Fullerton Museum Center
Challenge
Fullerton Museum Center is a non-profit organization with strict budget constraints. They were interested in sending out a direct mail piece for a highly-anticipated exhibit that their members would not only open, but keep. In addition, they had some artwork donated by esteemed artist Josh Agle (Shag) that they wanted to gift to their members. The Fullerton Museum Center was uncertain of the best method to promote their gallery opening and reception.
Solution
DSYL developed a direct mail piece that included the necessary information about the upcoming exhibit. To ensure Fullerton Museum members would hold on to and keep the direct mail piece, we included the donated artwork by turning it into a poster. Using a map-fold, all of the information about the exhibit was on one side, and when the piece was unfolded, the poster was on the other. Not only was the direct mail piece functional with regards to information, mailing and postage, it was extremely well received. Many recipients brought the poster to the Preview Reception to get it autographed by the artist. Their direct mail piece was now a free gift to their clients, and it was at no additional cost to the Fullerton Museum Center.
Fullerton Museum Center
Challenge
The Fullerton Museum Center had wanted for many years to dedicate an entire portion of their museum to Leo Fender, a lifetime Fullerton resident. They understood that a project of this undertaking would cost a great deal, and were unsure of how they were going to fund it. They also knew what components they wanted to display, but were uncerrtain how to visually represent the individual parts.
Solution
Understanding their budget constraints, DSYL chose share in a partial sponsorship. In addition, DSYL researched and recommended vendors that would provide the Fullerton Museum Center with high quality products that also were cost effective. From vinyl and mesh banners, to full walls of artwork on foam board, DSYL created all the signage for the Fender Exhibit. These items included enlarged past advertisements, a six-foot wide timeline and vinyl lettering to be adhered to the wall. Additionally, DSYL suggested incorporating a direct mail piece to promote the event, including a Fender poster design showcasing famous Fender artists. Outdoor signage and sponsor signs were created, along with small member pins. Consistency was a high priority throughout the project, and was met in every aspect.
City of Fullerton
Challenge
The City of Fullerton wanted to create outdoor signs that would promote the new Fender exhibit at the Fullerton Museum Center. They wanted something that would be weather resistant and eye catching, but not interfere with the other city-approved street signs.
Solution
DSYL came up with a die cut sign, incorporating a Fender guitar, pointing people, using directional guitar pic arrows, towards the new Fender exhibit. At first, DSYL created a bright yellow and black sign, similar to what one would see for a Railroad Crossing or Merging Traffic sign. Unfortunately, city regulations prohibited using those exact colors, so DSYL used a different shade of yellow, allowing the signs to still stand out as traffic street signs. The signs were so well received that they used the idea for another location presented by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Fullerton. Using the same concept, DSYL came up with signs to be placed throughout the city for the Fullerton Tennis Center incorporating a tennis racket in place of the Fender guitar.
Alcoa Fastening Systems
Challenge
Alcoa Fastening Systems is an international aerospace company with locations all over the world, incuding one in Fullerton. They were in need of a leave-behind folder that would still be recognizable after their clients filed it away. They also requested the folder to be in English, French and German and required an area for a business card to fit both American and European business cards which are different widths and heights. The client really wanted a metallic ink and also needed to ensure that the blue color on the brochure, unique to their company, printed out to their specific Alcoa blue.
Solution
DSYL created a custom folder design that incorporated a tab, similar to what a manila folder would have, making the presentation folder stick out above the top of the hanging folder, thus allowing the folder to standout after being filed away. The layout of the folder had to be turned into a template for the client so that the other two languages would fit the copy area. To get the translated copy, DSYL provided the client a resource to contact. To accommodate the business cards, DSYL created a special slit design that would hold the cards securely while being sensitive to the different heights and widths. The biggest challenge was in matching the blue to their company blue. To ensure the printer did this, the DSYL account manager spent the day at the printer completing press checks and revising the job as needed. Once the color was perfect, the brochures were printed, dried and collated, packaged by language and shipped to their respective locations. All the client had to do was approve the design; DSYL handled the rest.
Alcoa Fastening Systems
Challenge
Alcoa Fastening Systems had a trade show to prepare for in England. They always have very involved trade show booths that incorporate restaurants and sitting areas, giving their clients a chance to get away from the hectic trade show and relax. They had run out of ideas for what to theme their trade show booth, and came to DSYL for concept and execution.
