Dungbeetle Creative

For The Sender

2012-02-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

We at Dungbeetle are honored to be providing branding and design for all components of the project, from concept to production. We are excited to be collaborating not only with the musicians, but also with video team of Rebecca & Kevin Joelson and various photographers.

"For The Sender is a book, album and concert series based on real-life letters, all of them detailing human triumphs and tragedies that are a part of everyone's story. ‘For The Sender' has become a book and a collection of songs about those letters, produced by Alex Woodard, and created by our family of songwriters and musicians in north San Diego county. It features the voices of Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, Jordan Pundik, Nena Anderson, Jack Tempchin, Molly Jenson, Jon Foreman, and Alex Woodard. A portion of proceeds from the project will benefit charities chosen by the sender of each letter."

In addition, Nena Anderson (Dungbeetle founder) is also one of the contributing songwriter/performers of the project. Watch the video for her song "Hush" here.

For The Sender is also on Facebook and Twitter

Custom Holiday Postcards

2011-11-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

Now taking orders for CUSTOM holiday cards & postcards!

Wish your clients into the New Year or send something personal to family and friends for the holidays. Contact us for more information and pricing.

We design & have the cards sent directly to you.

Just Added: Solo Show Sept 9 @San Diego Music Thing

2011-08-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Americana Showcase at Claire De Lune (north park)
2906 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104

I'll be playing a solo set at 9:50pm

Tickets to the conference and music festival are available at http://www.sandiegomusicthing.com

Artists That Blow My Mind : Tim Lowman

2011-08-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Meet Tim Lowman, aka "Low Volts"

Photo by Dungbeetle - Casbah 2010 - Low Volts

Pinstriped shot glasses by Tim for my kickstarter award campaign.

Tim is a San Diego graphic designing, pinstriping, airbrushing, motorcycle riding, one man band! This week, Tim swept the San Diego Music Awards with 3 wins, 2 for Low Volts and one for The Blackout Party. I'm a huge fan of his music, style, and artwork.

His recent debut release, "'Twist Shake Grind Break' was produced and recorded by another talent artist friend, Mike Butler, who also produce my album!

Video by another Dungbeetle associate, Jeff Wiant

Gregory Page by Jeff Wiant

2011-06-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

A fun treat for today: a lovely video created by my associate Jeff Wiant for the talented Mr. Gregory Page. A sweet song and a timeless vintage movie feel makes this an instant classic!

Thats You from Gregory Page on Vimeo.

"Psyche" Series

2011-03-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Sitting for portraits (or any photography for that matter) is the one of the most torturous things I know. Perhaps that is why I have always chosen to be behind the lens as opposed to in front of it. Recently I've undertaken the task of overcoming the fear of being photographed to better understand how to direct and to spend a little time with my favorite photographers explorating. Exploration? Yes...shooting stuff more on the artistic side rather than commercial side.

Dungbeetle presents the "Psyche" series. In the upcoming months, we will be featuring images of me by different photographers (how narcissistic) along with biographies of the photographers and an explanation of the project. I hope that they inspire you as much as they do us!

The above image was shot by Art Brewer as part of an ongoing exploration with underwater photography. I will soon be posting more selects from this shoot as well as backstory and photographer bio.

COMING SOON!

2011-03-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Dungbeetle Creative is getting a new look... and now offering MORE SERVICES!

As client needs shift, we have decided to expand to offer them more choices and cohesive services to help keep their branding consistent. In addition, we're excited to freshen-up our portfolio with new work that we think you're going to LOVE, because we love it. And we're going to start bringing in more personal work...stuff that keeps us excited to work for YOU...but not necessarily the stuff your brand is made of. Hurrah for 2011!

Beauty

2010-12-22T20:25:00.000-08:00

Beauty is all around us. It could be 3 steps outside your front door if you take the time to look.

Promotional Cards

2010-10-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

New promotional cards for the band Stephen Rey & The Slicks. Photography by Joanna Miriam.

Web & Myspace for Freddy & Francine

2010-09-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

Dungbeetle recently re-branded a website and myspace page for Los Angeles indie artists Freddy & Francine to coincide with the release of their new album "The Forest and the Sea." Their previous sites were burdened with heavy flash integration, making viewing slow and sometimes difficult to navigate. New sites share a common palette and visual thread with information that is easy to find, quick links, and a clear focus on promoting the new record. New videos, songs, and upcoming show calendar are prominently featured.

