Check them out:
VERSION A
VERSION B
VERSION C
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Big Desk Tees Commercials
Big Desk Tees commercial shoot was a huge success!
Check them out:
VERSION A
Check them out:
VERSION A
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Big Desk Tees Commercial Shoot
It's finally happening!
We are shooting a commercial for Big Desk Tees tomorrow, Sunday August 17th.
We will be at Station 22 and our model/actress is Bridgetta Tomarchio.
Can't wait.
We'll post it as soon as it's shot and edited.
Later.
We are shooting a commercial for Big Desk Tees tomorrow, Sunday August 17th.
We will be at Station 22 and our model/actress is Bridgetta Tomarchio.
Can't wait.
We'll post it as soon as it's shot and edited.
Later.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Congratulations to a fellow filmmaker
I want to congratulate my friend, Bryan Ross, for not only successfully producing the new short film, "EL TAXISTA", but also getting accepted into the INDIE FEST 2008 FILM FESTIVAL!
Here's an email from Bryan with all the details:
**************************************
Hello, my crew (friends & family)!
As some of you may already know, we got into our first two festivals: INDIE FEST 2008 & NEWFILMMAKERS LA 2009.
I am happier than ringo starr when they told him he could stay...
Our WORLD PREMIERE will happen on WEDNESDAY, Aug. 13th, 5pm at the AMC - Downtown Disney. I hope that at least some of you can make it down & share in the experience with us. From what i hear it's going to be quite a party.
If you'd like to check out the events, visit: http://www.indiefestusa.com/. I am working as hard as i can to get people in that theatre for the day of the screening. There are about 250 seats. I think we can do it......with your help.
Below is a promotional email for the film. Please forward it to as many people as you possibly can. The more people check out our page, the higher we rate in views, the more likely they will keep us as the most viewed short film (which i'm proud to say, is already the case...), and it will keep us at the top of the films page in the festival's site.
I cannot thank you enough for all the hard work that all of you have already put into this project. I am aware that every single one of you that worked on this film deserves to be recognized for the wonderful artistry you bring to this wonderful life we call making movies.
I hope to see you all on the 13th, my friends.
I'm going to disneyland...
Kind regards,
Bryan Ross
Producer
********************************************
Can't wait to see it!
Here's an email from Bryan with all the details:
**************************************
Hello, my crew (friends & family)!
As some of you may already know, we got into our first two festivals: INDIE FEST 2008 & NEWFILMMAKERS LA 2009.
I am happier than ringo starr when they told him he could stay...
Our WORLD PREMIERE will happen on WEDNESDAY, Aug. 13th, 5pm at the AMC - Downtown Disney. I hope that at least some of you can make it down & share in the experience with us. From what i hear it's going to be quite a party.
If you'd like to check out the events, visit: http://www.indiefestusa.com/. I am working as hard as i can to get people in that theatre for the day of the screening. There are about 250 seats. I think we can do it......with your help.
Below is a promotional email for the film. Please forward it to as many people as you possibly can. The more people check out our page, the higher we rate in views, the more likely they will keep us as the most viewed short film (which i'm proud to say, is already the case...), and it will keep us at the top of the films page in the festival's site.
I cannot thank you enough for all the hard work that all of you have already put into this project. I am aware that every single one of you that worked on this film deserves to be recognized for the wonderful artistry you bring to this wonderful life we call making movies.
I hope to see you all on the 13th, my friends.
I'm going to disneyland...
Kind regards,
Bryan Ross
Producer
********************************************
Can't wait to see it!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sponsorship
Big Desk Tees has recently become a sponsor of The Galley Slaves.
We created a new ad to use on their site.
We created a new ad to use on their site.
Their site is very impressive and they are equally talented with their radio delivery. Move over Howard Stern, here come The Galley Slaves.
We tried advertising on Facebook, but weren't very successful. Maybe MySpace will be more lucrative.
More later....
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Near-Future of Big Desk Tees
I can see it now.
A small warehouse on the outskirts of gritty Los Angeles.
Includes a kitchette, bathroom, and small office.
A loading dock big enough to accomodate a UPS truck.
Nearby, a post office open late.
Someday.... Someday soon.