Solution
DSYL did extensive research on their industry and mocked up four different concepts giving Alcoa Fastening Systems a visual representation of what their booth would look like. Out of the four unique concepts, they chose one that turned their booth into an art gallery. They provided 13 images of their products to which DSYL applied numerous filters and distortions to turn a fastener into a piece of art. These individual boards were then raffled off to those invited to their booth. The artwork was so well received that the corporate office and other locations reprinted the pieces to display as artwork in their individual offices. Additionally, Alcoa Fastening Systems received the three other concepts to be used for future trade shows.
Couture Flowers
Challenge
Couture Flowers, a referral from another DSYL client, was looking to update their look as well as create a unique brochure for an important upcoming presentation they had. The Newport Beach-based company wanted to look credible and add value to their services, which would help sell their services to potential clients.
Solution
DSYL developed a bouquet brochure. Since Couture Flowers had a large photo library with high quality photos, DSYL chose these to be the shining stars for the brochure. This custom design had four “flowers” clasped at the bottom allowing them to fan out. Each flower insert displayed works of design expertise created by Couture Flowers. The flowers were then wrapped with a scored piece of card stock which played the role of cellophane as with a real bouquet. To keep their brand consistent, they will be updating the rest of their collateral such as their business cards and Web site in the near future.
Crestbridge Financial
Challenge
The client was starting a new company and needed a look that not only represented the financial industry but her own personality. She wanted strong but versatile imagery incorporating a lion, tree and hill. Crestbridge Financial also needed business cards, letterhead and envelopes, but was on a tight budget.
Solution
DSYL searched through stock photography to incorporate the three icons requested by Crestbridge Financial. To keep the logo simple, clean and versatile, DSYL used outlined versions of the photos the client approved and then created vector versions of them. To make sure we got the colors to the exact preference of the client, the DSYL account manager met with the client to go over different color chips for the client to choose from. Once the logo was approved, DSYL began on the business card design, followed by the letterhead then envelope. Knowing the lion was a key branding element for Crestbridge Financial, DSYL used it as a second icon throughout each element of her identity package. To help out with the budget, DSYL suggested not printing letterhead and created electronic versions to be printed off the client’s printer. The logo, business cards, letterhead and envelopes have added credibility to the new business, helping to increase the established Crestbridge Financial client base.
Carson Toyota
Challenge
Carson Toyota was looking to revamp their Web site. They had a programmer, but the design was not fitting what they had envisioned. They wanted a Web site that was functional and a step ahead of their competitors.
Solution
Since the client wanted to use their own programmer, DSYL provided the graphic design and worked with their programmer to make sure the final product matched the approved web design. The Web site was, and still is, very extensive, with numerous pages linking to other pages, requiring a fine-tuned functionality so it would be easy to navigate through. DSYL kept Carson Toyota’s look consistent throughout the Web site and organized all the pages so that the site flowed and followed one cohesive and user-friendly look.
ConnectYA.org
Challenge
A local Catholic parish wanted to create a site for young adults to network on that would keep them updated with what was going on in Southern California, and eventually, around the world. The client also wanted to be able to have complete control over the Web site and update it daily despite not having any knowledge of Web site development. These updates included allowing for regular copy changes for an event calendar, young adult resources, image uploads, podcasts management and banner ads.
Solution
DSYL assessed the budget for St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church (St. Paul), the local parish that funded the project, to see if it was a viable option. Since they had decided to implement banner ads, the Web site shortly paid for itself through their advertisers. DSYL determined that St. Paul needed to utilize a Content Management System (CMS) that would allow them to update the site as they saw fit. We also created the web design, implemented the custom layout into the CMS, and provided consultations on how to use the CMS and the functions St. Paul would be updating. Thirty days of free technical support was included to ensure St. Paul felt comfortable using a system that was new to them. In those 30 days, St. Paul was allowed to call and e-mail the DSYL account representative as often as they like and received answers to their questions that same day or early the following day. Utilizing Google Analytics, St. Paul is now able to track their Web site’s progress, including what keywords are working, how people are finding them, and where they are finding them. St. Paul currently is receiving an average of 85,000 hits per month, which is about 2,833 hits per day. Recently, they achieved their goal of going international with the site now being viewed in Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil and Japan, to name just a few countries. A significant factor to their success is that St. Paul understands that a Web site needs to be constantly updated.
Trunk Show Couture
Challenge
Trunk Show Couture was a new company looking to develop an online store. As a new business, they needed the essential logo design, business cards as well as a web presence that fit their personality and that of the company. They didn’t know where to start, who to contact to get their company name established, or what would be involved in setting up an online store. Trunk Show Couture shared with us some sample sites of what they liked, all which would have cost them over $20,000 to build. Of course, as a new business, they had no idea it would cost that much nor could they afford such a significant expense.
