Reader Contest: Design a Zen Habits T-shirt or Mug
For awhile now, readers have been asking me to put out a Zen Habits T-shirt. I think it’s a neat idea, but I’m hesitant to push products on you guys, so I have resisted actually doing this for months.
However, I’ve finally decided that if readers want to buy it, they can — I’m not going to push it on anyone, but make it available.
So what will the design look like, you ask? And my simple answer: you tell me.
I’ve decided that rather than design a T-shirt (and coffee mug) myself, and have it look horrible, I’m going to put the more aesthetically talented among you to a challenge with a reader contest.
So here’s how it works:
1. Design a logo/image or words to put on a Zen Habits T-shirt and/or coffee mug, and send in the image.
2. Submissions are due in a week (February 4, 2008). You can submit by emailing the image to zenhabits at gmail. I prefer it in jpg or gif format, no larger than 100K (for now — I may ask for a larger size if you win).
3. The submissions will be judged by a panel of experts (my wife and kids), who will select the finalists.
4. The finalists will be voted on by you, the readers.
5. The winners will receive prizes, in the form of Amazon gift certificates. I haven’t decided on the prizes yet, but I think first prize will be a $200 gift certificate, second prize will be $100, and third $50 … this could change if I add more winners, but it should be something like that. Also, you’ll win fame and glory beyond your wildest dreams. OK, maybe not that much, but you will be recognized by our readers at least.
6. The winning images will belong to me, so by submitting your images/ideas, you are signing them over to me. I will be putting them on a T-shirt and/or coffee mug, so you forfeit your rights to that stuff. If you’re not cool with that, please don’t send me your submission.
What kind of images or words am I looking for? Let your imagination run wild? The words “Zen Habits” don’t have to be included (although you can if you like), but you should think about the kinds of things we write about and talk about here on the blog, and use that as your guide. Things like happiness, simplicity, productivity … quotes I’ve provided and tips in the posts are fair game. Images in my posts are not fair game, as I don’t hold the copyright.
So let’s see what you’ve got, O Creative Readers! I know you’ll knock my socks off. :)
- Posted on 28 January 2008 in Aboutzenhabits |
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Comments (83)
David Vriezen Says:
January 28th, 2008, 1:21 am
Are we allowed only one entry apiece? Or can we submit multiple versions of a piece i.e color schemes, etc or even multiple designs?
Kit Langton Says:
January 28th, 2008, 1:57 am
Howdy Mr. Babuta,
I am not sure exactly how you wanted us to send you our submissions, so I will just put it here:
http://gallery.mac.com/kit.langton#100037
Finally, a good use for the .mac webgallery.
The first three are my actual submission and the last one is just for fun :-D
Anyway, if you like them I can send you some higher resolution pics. I accidentally made them too small, but I have all the vectors somewhere…
Cheers!
Al at 7P Says:
January 28th, 2008, 3:01 am
@Kit Langton - I agree with pavs… it embraces the zen minimalist theme.
Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:
January 28th, 2008, 3:18 am
Sounds exciting! Can’t wait to send mine in…
Victor V. Says:
January 28th, 2008, 6:44 am
I’d love to see a monochromatic vector one, those silhouettes are amazing.
Gasón Says:
January 28th, 2008, 8:57 am
I´ll make something =)
Same as David Vriezen.. ¿Only one entry allowed?
Preddie Partap Says:
January 28th, 2008, 10:24 am
this sounds like fun, going to get cracking on my submission.
Jason Says:
January 28th, 2008, 11:06 am
Hey - I frequent this site and wanted to share my company with you (it’s very appropriate for this post)
We’re an eco-friendly company that prints primarily with water-based inks (We have a ink that can print bright colors on darks, too; it’s very soft)
Shoot me an e-mail for a price list and catalog, I can help with any questions you have about getting shirts printed. We print on organic cotton, bamboo, etc - The company name is Casualtee (linked to this comment)
Luke Says:
January 28th, 2008, 11:28 am
Do you have a specific logo or slogan you like to be included? I think that would be a good idea. It’s your site after all and you know what the key theme or slogan should be.