A small warehouse on the outskirts of gritty Los Angeles.
Includes a kitchette, bathroom, and small office. A loading dock big enough to accomodate a UPS truck. Nearby, a post office open late. Within this warehouse are shelves and shelves filled with blank, colorful, American Apparel and Hanes t-shirts carrying the Big Desk Tees custom label.
Nearby sits a Brother GT-541 Inkjet Garment Printer.
Alongside is a Hix S-650 16"x20" Auto-Release Heat Press.
And of course, in order to pay for all of this, invoice after invoice spewing out from a pre-programmed HP laserjet printer the second the order is placed.
Someday.... Someday soon.
"Dream big and dare to fail" - Norman Vaughan
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Social Networks and goals
As I mentioned in an earlier entry, people are shying away from the behemoth social networks like MySpace and Facebook and moving toward more interest specific social networks. I also mentioned that two of my current projects are social networks.
Why? Because a three year old social network called Bebo was recently sold for…. $850 million! The founders, a husband and wife team, pocketed $600 million while VC’s (Venture Capitalists) took the rest. That’s incomprehensible. Valued that high after only three years in operation? Click HERE for a list of internet/business acquisitions in the 1st quarter of 2008.
Social networks are the hot internet attraction these days, but who knows for how long? Will the net become so saturated with these sites that another form of socializing will take its place? I don’t know. You should probably read Futurist magazine because I can’t think past next week. In fact, I can’t believe last week passed and I didn’t get a chance to post any entries. Time is flying so let’s get to work.
Why are big social networks so attractive to prospective buyers? Because of the ad revenue generated from these massive membership sites are astronomical. As mentioned earlier, I read that Facebook was generating $200 million a year in ad revenue. I’m not planning on creating a network that will generate those figures, but if I can build a successful one (or two or three…) that will pay for itself and cover my expenses, and then I’ve succeeded. In fact, my goal is to leave my day job behind and have enough earnings coming in from my internet projects to replace my current salary plus the cost of health insurance by May 1st, 2011. That’s my three year plan. It’s now set in digital stone. Very doable with enough hard work, a little luck, and no health issues interfering.
My five year plan (no, I’m not a Socialist) is to sell one or two or three of my internet business and have the opportunity to finance my own feature films, which is my true passion.
Ten year plan? Buy an ailing vineyard in Italy and convert it to coffee beans. I still need to research optimal coffee bean growing climates. Italy may not work, but it’s fun to dream.
Speaking of Italy, here’s a new Big Desk Tees design. It’s the Roman Amphitheater in Lucca, Italy.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Unlock your mind.
Just a thought before I lay me down to sleep…
So many people are closed minded about many things and it’s not by choice. I believe this is a case of nurture and not nature, at least for the masses. So many people go about their lives, living day to day, avoiding any deviation to their normal routine, yet they talk and dream about greener pastures and never do anything about it. They talk about starting their own businesses and being their own bosses, but somehow they know – maybe subconsciously- they don’t have the fortitude to follow through.
Most of these dreamers lack certain necessary traits like desire and commitment. Followed by large quantities of sacrifice and hard work. Add these together, along with never quitting - even in the face of failure - will guarantee success at whatever desire is pursued. You have to risk failure in order to reach your goal. Embrace failure. Many entrepreneurs fail many times over before they perfect their system. It may not be an option, but it happens and you need to learn from it. Henry Ford said, “Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.” He should know. He went bankrupt before he was a success.
Confidence is also a necessary ingredient. I don’t believe individuals are born with confidence. I believe it is learned. What is he talking about? Well, I am exhausted right now, so my explanation may not be as coherent as it should, so please bear with me.
If you don’t have these traits my advice is to start by unlocking your mind. Begin looking at commonplace objects and imagine other possibilities. As you take a walk and you pass a garbage can, don’t pass it by and think that’s just a garbage can. Think about other possibilities for that garbage can. You may end up coming up with the idea to mine the country's old landfills for precious metals, which was presented in the wonderful documentary, "Trashed". Create something that may lead to another idea. Draw a picture, snap a photograph, take a different way home from work or school, or write a story. You never know where it will lead you.