Solution
To help Trunk Show Couture in their endeavor, DSYL met with the owners, figured out a plan of action and implemented it. The plan began with registering their domain names and placing a “Coming Soon” page. This allowed the site to be recognized by the World Wide Web while the graphic design was completed for all the other elements in their plan. From there, a logo was developed, and once approved, DSYL created their business cards to increase the graphic design relationship, allowing both parties to learn how the other worked. This assisted DSYL in putting together a site that was totally customized for Trunk Show Couture. For their site, a Content Management System (CMS) was needed to act as their inventory software. Included on the front end of the Web site (what the viewers see) were different search actions, allowing viewers to shop by designer or category, and then by price or name. Additionally, if the viewer was looking for a black top, they could use the incorporated search bar. Although the Web site is an extensive site with numerous features, Trunk Show Couture is able to manage the back-end (what the administrators see) very easily without having extensive knowledge of a computer, let alone the CMS used. Using the back-end portion of the site, Trunk Show Couture is able to enter in all of their inventory, pick payment options, such as PayPal and pick shipment options, such as UPS or FedEx. They can also print out shipping labels, manage sale items, send out newsletters to their client base and manage their users, along with so much more. Throughout the entire process, DSYL acted as their new business consultants pointing them in the right direction. This included help with their business license, business accounts, setting up their return policy and how to increase their search engine optimization through their individual efforts. Two weeks after the Web site went live, Trunk Show Couture was found as the number one listing on the first page in Google, an amazing feat resulting from the plan to create a “Coming Soon” page early on. The best part was that the client was able to get their $20,000 site at a fraction of the cost.
West Coast Cable
Challenge
West Coast Cable, an established company with an existing logo, wanted a new design that represented their value with a more timeless look.
Solution
DSYL met with the owners to figure out what set them apart from their competitors, obtain an idea of how to differentiate the company and make them stand out to their target market. West Coast Cable is in the construction and technology industry, so it was important to illustrate that they are always moving and keeping up with technological trends. DSYL also discovered that there were three owners of the company, all of whom were involved and worked together regularly. West Coast Cable gave DSYL the idea of a triangle where each corner represented the individual owners, and DSYL took it one step further by including three triangles portraing movement. Also, at that time, the number of colors used in logo was not only limited for aesthetic reasons, but to keep printing costs down. With that in mind, DSYL created a one-color logo using different shades of the same blue. The client was so thrilled with the execution of the logo that they incorporated their new design into a logo design for another company they owned, JRM Holdings.
Frisbie Management, Inc.
Challenge
Frisbie Management owns and operates 17 McDonald's restaurants in the Orange County area. One location in Anaheim, right across the street from Disneyland, had to reduce the height of their sign, making the location less noticable and therefore decreasing their business. The challenge was to lure out-of-town guests to the restaurant.
Solution
Frisbie Management sought out DSYL to help them devise an advertising plan that would increase traffic to the Anaheim location. The advertising campaign included signs in hotel elevators and advertisements in concierge books at hotels. Being that Disneyland has very strict copyrights, DSYL incorporated subliminal Disneyland imagery to the background of the signs and advertisements by adding in a castle and fireworks. Not only have the designs upheld a timeless look, the advertising helped the Anaheim McDonald’s location surpass their previous sales.
Tobin Acupuncture
Challenge
Tobin Acupuncture decided to extend their services beyond simply providing acupuncture to incorporating entire health and wellness services. The company, however, was unsure on how to promote these new offerings. The owner participated in speaking engagements and lectures, but didn’t have literature to give attendees for more information. What's more, the client was extremely busy and did not have time to write the copy and had a limited library of images for her new brochure.
Solution
DSYL met with the owner to establish what she was looking for based off the allocated budget and decided to create a tri-fold brochure. Since the owner did not have time to put together copy for the brochure, DSYL scheduled a conference call to interview her. Once the copy was approved, photos were researched and a cohesive visual compliment to the text was created. Tobin Acupuncture’s clients now understand everything the company offers. Since finalizing and printing the tri-fold brochure, the owner of Tobin Acupuncture’s speaking engagements have vastly increased leading to increased sales.
Pets Best Pet Insurance
Challenge
When the originator and founder of pet insurance in the United States decided to start a new pet insurance company, he wanted a fresh approach to his product. His new product offered better savings, a faster turnaround time and allowed clients to choose ANY veterinarian they wanted to treat their pet. He needed a logo, identity package, ads, direct mail pieces, brochures, the works.