Recent Snaps : Luna & Rachel

2010-08-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Bootlegger's Club T-shirt

2010-08-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

Re-inventing

2010-07-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've blogged...but being too busy to update the site is not necessarily a bad thing! Soon I will be revising and revamping the Dungbeetle production portfolios as well as adding new pages to show recent web, branding, photography, video, and design projects. In the meantime, you can keep up with me on Facebook ...

Behind the Scenes: Michael Tiernan Video Shoot

2010-04-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

Stills from a music video shoot with Jeff Wiant for Michael Tiernan's new song, "Write Me a Love Song." This was a whirlwind project with shooting done in one day and edited over the week. Request it on MTV...

This production was on a tight budget... along with plenty of input from the artist, Michael, Jeff and I worked as a team to direct, produce, cast, style, and edit!

Remembering Jazz

2010-04-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

I've always been inspired by the musicians captured by William Gottlieb and William Claxton. This image was shot yesterday with (of all things) an iphone...yet it reminds me of those great jazz photographers...many whom were musicians themselves. Something about being in the right place at the right time, a camaraderie and knowing just when the moment was real. There is something in the posture, attitude, style of the jazz musician that transcends time, even today.

CD cover shoot - Gonna Boogie Anyway!

2010-04-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

Last year I shot the cd cover for my friends, award-winning blues musicians Chris James and Patrick Rynn. This year I got the call again...and under an extremely tight deadline, managed to snap a few gems for their upcoming release, Gonna Boogie Anyway.

Film Photography Rocks My World

2010-02-23T13:07:00.001-08:00

Is digital killing the photographic art form? While it is a technologically astounding and often amazing tool, economical and environmental...it simply can't replace the "feel" of film...or the surprise, sometimes innovation, of images produced with film.

Photoshop experts will say you can reproduce it all now digitally. I disagree. You can't reproduce the magical surprise elements of film aged for a year in my bedroom window, simply because the film reacts differently every time. "Digital" distress will always be contrived and at the discretion of the technician. It's the human element involved...the light leaks, processing effects, mistakes, skill, and eye that make a photograph extraordinary - a piece of art.

I shoot with a digital camera. So does every photographer I work with. But when I want to have fun, I break out my 1951 Kodak Pony. 33mm. FUN. The viewer isn't the same as the lens, so framing is a bit experimental. So is focus. I love the freedom of scanning my own negatives and processing them. I love the warm, soft look, ethereal color and film grain.

Photos ©2010 Nena Anderson top photo: musician Gregory Page, lower photo: Rimrock Ranch Cabins

Great Show - Cool Gallery, ProjectxArt

2010-02-06T14:15:00.001-08:00

The "18shots" show consisted of 18 Art Brewer prints from the 2010 Electra Bicycle Campaign and personal point-and-shoot images. The opening event was a great success! The Electra Amsterdams, hand-painted by Acamonchi Art, Brandon Lomax, Blackass, and John Tagle, were auctioned at the end of the night to benefit Keep-A-Breast. Art Brewer mingled with the crowd and signed posters and books while videographer Jeff Wiant presented clips on a giant screen outside.

Thanks to everyone that made the show successful!!
Contributors: Titan Display (prints), Pizza Port Carlsbad (beer), Patrick Dennis (installation), and most of all ProjectxArt gallery for a beautiful space.

Opening Jan 23 - 18SHOTS - Art Brewer & Dungbeetle

2010-01-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

OPENING RECEPTION - JAN 23, 2010 - 6-10pm at: ProjectxArt

Join me this weekend in presenting works by Art Brewer and Dungbeetle*. A collection of images from 2010 Electra Bicycle Company's "Way to Roll" Campaign and selects from Art's personal point-and-shoot collection. *Produced and created by Dungbeetle and co-directed by Patrick Dennis.

Meet Art Brewer : book & poster signings.

Hand-painted Electra Amsterdam bikes to be auctioned for Keep-a-Breast.org Keep-a-Breast membership drive & merchandise on sale.

