar Panorama EffectThis last part of the tutorial is working with panoramic photos and using Photoshop’s “Polar Coordinates” filter to create a circular image to wrap around the planet. First, there are a few things to keep in mind when you create your panoramic shot:• Panoramas cropped to have an aspect ratio of at least 2:1 (the width should be at least two times the height) work best.

Top 10 Inspirational Books for Designers

2010-08-24T12:15:00.001-07:00

As creative artists, we are often asked where inspiration comes from. Everywhere right? Every image, word, emotion, moment can capture our imagination. In this world of fast food, video streaming and mobile networking we often forget our creative spirit can often be inspired from good old-fashioned books. Whether hard bound, paper back, novels,

Top 10 Design Theory Books for Artists

2010-07-28T12:36:00.001-07:00

Remember college years when the first day of class meant digging deep into the credit cards to purchase the required reading for each course? We easily dropped $400-500 just to cover one semester’s classes. Well, for an artist, this thirst for knowledge doesn’t end with the cap and gown ritual. Like building a home, Design Theory is the foundation of our studies and key to evolving our

Flashback to 1983

2010-07-15T17:07:00.001-07:00

Boom box, Ray Bans, high tops, and giant clocks on gold chains...what do all these remind you of? That’s right (or should we say “Fer sure”), the ’80s.As our file server was being attended to its annual maintenance, the Menagerie team flashbacked to 1983 – to the decade of The Police, Eurythmics, and when Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was the top pop album of the year. The average income was a

A Global Menagination – Part 2

2010-07-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Birth of a PlanetNow that the type is complete, we can start working on the planet.Step 1: Select a texture from a rock, or experiment with different textures to see which works best for the planet.Step 2: Create a new document, use the elliptical marquee tool, hold the SHIFT key and drag your mouse in order to make a perfect circle. Now, fill the circle with a solid color LAYER>NEW FILL

Top 10 Flight Tips for a Portfolio that Soars! #07

2010-06-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

07: AVOID JET LAGDesigners are only as good as their last project, so needless to say, the most recent pieces should be the best! Be sure there’s plenty of fresh content in your portfolio and avoid showing work that looks dated or overproduced. Also, since you may not always be in the room to justify and explain your methods and goals, keep descriptions & comments brief and to the point.

Top 10 Typography Books for Designers

2010-06-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

How referenced are you? We all know designers don’t work in a box, although we are expected to think outside of it. How about between the pages? Do you scour and memorize design annuals and specialty books searching for that perfect inspiration? Even the great master painters soaked in the work of their mentors and masters before becoming masters themselves.Here at Menagerie we are very proud of

Menagerie's Packaging to hit bookstores next year!

2010-06-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

We’re pleased to announce that 10 of our most recent package designs will be featured in an upcoming packaging design book in 2011! Projects include the Paul Newman Tribute Collection, Hollywood Musicals, Planet of the Apes 40th Anniversary Blu-Ray Collection as well as one of our favorite The Princess Bride. Stay tuned for more details!

A Global Menagination – Part 1

2010-06-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Menagerie Creative’s illustrator and designer Tony Hsu invites you to journey along as he celebrates our multi-cultural studio with a one-of-a-kind poster and study of planetary formation.PART ONE: Typographic ArchitectureConstructing the dimensional typography for this project requires both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Begin by designing the letterforms in Illustrator, then export the paths

Why Designers Deserve Margarita Fridays!

2010-05-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

Friday...the single most celebrated day of the week!To honor it, Menagerie just added a new member to the crew... Señor Margaritaville and he concocts the most delectable and decadent slushies this side of the Mexican border. To all you designers who made it through another week, we salute you with the Top Ten reasons you deserve one too!1. Just finished designing, proofing and editing a 180-

Cel-e-brate Big Time...Come on!!!!

2010-05-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

It’s another BIG year for Menagerie and CSUF Entertainment Design students in the 39th Annual Hollywood Reporter Key Art Awards!I’m pleased to announce that two of our most outstanding package designs – The Paul Newman Tribute Collection and Night At the Museum/Monkey Mischief Gift Set each received nominations in their respective packaging categories.And, as if this mama hen couldn’t be more

Darth Vader will now direct you to your destination!