Solution
DSYL created a custom look and feel for Pets Best utilizing warm color palettes effectively differentiating them from their competition. The goal was to brand the company around a warm feeling of joy gained from pet ownership. Through intensive research, applied focus groups and creative innovation, DSYL successfully positioned the company within the branding objectives. All of this was accomplished through careful planning and creation of custom photo shoots, brochure design, direct mail campaign pieces, trade show booths and Web site development. All graphic design elements were created to reinforce a cohesive branding message and to create a continuous look and feel throughout all marketing materials. The ultimate goal and achievement was to create brand consistency, utilizing retention and enabling brand recognition throughout their target market.
Greek and Associates Veterinary Hospital
Challenge
Dr. Greek wanted a veterinary hospital logo that didn't fixate around the usual dog and cat silhouette. His hospital was different in the sense that it was designed with a mid-century modern flair and the staff wear bowling shirts rather than typical scrubs. Since their clientele is not only cats and dogs but also includes exotic pets, he wanted to really accentuate this unique quality that was Greek and Associates.
Solution
The creative team at DSYL designed a logo that not only fit Dr. Greek and his hospital's unique style, it screamed mid-century modern. Complete with vintage fonts and a boomerang, the final result was exactly what Dr. Greek had in mind. DSYL also incorporated his mid-century look and feel in his direct mail piece further reinforcing the unique brand and marketing message.
Friendly Hills Bank
Challenge
Jeff Ball, president and CEO of Friendly Hills Bank, wanted to brand his bank as a friendly neighborhood financial institution that encouraged clients and businesses to “do business in their own area.” Friendly Hills also wanted to let people know that dealing with Friendly Hills Bank meant they would not be just another number but rather a family member.
Solution
After listening to the desires of the client, DSYL generated a logo that was truly “friendly.” Since the name of the bank was Friendly Hills, it was a natural choice to reinforce the hills in the graphic design of their logo. The concept of “friendly” was accomplished by creating the hills in a soft, hand-illustrated approach rather than a hard-edged photographic illustration.
Needless to say, the client was thrilled that we were able to capture the essence of what they represented and asked us to create banner stands for their banks interior in an effort to brand themselves even more effectively. They also used their banner stands at off-site locations, further marketing themselves to new potential clients.
Golden Optometric
Challenge
A long standing client of DSYL, Golden Optometric was looking for a way to update their seasonal direct mail pieces. Even though the return on investment for their current flyers was high, they decided it was time to refresh their look in a hopeful effort of reaching a larger audience and increasing their market penetration.
Solution
By taking elements of their existing mailer and incorporating full color photographs, artistic images and updated design, DSYL was able to successfully capture the essence of what Golden Optometric wanted. Not only did the new design update their older look, it also streamlined the information while maintaining the same call to action.
Morris, Polich and Purdy (MPP)
Challenge
MPP, a large law firm in Los Angeles, needed a cohesive logo to brand themselves. Before coming to us, the firm was using several logos all with varying looks and fonts. MPP's business cards, fax cover sheets, internal forms, letterhead and envelopes all had different logos and fonts that distorted the firms brand and image.
Solution
DSYL created a logo that represented strength, balance and partnership. To protect their brand a style guide was created for all employees to follow, further reinforcing consistency. The style guide consisted of proportion scaling, staging area, proper color palette, complimentary colors, reproduction and typography. MPP has since implemented their logo and style guide to successfully brand themselves whether with internal paperwork, business cards, letterhead, Web sites or any other marketing literature. The result is a unified message, brand and continuity.
Integrated Impressions
Challenge
Jon Willard, partner at Integrated Impressions, wanted a new look for their logo before his promotional and print company opened. The existing logo was one a friend had designed and unfortunately, was busy and created in four-color process. However, as a promotional company, they needed to showcase their own logo on various promotional items in a clean and cost effective way, a task impossible to accomplish with a four color logo.
Solution
DSYL suggested creating a two-color logo that was timeless and easily reproduced on promotional items. We interviewed both partners and asked questions about their company. Each partner was different in what they brought to the table. As a result, DSYL created a logo that was a mirror image of each side to which portray the balance in the company. We used blue to represent calmness and orange to represent fire and fun to fit the partners personalities. Their clean, crisp logo also allows them to educate their clients about having logos that can be reproduced on promotional products in a cost effective way.