Videos by Jeff Wiant

Show runs Jan 23- 30 Project x Art 320 S. Cedros Ave. Solana Beach, CA

18SHOTS - Photography by Art Brewer

2009-12-18T10:26:00.001-08:00

Look for exhibits produced by Dungbeetle in 2010!

In this age of social media, mass communication and over-exposure, commercial photography with emotional impact and artistic quality is more powerful than ever. For this show, we bring that blend of art & commerce together in the work of world-renowned photographer, Art Brewer.

No photoshop trickery. Real images. Captured moments. Point and shoot images from Art's personal collection, as well as produced, commercial images from Electra Bicycle Company's 2009 & 2010 campaigns.

Opening Reception will feature:

• Auction for Keep-A-Breast.org of hand-painted Electra Bicycles by artists: Acamonchi Art, Blackass, Brandon Lomax, and more.
• Videos by Jeff Wiant
• Donation bar
• Music, Art, and Special Guests

Show runs January 23-30, 2010

Opening Reception

January 23, 2010
6-10pm

located at:
ProjectXart
320 S. Cedros Ave.
Solana Beach CA

The Accidental Photographer

2009-12-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

i like angles. if i can't the photographer to find it, i'm likely to be on the roof, scaling a wall, under a car or a balancing on a ledge to get the shot. i also don't like camera straps.

Get to the Point!

2009-10-13T00:41:00.000-07:00

I posess a complete distaste for over-built, visually chaotic and confusing to navigate websites. Recent consulting projects continue to bring them to my attention, and I wonder...how do they get that way? Brands trying to make sure they don't miss anything? Designers trying to prove themselves "designing" it, rather than communicating?

For myself, I'll admit, I have a tendency to "under-do" it. Meaning I cut back a lot because I don't want to have to maintain much. And I want my viewers to get what they need fast.

I spend so many hours on the computer. Too many. As a tool for art, photography, music, research and marketing, it's phenomenal. But at the same time, more than ever I want to get my information quickly, easily, and without having to wait. Or dig. And I want it on my phone. Is that too much to ask?

Vote for Photos at Billboard/PDN

2009-09-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hit up the Billboard/PDN "Musical Moments" contest and vote for Dungbeetle images by Nena Anderson. http://www.billboardphotocontest.com/bin/Rate?searchphotographer=Nena+Anderson&search=photographer#

Photos of:

Matt Resovich (Black Heart Procession, John Meeks, Roll Film) - Ray Suen (The Killers, Joanie Mendenhall) - Patrick Dennis (Truckee Brothers, Wirepony) - Shaney Jo Darden (KAB)

What Do You" DO"?

2009-08-28T09:26:00.001-07:00

Photo of Gerardo Yepiz, Acamonchi Studio by Art Brewer for Electra Bicycle Company. Produced by Dungbeetle.

It's always difficult for me to define to people "what I do." My work, my art, my music, my ethics, they all speak for themselves. But as much as I balk at the question, I do understand the importance of it to grow my business and to help people better understand who I am.

I am a creator. Artist. Musician. Producer. Illustrator. Photographer. Designer. Inventor.

Every day my job description changes and I love it...I am so grateful that I can work on a professional level wherever my whim goes! Most recently my producing skills have been of little use to an economy which has forced productions to streamline. It has been great fun for me to sharpen up my skills and revisit former "free-agent" occupations as a makeup artist, director, set designer, casting agent, photographer, editor, and photographer's assistant.

Tomorrow I will finish up a cd package I photographed and am now designing for a band called SheBlondeSwede. Next weekend I will once again be a floral designer, working with the talented Adrianne Smith.

I used to worry about jumping around too much from job to job, project to project. But I have come to understand that it is the very thing that motivates and INSPIRES me. It challenges and, quite literally, FEEDS everything I do as a creative mind. It gives me ultimate perspective and patience in understanding process and the people involved. I look forward to every day because of it!

read more on this topic at Nena Anderson.

Midnight Photoshoot

2009-08-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

Midnight bicycle gang of 7. Balmy downtown San Diego summer night. 5 miles pedaling towards the pub. 1 daredevil stair trick. 2 turns through the Hyatt revolving door. 1 crash. 3 smiling girls.

