Hotbox Studios – Web Design, Animation and Branding

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MIMI PAAM Event Management Software

MIMI Massages are now using Hotbox Studios' PAAM Event Management Software!

MIMI Massages supply massage staff and services offering massages on Stena Line Ferries between Cairnyan and Belfast, from Indian Head Massage to more exotic treatments based in the on-board Spa.

Hotbox Studios has created a custom PAAM system for MIMI which allows them to manage their available staff and shifts, take deposit and shift payments and more all via a convenient online system.

Using MIMI PAAM the MIMI Massages staff can now:

• Book the shifts they would like to work online
• Make deposit and shift payments online
• Check their shift calendar which shows forthcoming shifts and each shift’s status

Using MIMI PAAM the MIMI Massages management staff can now:

• Quickly create new shifts for their staff
• Add recurring staff shifts
• Receive deposit payments online
• Receive single and multiple shift payments online
• Get a quick overview of payments owed
• Easily check which member of staff is working where
• Check all future shifts including staff levels

Plus all the additional functionality PAAM provides as standard!

For more about PAAM please visit www.paamapplication.co.uk.

16 May 12

Landlord and Tenant Affairs Web Design

Hotbox Studios has been working closely with Landlord and Tenant Affairs Ltd and has just launched the new Landlord and Tenant Affairs website!

We've worked with the team at Landlord and Tenant Affairs to create a website that is easy to navigate and clearly breaks down the legal advice and services offered by the legal team at Landlord and Tenant Affairs.

Landlord and Tenant Affairs focus is on cost effective and practical solutions to leasehold disputes. The experienced team offer advice and guidance to landlords, tenants and managing agents and Right To Manage companies; all of which share the common goal of dispute resolution in an economical and sensible manner.

Landlord and Tenant Affairs specialist solicitors help their clients to take control by understanding their rights, the legislation that protects those rights and their lease obligations.

The team at Landlord and Tenant Affairs has a wealth of experience to help guide its clients through the complex framework of landlord and tenant legislation.

The Landlord and Tenant Affairs website is one of Hotbox Studios WordPress based websites - offering clients the functionality and design they require at a price tailored to the small and medium business.

Find out more about our Hampshire Custom WordPress Theme Design.

For more about Landlord and Tenant Affairs please visit www.landlordtenantaffairs.co.uk.

02 May 12

Web Hosting and Online Security Upgrade

In April 2012 Hotbox Studios upgraded its web hosting environment! We have installed over ten thousand pounds of new hardware and software into our new UK data centre; specified to the UK Data Centre Uptime Institute and EU Code on Conduct specifications for Tier 2 and 3 resiliency; offering premium levels of availability and security.

Hotbox Studios' new web hosting systems include:

• 3 new high specification Dell Servers
• 3 new Cisco Enterprise Grade Switches
• 2 new Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances (ASA) - Firewalls

The new servers are of a very high specification incorporating faster drives, processors and memory. The internal configuration of the servers allows for multiple points of failure whilst maintaining uptime. The servers are configured in a load balancing failover design; allowing for high traffic volume and further protection against failure to maintain uptime.

The new Cisco Enterprise Grade Switches have allowed for us to further secure the hosting environment; protecting our client’s websites and data form malicious attacks.

The new Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances (ASA), or Firewalls, further protect the Hotbox web hosting environment and are configured in a failover design; one of the two Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances can fail with uptime being maintained.

What all this means for our web design, web hosting and PAAM Event Management Software clients is no issues with hardware, performance or resilience - websites and online systems are fast, reliable and secure.

Find out more about Hotbox Studios' Hampshire Web Hosting.

25 Apr 12

Pip Horne Studio Web Design

Hotbox Studios has been working closely with Pip Horne Studio; updating the Pip Horne Studio website we designed in 2010!

We're very proud of the website which incorporates a responsive design allowing for graceful degradation. This means no matter how you view the website; smartphone, tablet; laptop; or desktop; the website will work with your device to make sure the content is delivered as seamlessly as possibly.