2010-05-07T15:48:00.001-07:00

For those Star Wars Fans who don’t already know, you can now have Darth Vader give you turn by turn navigation via Tom Tom. Seriously, did someone out there read my mind one day? This has got to be one of the most brilliant cobranding efforts I have every seen...or heard. And yes, duh, I must have it.

Thank you istock users!

2010-05-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

A special thank you to all our istock fans for their continued support as today we hit our 1000 download milestone.If you’re looking for graphic styled explosions, transportation graphics, entertainment related photography or the ubiquitous red bow please feel free to visit us at our istock portfolio.

THE STAR WARS AUCTION IS HERE!

2010-05-04T00:19:00.001-07:00

May the 4th Be With You!Yes, it’s finally here. That day that comes once a year when we watch the Star Wars Saga unfold from the unbelievable talents of a young boy to the redemption of a father, practice our lightsaber duals and snack on Wookie Cookies.Here at Menagerie, we are also celebrating in another way. Exactly one month ago, each of our creative forces was tasked to create a Star Wars

Movie Marketing Celebrates Earth Day

2010-04-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, it’s true, James Cameron is on a crusade to use the publicity surrounding the world’s biggest box office hit and highly anticipated DVD release of AVATAR to bring attention to global environmental issues which have “fired him up since he was a teenager” (see full story here). In fact, today, there was a ceremony at the Fox lot to symbolically launch AVATAR’s DVD and Blu-ray release with a

What is Aesthetics?

2010-03-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

As designers, we know that the world is perceived through our five senses. Aesthetics refers to our judgment of taste as it relates to our language, mind and surroundings. Consider the most famous painting in the world...and how over time its aesthetics have been judged and given new context and meaning to each generation.For the latest interpretation of our beloved Mona Lisa be sure to catch

From Alice to Zoolander, Hollywood’s Gone Green!

2010-03-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

In honor of the day of St. Patrick, Leprechauns, pots of gold and green beer, we have compiled a collection of 16 of our favorite “greenified” one sheets with the most clever use of PMS 355.Cheers!

House Industries at Eames!

2010-03-12T17:05:00.000-08:00

What an incredible evening of the most curvacious, sensuous and decadent typography since Alfred Roller’s Art Nouveau exhibition posters of 1903.March 11, 2010 marked the official launch of House Industries Eames Font & Object Collection with an evening of fine wine, delectable fondue, jazz musings from the Mattson 2, screen printing demos from Fresh Pressed, and an installation of “a cornucopia

Rainy Day Monday Blues!

2010-03-08T14:51:00.000-08:00

In spite of what Barry Manilow may say, yes, it does rain in Southern California! In fact, this week, it poured in a few selective locations...including above the Menagerie production table!Even this bleakest of weather can inspire some of the most stunning key art designs. So in honor of the mighty Mayan rain God Chac, and the all-powerful ruler of Mount Olympus Zeus, we share with our viewers

Film Industry by the Numbers

2010-03-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

Encouraging news for all us entertainment creatives and a really nice visual representation. Click to view larger. Via: Online MBA

Pulp Non-Fiction: 5 Unique Paper Stocks for Exceptional Projects.

2010-03-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

1) Bier: GmundA unique paper made with shocking Iingredients. Do you like it dark, light, grainy, or hoppy? This paper is made out of the same ingredients as beer! You won’t get fined for holding this “bier” out in the public!2) Reaction: GmundA shinning paper with cool lighting effects. Dark Red? Pink? Blue? or Green? It’s like a chameleon! This paper changes its color depending on the way the

The Love Guru is Back!

2010-02-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you expressed your deepest emotions and inner most thoughts to your loved one? Consult today with the Menagerie Creative Love Guru and send your Valentine’s heart a flutter!

Top 10 Flight Tips for a Portfolio that Soars! #06

2010-02-09T16:47:00.000-08:00

06. DOCUMENT THE JOURNEYUltimately, your artwork and design best sells your talent, but employers and clients also want to tap into the creative process and understand how you think. What were the goals for each project? How did you go about researching and conceptualizing your unique solutions? What were the results of the project's success? A short 2-3 sentence description for most pieces is

2010 Academy Awards® Nominations – Best Picture

2010-02-09T16:41:00.000-08:00