Shot while riding my own bike, new photos for the newest bike line addition to the Electra Bicycle family are pure city pub crawl fun. Here's a preview shot. More about the challenges and triumphs of this kind of shoot in the next few days.

hello, summer color!

2009-07-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

The best thing about summer...sun. It brings out not only the tank-top hippies and neon green flip-flops, but also the juicy goodness of COLOR! From early morning soft-box glow to the glorious golden hour before sunset, there is something about that summertime light that makes everything just a little bit happy.

Dung Project PORTFOLIO is Live!

2009-07-02T12:37:00.001-07:00

Click the PROJECTS button in the header at the top of the page to see our new project gallery. It's just a small taste of some of the things we do...

July the Fourth

2009-07-02T12:30:00.001-07:00

Countenance of an Old Soul

2009-06-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Shooting kids is great. Real emotion. Sure, sometimes you get that fake, perma-grin teeth baring school portrait "say cheese" (where DID that come from?) smile, but if you can wait for the right moment, you can capture honesty. Happiness, anger, frustration, joy, sillyness...or the countenance of an old soul. photo by Dungbeetl, ©2007 Nena Anderson for Electra Bicycle Catalog 2008

City Bike

2009-06-15T10:01:00.001-07:00

Midnight ride down Broadway, NYC. Central Park to Ground Zero. Dodging taxis, pedestrians, traffic, rain, and shooting photos all the while riding my balloon Amsterdam.

Expansive Space

2009-06-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

During the Electra 2010 campaign shoot, I snapped a few "behind the scenes" polaroids. Something about that tranquil, expansive space and perfect light that makes me so happy! And a happy producer = a happy crew + a happy photographer (look closely, Art IS smiling in that shot) = incredible photography. And how gorgeous is our model, Emma Dennis?

Things Are Not As Bad As They Seem!

2009-06-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

The art studio of Jimmy C! Fiberglass, enamel paints, tikis and Ratfinks galore. This guy is the real thing - master of the lost arts of signpainting and handlettering, pinstriping, illustration and sculpture. http://www.kustomart.com

Click on the photo to read the Von Dutch note that is hanging on his studio wall...things are not as bad as they seem!

How to Get There

2009-05-29T13:56:00.001-07:00

This sign is telling us where. Follow it.

Electra 2010 - Coming Soon

2009-05-10T22:31:00.001-07:00

Last year the power-team of photographer Art Brewer, producer/creative Nena Anderson, and director/creative Patrick Dennis created stunning images for Electra Bicycle Company's 2009 Way to Roll campaign. In fact, the project birthed Dungbeetle!

Now we're rockin' the 2010 imagery for the same brand and creative inspiration...Electra. What could be better than beautiful, functional product that is good for your health and the environment? And the bonus is that they ride like a cloud...swift and effortless, gliding or pedalling. (Can you tell we LOVE the products we work with? That's where the passion comes from!)

Check back soon for behind the scenes footage to our salt flat adventure, circus stunts, girls girls girls and painterly visuals.

2010 Electra Way to Roll Portraits

2009-04-29T12:27:00.001-07:00

Last Friday, 7 set-ups... portraits for Electra Bicycle, each in a unique location. Whew...whatta day! Photographer Art Brewer and crew made the most of a cloudy day and extremely tight schedule. We got great shots.

This is a quick iphone snap of Art photographing artist, Gerardo Yepiz. Acamonchi Studio.

John Meeks Video Shoot

2009-04-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous weekend of clear blue sky and crisp spring air was the setting for stills and film for a new music video from the John Meeks band. I joined filmmaker Andy Platfoot, John Meeks, his band and a few friends for a desert campout among the joshua trees. photos ©2009 Nena Anderson

Shoes

2009-03-23T10:35:00.001-07:00

6th street observations. austin, tx. sxsw.
more photos to come in the next few days... click on the photo to view the album

Electra Campaign 2009

2009-03-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the shots from the Electra Bicycle Company 2009 campaign and catalog. Dungbeetle produced and directed nearly 50 set-ups and the result was lifestyle branding that blended fashion and sport. Photography by Art Brewer. Direction by Patrick Dennis. Produced by Nena Anderson.