The main changes to the Pip Horne Studio website have been a number of new projects added to the architecture, design and art project galleries:

New Architecture and Design Projects:

• Mensana (Kiwengwa, Zanzibar, Tanzania)
• Kivundoni (Kivundoni, Lamu Town, Kenya)
• Redchurch Street (East London)
• Pound Lane 2 (East Sussex)

New Art Projects:

• Auckland Tower (Auckland, New Zealand)
• Altar (St Martin In the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London)

A graduate of the Royal College of Art London, Pip Horne established his architecture and design practice in 1994.

Pip Horne Studio is dedicated to delivering an architecture of quality and meaning. Emphasis is given to thorough investigation of each project to develop clarity of concept and to transform physical and economic constraints into beautiful environments.

Find out more about Hotbox Studios' Hampshire Web Design Services.

For more about Pip Horne Studio please visit the website www.piphornestudio.com.

13 Apr 12

The Swedish Ship Gotheborg PAAM Event Software

We're excited to announce that The Swedish Sailing Ship Götheborg is now using Hotbox Studios' PAAM Event Management Software!

The Swedish Sailing Ship Götheborg offers the experience of a lifetime - you can apply to join the ship's crew as a deckhand and sail off into the sunset! It's not an easy ride - you'll often be needed to work under extreme conditions, with aching limbs, blisters on your hands and with little sleep. Although the reward at the end of the day is second to none; whilst your friends and colleagues from home are ending their days at the same old bar or plonked on the sofa; you're lying in the rigging watching the sunset as you sail off towards the horizon!

For each leg The Swedish Sailing Ship Götheborg also recruits a photographer, blogger and videographer. You can join the crew in one of these positions for free on the condition that your time on-board is dedicated to documenting the trip.

Using PAAM, The Swedish Sailing Ship Götheborg has streamlined its recruitment and management process with:

• Variable pricing for different dates and roles
• Pre-sailing role and watch management
• Fast one-click applicant database searches
• Online recruitment and management of land based events
• Online management and recruitment of sailing legs
• Consolidated messaging
• Online payment handling via DIBS
• Easy uploading of event information

Plus all of the additional functionality PAAM provides as standard!

For more about PAAM please visit www.paamapplication.co.uk.

11 Apr 12

Air and Sea Association (ASA Network) Web Design

Hotbox Studios has been working closely with the Air and Sea Association (ASA Network); updating the ASA Network's website for the coming year!

We’ve updated the ASA Network’s website including their homepage, booking system for the 2012 ASA Network Conference in Saigon, Vietnam. We’ve also updated their contact page with further information about their committee members.

The ASA Network is a strong worldwide network of independent freight forwarders and customs clearance brokers working closely together to provide first class services.

Find out more about Hotbox Studios' Hampshire based Web Design Services.

For more about the Air and Sea Association please visit www.asanetwork.org.

04 Apr 12

BCoT Business College Web Design

Hotbox Studios has just launched the new BCoT for Business website!

The design and branding of the BCoT Business website has been given a full overhaul; bringing the website up to date for 2012.

The new website has a responsive design which means the website works well for all users irrespective of their screen size and browser technology.

The BCoT Business website has also been designed to be mobile device friendly, so works well for those viewing on tablets and smartphones.

The new BCoT Business website uses Twitter Bootstrap for layout, has goal driven pages, uses web fonts for headings and incorporates custom course categorisation!

For more about the new BCoT Business website please visit www.bcot.ac.uk/business/

Find out more about Hotbox Studios Web Design Hampshire.

30 Mar 12

John James Newman Web Design

Hotbox Studios has been working closely with the singer songwriter John James Newman and has just launched John's new website!

We've worked with John James Newman to create a website that is simple yet content rich and allows John to quickly and easily add updates to his website such as new albums, gig dates and blog posts.

The new John James Newman website includes:

• Linking with iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby allowing purchase of John James Newman albums
• Social Networking Feed Integration (Twitter)
• Social Networking Integration (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and MySpace)
• Gig and tour dates that can be quickly and easily updated
• Music Photo Albums that can again be quickly and easily updated
• A Blog allowing John to let his fans know what he is up to!

If you'd like to find out more about John James Newman please head over to www.johnjamesnewman.co.uk!

Find out more about Hotbox Studios Web Design Hampshire.