Several years ago, when I was traveling in Italy with an old friend, I saw several wild boars and ate wild boar stew wherever it was served. I became so fascinated with wild boars that I wrote a short story called, "The Cinghiale Man of Montegonzi" (Cinghiale is 'Wild Boar' in Italian). Basically, it’s a retelling of “American Werewolf in London” only that it takes place in Italy. My point is, not only do I have a fun story to keep my memory alive of that trip; I also have a story to share with others. Plus, that story has lead to two other ideas. One is a current design at Big Desk Tees.
And the other idea came about during a conversation with my friend who I traveled with on that trip. After he commented on the t-shirt I reminded him of the short story and he said that his young son always asks about the infamous Italian cinghiales he heard of over the years after that trip. My friend added that children’s books, with a little edge to them, were intriguing to young readers and that the short story may be a basis for a children’s graphic novel. He added that his mother, a retired English teacher, and his step-father, a retired art teacher, have been talking for years about doing a children’s book. And so the “The Cinghiale Man of Montegonzi” children’s graphic novel was born.
The point is, look at everything in a different light. Consider all possibilities no matter how crazy they may seem, and most important, open your eyes and dream big. Really big. Walk tall and carry an open mind.
And now I lay me down to sleep......Z Z Z Z Z z z z z z z
So many people are closed minded about many things and it’s not by choice. I believe this is a case of nurture and not nature, at least for the masses. So many people go about their lives, living day to day, avoiding any deviation to their normal routine, yet they talk and dream about greener pastures and never do anything about it. They talk about starting their own businesses and being their own bosses, but somehow they know – maybe subconsciously- they don’t have the fortitude to follow through.
Most of these dreamers lack certain necessary traits like desire and commitment. Followed by large quantities of sacrifice and hard work. Add these together, along with never quitting - even in the face of failure - will guarantee success at whatever desire is pursued. You have to risk failure in order to reach your goal. Embrace failure. Many entrepreneurs fail many times over before they perfect their system. It may not be an option, but it happens and you need to learn from it. Henry Ford said, “Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.” He should know. He went bankrupt before he was a success.
Confidence is also a necessary ingredient. I don’t believe individuals are born with confidence. I believe it is learned. What is he talking about? Well, I am exhausted right now, so my explanation may not be as coherent as it should, so please bear with me.
If you don’t have these traits my advice is to start by unlocking your mind. Begin looking at commonplace objects and imagine other possibilities. As you take a walk and you pass a garbage can, don’t pass it by and think that’s just a garbage can. Think about other possibilities for that garbage can. You may end up coming up with the idea to mine the country's old landfills for precious metals, which was presented in the wonderful documentary, "Trashed". Create something that may lead to another idea. Draw a picture, snap a photograph, take a different way home from work or school, or write a story. You never know where it will lead you.
Several years ago, when I was traveling in Italy with an old friend, I saw several wild boars and ate wild boar stew wherever it was served. I became so fascinated with wild boars that I wrote a short story called, "The Cinghiale Man of Montegonzi" (Cinghiale is 'Wild Boar' in Italian). Basically, it’s a retelling of “American Werewolf in London” only that it takes place in Italy. My point is, not only do I have a fun story to keep my memory alive of that trip; I also have a story to share with others. Plus, that story has lead to two other ideas. One is a current design at Big Desk Tees.
And the other idea came about during a conversation with my friend who I traveled with on that trip. After he commented on the t-shirt I reminded him of the short story and he said that his young son always asks about the infamous Italian cinghiales he heard of over the years after that trip. My friend added that children’s books, with a little edge to them, were intriguing to young readers and that the short story may be a basis for a children’s graphic novel. He added that his mother, a retired English teacher, and his step-father, a retired art teacher, have been talking for years about doing a children’s book. And so the “The Cinghiale Man of Montegonzi” children’s graphic novel was born.
The point is, look at everything in a different light. Consider all possibilities no matter how crazy they may seem, and most important, open your eyes and dream big. Really big. Walk tall and carry an open mind.
And now I lay me down to sleep......Z Z Z Z Z z z z z z z
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A message to those unwilling to embrace.
Be forewarned.
Like it or not, the technology revolution is here to stay and is multiplying just as Moore’s Law predicted it would decades ago…and if you don’t know what Moore’s Law is, then you’re behind already.