Headed for Austin, Tx - SWSX

2009-03-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

The Dungbeetle team will descend upon SXSW in full-force this week, with associates participating in film and music showcases and documenting the events festivities. Email me to schedule a meeting with Dungbeetle or if you just want to know who the best bands are to see this year!

600 Miles Later

2009-03-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

6 cameras, 600 miles, a triple-car tow out of mud, cold mexican beers, and an other-worldly destination. we go the distance to find the right location! from 10am til 2am (the next day) we put in serious miles seeking the perfect location for our next shoot. and we found it.

Design&Publishing features Nena Anderson

2009-03-11T00:41:00.000-07:00

Design & Publishing
http://www.Graphic-Design.com

To read the article, click on the link at the end of the teaser, excerpted from their site.

Lady sings Design: Nena Anderson

Once in a while we find a designer who exudes talent in 360-degrees! We found Nena and not only discovered a highly sophisticated visual designer in 2-D and 3-D, but a drop-dead blues and jazz musician as well. This powerhouse lady sings print design, trade show displays and product design from mountain biking to sea-side sandals to down-town swing ... it's all about talent!

Electra Bicycle Campaign Update

2009-02-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who has submitted their photos and stories for the Electra Bicycle casting. You may continue to submit up until Thurs Feb 26. Selections will be made the first week of March.

Casting Call!

2009-02-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

Dungbeetle is casting for 2 shoots to take place early this spring. This casting is for all people, not just models!!

1st shoot to take place mid to late march. We need 5 males & 5 females, ages 18-50, any race, size, and ethnic background. This shoot will consist of personality portraits. We are seeking individuals with diverse and eclectic interests, hobbys, careers and leading active lifestyles. Humanitarians, athletes, artists, environmentalists, musicians, designers, volunteers...what is your story?

2nd shoot to take place late april. For this shoot we need 3 males and 3 females, ages 18-50, any race, size, and ethnic background. This shoot will consist of action photos on bicycles. We are seeking athletic, fit people with bicycling experience. You do not need to be a cyclist, but must be comfortable and familiar with riding a bike.

To be considered for either casting, please submit 1 photo of your face and 1 full body photo to nena@dungbeetlecreative.com. Professional photos are not necessary...snapshots are fine. You may also include links to facebook, myspace, blogs or websites.

Amongst the Dung Pile

2009-01-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

the dungbeetle blog is here! check it for up-to-the-minute updates on what we're doing, what we've been working on, and brands we plan to...evolve. we'll also be posting "how we did it" insights and random things we see. or eat. or have an opinion about. or took a picture of.

keep your eyes peeled for a monthly photographer feature!

everyone keeps asking "dungbeetle" ? why? google it and read about them. yes, i will eventually post the explanation, but for now, just chuckle and go with it.

PDN features Dungbeetle team

2009-01-26T20:16:00.000-08:00

In September 25, 2008, PDN (Photo District News) Online featured the Electra Bicycle Campaign in it's "Meet the Clients" column. Dungbeetle principal, Nena Anderson, brought in Art Director, Patrick Dennis and Photographer, Art Brewer to create brand imagery completely new and exciting for the bicycle industry. The shoot and images exceeded expectations and continue to solidify Electra's brand as a global leader in design in the sporting goods market.

The cast and crew included over 50 people over a 2 day shoots located in Joshua Tree, CA and San Diego, CA. Dungbeetle did it all...locations, casting, styling, set-ups, production and editing.

Read more at http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/content_display/photoserve/meet-the-clients/e3i145a1d5cabedb4a14684ccb5fe8a0909

Wirepony Tour - Press Shot

2009-01-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

Electra Bicycle Company is featuring Wirepony's Patrick Dennis on their website splash page. http://www.electrabike.com and next month in a full-page advertisement in Bicycling Magazine. This image, shot by Nena Anderson, was picked up by Electra in order to feature Patrick in their Way to Roll campaign.

Dungbeetle created, directed and produced Electra's brand image for 2009 with photographer Art Brewer (more of that story to come in a future post).

Wirepony is the new musical project of artist Patrick Dennis. Dungbeetle created this image as a series of band promotional shots. See more of them at http://www.myspace.com/wirepony. Wirepony is currently touring the midwest with Steve Poltz through feb.7