24 Mar 12

Clearwater Therapies Web Design

Hotbox Studios has been working closely with Clearwater Therapies on its web design and social networking, recent updates include:

• The creation and design of Clearwater Therapies Facebook and Twitter pages
• Integration of the social connections to the Clearwater Therapies website
• Integration of the growing Clearwater Therapies newsletter into the website
• Minor tweaks and web design updates across the website

Sarah Morgan-Giles has been involved in the fitness industry for 20 years, originally training to teach Exercise to Music, Step Aerobics and Circuits. Sarah gained qualifications in all aspects of Water Aerobics in 1993 and in 2002 trained under Michael King at the Pilates Institute in London, UK.

Aware of the changing needs of her clients, in 2003, Sarah studied Sports and Therapeutic Massage, and in addition, Postural and Gait Analysis. In 2008 Sarah then studied and gained qualifications in Craniosacral Therapy with the Institute of Craniosacral Studies.

Sarah is a registered Member of the Craniosacral Therapy Association, committed to on-going training and personal development. Sarah is also a member of Fitness Professionals, fully insured with Balens and holds a current First Aid qualification.

Find out more about Hotbox Studios' Small Business Web Design Hampshire.

For more about Clearwater Therapies please visit the Hotbox Studios web design portfolio and www.clearwatertherapies.co.uk.

22 Mar 12

Hotbox Studios Web Design and Animation Newsletter

We've just sent out the March 2012 Hotbox Studios Web Design and Animation Newsletter!

The newsletter gives an overview of what we've been up to since the last newsletter, including:

• The new version our PAAM Events Management Software.
• Our new studio and forthcoming move!
• How our sister company Hotbox Events is getting on.
• The Dust Animated Film Mark Hatchard produced with Shirazeh Houshiary in 2011.
• A selection of the web design projects we've worked on.
• An example of our Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) development.
• Some information about our charity projects.
• The release of Dido and Aeneas on DVD and Blu-ray by The Royal Opera House.

If you missed the Hotbox Studios March 2012 Newsletter you can read the online version here.

If you'd like to subscribe to the Hotbox Studios Newsletter please click here.

19 Mar 12

Hotbox Events Web Design and SEO

Hotbox Studios has been working closely with its sister company Hotbox Events; updating the Hotbox Events website for the 2012 festival and event season!

We've been working with the Hotbox Events website to restructure the website's navigation - making it simple for volunteer festival stewards, event staff and festival clients to find what they are looking for on the Hotbox Events website!

We've updated many of the pages across the Hotbox Events website, updated the website's navigation, social networking and added new pages which separate the festival staff and volunteer information form the festival and event client information.

Additionally we've been working to further improve the already impressive Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) results of the Hotbox Events website. We've been amending copy, code and META on all existing pages and have added new and tweaked existing landing pages including:

• Festival Stewards and Festival Volunteers
• Event Staff and Festival Staff
• Festival Jobs and Festival Work
• Latitude Festival Jobs and Volunteering
• Reading Festival Jobs and Volunteering
• Leeds Festival Jobs and Volunteering

Try searching on Google for a few of keywords we've been targeting for Hotbox Events and see how we've been getting on! Hotbox Events' keywords and terms include:

• Festival Volunteering
• Festival Volunteers
• Festival Stewarding
• Festival Stewards
• Latitude Festival Jobs
• Reading Festival Jobs
• Leeds Festival Jobs
• Latitude Festival Work
• Reading Festival Work
• Leeds Festival Work
• Hotbox

Find out more about Hotbox Studios' Hampshire based Web Design Services.

For more about Hotbox Events please visit www.hotboxevents.com.

29 Feb 12

Royalty Free Photos for 3D Animation and Web Design

When working on 3D Animation Projects and Web Design we're always on the lookout for great textures, images and photos. Usually we either create these ourselves or more often pay for them via one of the many websites that sell textures, illustrations and photos.

Whilst working on a new 3D Animation Project we were looking for textures and came across one of the best resources we've ever seen and what's more - it's free!

The CG Textures website was created by Marcel Vijfwinkel. Marcel is a 3D artist so knows the importance of good quality reference material. There is far more on the website than you might expect including categories for Animals, Bones, Brick, Buildings, Cambodia, Concrete, Decals, Doors, Fabric, Fire, Food, Ground, Grunge, Ink, Landscapes, Manmade, Marble, Metal, Nature, Ornaments, Paper, Plaster, Plastic, Roads, Rock, Roofing, Rust, Scrap, Signs, Skies 360, Skies Partial, Soil, Splatter, Tiles, Various, Water, Windows, Wood, Wrinkles and even X-Rays!