I know many Boomers and Gen X’ers who aren’t tech savvy and have no desire to become tech knowledgeable. The revolution has grown so fast that for many the ship has sailed. These rebels have some sort of resistance to learning either due to lack of time and devotion or, according to my theory, fear.
They are driven by fear. The fear of admitting not knowing. Not understanding something. Not understanding something that younger people do comprehend. The fear of realizing that a younger generation knows more about something in this world than they do. The industrial revolution lasted nearly two hundred years, but look what’s happened in just the last thirty years: the personal computer, the Internet, wireless technology, etc.
The later Gen X’ers and the Gen Y’s grew up only knowing a world with computers. I didn’t even touch a computer until I was eighteen. Unfortunately, I didn’t find them as fascinating as I do now, but fortunately, several years ago I realized that I had that fear inside me and have embraced technology and am working harder than ever not to be left …home alone.
You can fight it. You can resist it. You can even disagree with it, however you want to deny it, but in order to function, contribute, and survive in this society ten years or even five years from now, a firm knowledge base with an ongoing education plan in place are mandatory.
Note: The information in this blog submission was already out of date by the time it was published.
LEGEND:
Baby Boomers born: 1946-1964
Generation X born: 1965-1984
Generation Y born: 1985-2002
Generation I born: 2003-?
Like it or not, the technology revolution is here to stay and is multiplying just as Moore’s Law predicted it would decades ago…and if you don’t know what Moore’s Law is, then you’re behind already.
I know many Boomers and Gen X’ers who aren’t tech savvy and have no desire to become tech knowledgeable. The revolution has grown so fast that for many the ship has sailed. These rebels have some sort of resistance to learning either due to lack of time and devotion or, according to my theory, fear.
They are driven by fear. The fear of admitting not knowing. Not understanding something. Not understanding something that younger people do comprehend. The fear of realizing that a younger generation knows more about something in this world than they do. The industrial revolution lasted nearly two hundred years, but look what’s happened in just the last thirty years: the personal computer, the Internet, wireless technology, etc.
The later Gen X’ers and the Gen Y’s grew up only knowing a world with computers. I didn’t even touch a computer until I was eighteen. Unfortunately, I didn’t find them as fascinating as I do now, but fortunately, several years ago I realized that I had that fear inside me and have embraced technology and am working harder than ever not to be left …home alone.
You can fight it. You can resist it. You can even disagree with it, however you want to deny it, but in order to function, contribute, and survive in this society ten years or even five years from now, a firm knowledge base with an ongoing education plan in place are mandatory.
Note: The information in this blog submission was already out of date by the time it was published.
LEGEND:
Baby Boomers born: 1946-1964
Generation X born: 1965-1984
Generation Y born: 1985-2002
Generation I born: 2003-?
Monday, May 19, 2008
New Big Desk Tees designs on the way...
Big Desk Tees added some new colors to the Galactic Butterfly 2012 t-shirt design. It’s becoming one of our best sellers. We have another 2012 design coming soon and several others in the pipeline. It appears that the Mayan calendar end date is very popular and that is a dilemma when owning your own t-shirt website: Unless you’re going to license other people’s designs you better come up with some of your own that will sell.
It’s been trial and error for the design department at Big Desk Tees. Some designs are popular (i.e. they sell…duh). Others haven’t had even a single shirt purchased. Zero sales. The problem is - not designing something you would wear, but creating something that the masses will wear. I think it was my brother who suggested posting potential designs that were being considered on the website and allowing the viewing public to cast their vote. Good idea. Have I done that yet? No. Why not? It’s in the pipeline.
The initial investment on a first run design ranges from $150-$500 depending on the amount printed and the quality of the shirt. The more t-shirts you buy wholesale and the more you print at a time, the lower the cost per unit becomes. If you want to print one custom t-shirt, it will cost you a bundle. If you print 25-50 the cost per shirt drops. The catch is, “What brand, style, or color should I print this design on?” Black tees sell, but are more expensive. White tees cost less, but who buys white t-shirts anymore? Then the question is, “Should we use organic tees or distressed tees?” Organics are soft, but the distressed are cool.