It has to tie in with the blog. That’s my main concern.
Kathleen Trisdale Says:
January 28th, 2008, 11:33 am
My religions teacher has a sweatshirt that says, “That was Zen, this is Tao.” Don’t know if that would cause legal problems but maybe it’ll get someone’s brain going.
Kit Langton Says:
January 28th, 2008, 12:17 pm
‘Tis I again, now with much higher resolution versions of my previous submission and some more color schemes:
http://gallery.mac.com/kit.langton#100045&bgcolor=dkgrey&view=grid
What do you think, fellow zenhabitants?
Cheers!
Trixi Says:
January 28th, 2008, 12:45 pm
I am unable at this time to create a full submission for consideration, but would like to put an idea out there ~ one that I would design & submit if time& energy allowed this week (which regrettably it does not) in case someone else would like to take it & run with it.
The well known meditation teacher Larry Rosenberg, in his book “Breath by Breath” describes this process of relating the spiritual path of meditation to the path of the daily living of our lives in a very effective, step by step, way. He lays it out like this:
1. When possible, do just one thing at a time.
2. Pay full attention to what you are doing.
3. When the mind wanders from what you are doing, bring it back.
4. Repeat step number three several billion times.
5. Investigate your distractions.
(page 168-170)
I would love to have a mug with this on it ~ perhaps a condensed/edited version, something along the lines of:
1. Unitask
(or, Focus on just one task ~ just this task, just now)
2. Be mindful to the task at hand
3. When the mind wanders, bring it back (gently!)
4. Repeat step three several billion times
(or, repeat step three ad infinitum
(or, repeat step three until your task is completed
(4.a.. after one billion times repeating step 3, perhaps it is time to switch tasks! lol)
Step 5 could be left off, or even more fun, printed on the insisde bottom of the cup ~ as a gentle reminder that we do need to investigate those distractions, not merely push past or ignore them!
Anyway ~ you get the idea.
(and of course zenhabits.net could be printed on the reverse side of the mug too . . . or on the bottom, wherever you deem appropriate)
@Leo ~ I’d love to see whatever you come up with perhaps also incorporated onto a travel mug or water bottle (e.g., like this kind at Marla Cilley’s site (a/k/a FlyLady) http://flylady.net/pages/FlyShop_bottles.asp) Not that I think you want to spend too much time & effort on developing and marketing such items, but if you’re already going the T-shirt and coffee mug route anyway . . .)
Benjamin D. Bloom Says:
January 28th, 2008, 13:00 pm
To be honest, I kinda like the simplicity of the logo at the top of your site.
Eric Says:
January 28th, 2008, 13:10 pm
Mine’s posted here, hope you like it :)
http://erickarns.com/photos/ZenHabits_Tshirt.jpg
Kit Langton Says:
January 28th, 2008, 13:24 pm
@Eric — That is a really nice design. Good idea putting it on a shirt :-)
Trixi Says:
January 28th, 2008, 14:42 pm
@Eric ~ how about moving the ZenHabits.net part instead to a sleeve, in the same darker blue color as the design?
@Kit ~ regret I cannot access your site, both my safari and firefox browers are older versions than your site supports.
(Yes, I know I need to upgrade! ;-) )
brandy Says:
January 28th, 2008, 14:56 pm
i hope that people designing these do something zen-related, and not something with zenhabits.net on the shirt… sure, i’d love to support your site *and* get something for it, but you can bet i don’t want to be a walking advertisement.
also, please, no cafepress (or anything similar)! the shirt & printing quality is abysmal.
“I may ask for a larger size if you win.”
please do!
John Says:
January 28th, 2008, 15:39 pm
brandy.. you’re pretty demanding for a visitor of a free website.
Kit Langton Says:
January 28th, 2008, 15:53 pm
Oh crud, I am a moron, I didn’t even see the email address… I was scanning the post for some blue linkage… anyway, I will send you the stuff there.
Dumitru Says:
January 28th, 2008, 16:14 pm
Sent, *crossing fingers*.