If you're looking for high quality royalty free textures and photos for 3D Animation and Web Design have a browse of the CG Textures website as it may well have what you are looking for!

You can find the CG Textures website here: www.cgtextures.com.

21 Feb 12

Blade Server for 3D Animation Projects

Hotbox Studios has just installed a new Dell Blade Server which will help dramatically increase the speed of our 3D Animation production!

The new Blade Server has been installed to provide the extra power required for the caching and rendering of 3D animation projects. The Blade Server will be the hardware powering Hotbox Studios' new Render Farm - meaning that we'll be able to produce tests and final compositions of 3D animation projects far faster!

Our 3D animation is created using a variety of software including:

• Autodesk Maya 3D Animation, Visual Effects and Compositing Software
• Mental Images Mental Ray Photorealistic Rendering Software
• Adobe After Effects Animation, Editing and Compositing Software
• Adobe Photoshop Image Editing and Manipulation Software

The new Blade Server and Render Farm will be primarily focused around increasing the speed our Mental Ray rendering solution.

Find out more about Hotbox Studios’ Hampshire based 3D Animation Projects.

08 Feb 12

Seed Staff using PAAM Event Management Software

The festival and event company Seed Staff is now using Hotbox Studios' PAAM Event Management Software!

Part of Student Seed Ltd - which is the company behind a range of events including the award winning 20,000 capacity music festival Beach Break Live - Seed Staff recruits and manages festival and event staff across the UK including tour managers, sound engineers, production managers, info point and merchandise staff, bar staff, production staff, wristbanders, campsite crew, bar staff, decoration teams, programme sellers, venue managers, stewards and stage managers.

With a unique approach Seed Staff combines event experts and university students studying relevant degree courses. Seed Staff then follows this up with support including extensive training and development.

Using PAAM Seed Staff has streamlined its event recruitment and management process with:

• Fast one-click event staff database searches
• Consolidated messaging
• Online recruitment and deposit handling
• Staff performance tracking
• Easy uploading of event information
• Pre-event grouping of staff roles

Plus much much more!

For more about PAAM please visit www.paamapplication.co.uk.

03 Feb 12

DC Site Services Web Design and SEO

Hotbox Studios has been working closely with DC Site Services; updating the DCSS website design for the 2012 festival and event season!

We've been working with DCSS to restructure their main navigation - making it simple for both festival and event staff and clients to find what they are looking for on the website. We've updated the website's sub navigation, social networking and added new client facing pages including a webpage talking about DCSS and the company's festival and event history, a webpage discussing the company's festival and event services and a third webpage listing DCSS' impressive festival and event clients!

Additional to the above we've been working to further improve DCSS' already impressive Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) results. We've been amending copy, code, META on all existing pages and adding landing pages including:

• Festival Stewarding Solutions, Event Crews and Staff
• Event Traffic Management, Festival Car Parking Staff
• Festival Security Staff, Event SIA Security Staff
• Event Litter, Festival Cleaning and Waste Management
• Festival Recycling Management Services and Staff
• Work and Jobs at Festivals and Events

Try popping a few of their key terms into Google and see how we've been getting on! DCSS' key terms include:

• Stewarding
• Festival Stewarding
• Event Stewarding
• Event Stewards
• Event Litter
• Festival Waste Management

Find out more about Hotbox Studios' Hampshire based Web Design Services.

For more about DCSS please visit www.dcsiteservices.com.

26 Jan 12

Air and Sea Association (ASA Network) Web Design

Hotbox Studios has been working closely with the ASA Network (Air and Sea Association); updating their website for the coming year!

We've been updating the website's design including the addition of new photos form the ASA Network's annual conference. We've added an industry links page and updated numerous sections within the website.

The ASA Network is a strong worldwide network of independent freight forwarders and customs clearance brokers working closely together to provide first class services.

Find out more about Hotbox Studios' Hampshire based Web Design Services.

For more about the Air and Sea Association please visit www.asanetwork.org.

25 Jan 12