It’s been trial and error for the design department at Big Desk Tees. Some designs are popular (i.e. they sell…duh). Others haven’t had even a single shirt purchased. Zero sales. The problem is - not designing something you would wear, but creating something that the masses will wear. I think it was my brother who suggested posting potential designs that were being considered on the website and allowing the viewing public to cast their vote. Good idea. Have I done that yet? No. Why not? It’s in the pipeline.The initial investment on a first run design ranges from $150-$500 depending on the amount printed and the quality of the shirt. The more t-shirts you buy wholesale and the more you print at a time, the lower the cost per unit becomes. If you want to print one custom t-shirt, it will cost you a bundle. If you print 25-50 the cost per shirt drops. The catch is, “What brand, style, or color should I print this design on?” Black tees sell, but are more expensive. White tees cost less, but who buys white t-shirts anymore? Then the question is, “Should we use organic tees or distressed tees?” Organics are soft, but the distressed are cool.We're not too worried about the stock that doesn't sell. We figure that when it's time to clean out the warehouse to make room for the new designs we could just head up to Venice Beach, get a one day sellers permit, and unload the unsold inventory at cost + $1 to cover fuel. There aren't many better things in life than having to hang out at Venice Beach selling your own t-shirts all day. On that note, make it cost + $1.10 to cover fuel and suntan lotion.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Confessions of a Cyberaholic
I can’t believe this!
I wrote this nice initial blog entry and then hit ‘preview’ to edit, but when I hit the back button my work disappeared. So goes the saying, “User Error”.
Anyway, I’ve been wanting to start a blog for two years now, but wasn’t sure if what I had to say was relevant or should go down in digital history until now.
Pulling an all-nighter and choosing to work on my own project in lieu of commuting two hours to waste a beautiful Sunday working at my real job has actually caused more anxiety than it should have. Anxiety I haven’t felt since last year when I built my current Internet success, http://www.bigdesktees.com .
It’s a success in the fact that it’s up and running and works. It doesn’t matter if it’s profitable yet or not, because it will be soon enough. Stay tuned for more on the power of positive thinking, sacrifice, dedication, hard work, and efficient marketing, later on.
Then it hit me. Maybe my thoughts, road-blocks, complications, and advice relating to my current projects may not only help others who are pursuing the Internet dream of owning their own home-based business, but help me get through the frustration and stress it causes. A therapeutic sounding board.
What are my current projects? I’ll let my current mantra answer that, “Why join a social network when you can build one.” Or two. Both are social networks with names I can’t mention just yet. One is set to go live sometime soon and the other I’m writing a business plan for because I believe it has enormous potential.
Well, at the breakneck speed that technology is growing, I’d better get back to work or I’ll miss yet another Internet boat that has sailed off into the proverbial cyber horizon.
I wrote this nice initial blog entry and then hit ‘preview’ to edit, but when I hit the back button my work disappeared. So goes the saying, “User Error”.
Anyway, I’ve been wanting to start a blog for two years now, but wasn’t sure if what I had to say was relevant or should go down in digital history until now.
Pulling an all-nighter and choosing to work on my own project in lieu of commuting two hours to waste a beautiful Sunday working at my real job has actually caused more anxiety than it should have. Anxiety I haven’t felt since last year when I built my current Internet success, http://www.bigdesktees.com .
It’s a success in the fact that it’s up and running and works. It doesn’t matter if it’s profitable yet or not, because it will be soon enough. Stay tuned for more on the power of positive thinking, sacrifice, dedication, hard work, and efficient marketing, later on.
Then it hit me. Maybe my thoughts, road-blocks, complications, and advice relating to my current projects may not only help others who are pursuing the Internet dream of owning their own home-based business, but help me get through the frustration and stress it causes. A therapeutic sounding board.
What are my current projects? I’ll let my current mantra answer that, “Why join a social network when you can build one.” Or two. Both are social networks with names I can’t mention just yet. One is set to go live sometime soon and the other I’m writing a business plan for because I believe it has enormous potential.
Well, at the breakneck speed that technology is growing, I’d better get back to work or I’ll miss yet another Internet boat that has sailed off into the proverbial cyber horizon.
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