Dave J. Says:
January 28th, 2008, 16:29 pm
Wow Leo - you are REALLY selling out, man…
Charlie Says:
January 28th, 2008, 16:40 pm
That’s awesome. Cool idea, Leo; quite the innovator lately! I’ll work on something in photoshop tonight and get back to you soon. Cheers,
Charlie
Http://ich4z.blogspot.com
‘Chaz’s Notes’
Personal Development for the Modern Age
pistolette Says:
January 28th, 2008, 16:59 pm
I disagree with “Brandy”. I’d be happy to wear something promoting zenhabits.net - it’s worth it! I don’t advertise corporations, but I do advertise ideas. Keep up the awesome work Leo!
justin Says:
January 28th, 2008, 17:25 pm
I’m not usually one to sow division, but I think Dave J. is really out of line here.
I’d happily buy a Zen Habits t-shirt (Eric’s design is my favorite), and that’s coming from an *actual Zen Buddhist* who tends to get irked at any and all things “Zen” that don’t relate to Zen.
dettlej Says:
January 28th, 2008, 17:33 pm
I wanted to incorporate the Zen circle in the graphic. A basic ‘there is a beginning and there is an end’ is what I take from it. As I have taken from your site, simplicity, creativity, and happiness are most important.
http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h1/dettlej/?action=view¤t=zen_habbits.jpg
Ron Sissons Says:
January 28th, 2008, 17:41 pm
I would like to see the ZenHabits logo from the website on a shirt or mug.
Ron Sissons Says:
January 28th, 2008, 17:49 pm
Here are some samples I will submit. They are just different examples of the same design.
http://www.thesissons.com/img/ZenHabits_Sepia.jpg
dancingcrane Says:
January 28th, 2008, 20:47 pm
I too would love a t-shirt that looks just like your banner above. I also love dettlej’s, both circle and text-font are beautiful.
I also have no problem wearing “zenhabits.net” on the shirt, would be happy to promote you. Maybe you could chose two designs - one that incorporates your website, one that doesn’t. People can choose.
Deepmonk Says:
January 28th, 2008, 21:32 pm
Mine is here: http://blog.beara.ie/?p=311
Strong birds cry when they see the way home at last is won.
Little Rock Web Design Says:
January 28th, 2008, 22:44 pm
Mine is here:
http://www.jordanlittle.com/stuff/whitemug.jpg
I’m guessing it won’t win, but it truly does match the spirit of minimalism! :)
Ron Sissons Says:
January 29th, 2008, 0:10 am
Here is mine, I submitted them already.
I like the others here too.
http://www.thesissons.com/img/ZenHabits_Sepia.jpg
http://www.thesissons.com/img/ZenHabits_CoffeeStain.jpg
http://www.thesissons.com/img/ZenHabits_FuzzyBorder.jpg
And there’s just plain white.
Good luck To All (including me) :-)
Kristy Says:
January 29th, 2008, 0:55 am
Wow! I love the entries submitted here so far! (even Little Rock, that’s great!) I emailed one, but my number one suggestion was in agreement with those who love the banner as it is!
My take on the ‘advertisement’ per se; Zenhabits is Leo’s business now, and promoting a business through advertising is beneficial for growth and survival. It is especially productive when the word is delivered via fans. Ads on t-shirts and coffee mugs are not great money makers in and of themselves, but they are excellent conversation starters and serve as a reminder to share the good news with others. I believe a coffee mug on my desk would also remind me to remember what I’ve learned here. I like the idea myself.
Candice Says:
January 29th, 2008, 2:20 am
Hi Leo,
Mine has been submitted. It would be great if we could have a look at all the designs, I hope you’ll consider this ;)
Tom Gallinipper Says:
January 29th, 2008, 2:48 am
Please no! A ZenHabits T-shirt seems very un-Zen to me. What will you offer for sale next: a Leo Babauta action figure? What else? A ZenHabits line of kitchen utensils? How about ZenHabits running shoes? When you think about it, there are 1,000s of ways to monetize the ZenHabits brand. But I am reminded of two lines from Shakespeare: “How with this rage shall beauty hold a plea, whose action is no stronger than a flower?” Am I wrong?
Kit Langton Says:
January 29th, 2008, 3:09 am
Man, why all the hate around here? If putting t-shirts up on the web is selling out, then practically every band, artist, small business, and (especially) t-shirt company have sold out.
Mr. Babauta isn’t forcing you to buy anything. I, personally, would be interested in purchasing a coffee mug in support of this site. If you would prefer some other type of mug, go for it.
Additionally, if selling t-shirts is un-Zen-esque, then how do you explain this: http://www.cafepress.com/dogs_of_war.107151482 ?
tara Says:
January 29th, 2008, 5:38 am
Hey Mr. Zenhabits ;-)
I would love to particapate & design for you;
your deadline, however is very very tight.
Is it possible for you to give us one more week?
love, laughter & lightness tara
brandy Says:
January 29th, 2008, 13:15 pm
@john, and others:
sorry if i seemed a little aggressive last time. obviously, these are only suggestions, not demands!
however, while access to this website is free, it is a source of revenue. if products are going to be offered to customers, why shouldn’t they be of reasonable quality? in short: sell something good, or don’t sell anything at all.
that said, i know that including your web address doesn’t have anything to do with the quality of the shirt, but (imo) it should be done subtly (if at all). i like shirts that look nice, and web addresses tend to make things look a bit hokey. that’s all i meant, really! :)
michael Says:
January 29th, 2008, 22:53 pm
i’m a little confused.
by submitting, you are handing your rights of the image/idea over to leo, they “belong to” him, and as he says, you will be forfeiting your rights to it. but isn’t this entire site is public domain? shouldn’t submitting your idea result in something more along the lines of releasing your shirt idea into public domain?
i can redistribute leo’s ebook and site content at will, but i can’t produce or market my own zenhabits shirt idea?
this seems a bit incongruent, doesn’t it?
Tanner Christensen Says:
January 30th, 2008, 1:51 am
Brilliant, Little Rock.
I submitted my design to you Leo, hopefully you - and fellow Zen Habits readers - like it.
Eric Says:
January 30th, 2008, 14:10 pm
Here’s another idea for a tshirt, which would translate well onto a mug also…
http://erickarns.com/photos/ZenHabits_Tshirt2.jpg
(I will submit via email as well…)
Noah Says:
January 30th, 2008, 19:59 pm
Some discussion re: why to have a shirt
I always like to start with “what is my end goal here” when looking to apply a new idea. (start with the end in mind, insert your buzzwords here).
The best that I see is that there are 3 points to having a shirt and mug
1) To have help Zenhabits financially, and help us as consumers feel we’ve paid for the value we get every day. The afformentioned blank cup would do just fine for this.
2)To have Zenhabits readers wear something they like for their own reasons, to remind them of the habits they’ve built
3) To spead the word and pique people’s interest.
Something like “Living the Good Life (Zenhabits.net)”
“Hey I like the good life..what’s zenhabits?”
I think the shirt should have elements of all of these parts. That it exists (1), that it’s inspiring (2) an that it piques interest (3).
That’s why I like the “Living the Good Life” theme, or something of that nature. Hope this gives some insight to someone who can draw better than I…
Andrew Brunelle Says:
January 30th, 2008, 20:14 pm
Well, I think this is a good move for you. I would absolutely love to buy a mug that says Zen Habits on it. It would be so totally Zen of me to do that. It is a wonderful thing to be able to draw on all of these people who read your blog. I wish my artistic skills could measure up, but I am no design major. Good luck.
RR Says:
January 30th, 2008, 23:56 pm
I mailed mine in
Kellye Parish Says:
January 31st, 2008, 15:29 pm
Cute design, Eric!
I would love a ZenHabits shirt. :)
Micheal B Says:
February 1st, 2008, 18:31 pm
I sent mine over email. Hope you guys enjoy it.
Daniel Says:
February 3rd, 2008, 6:25 am
ok guys here is my submittion and the explaniation text is still being added hope you enjoy.
feel free to add comments to the post of your thoughts and feed back is wellcome
Darren Says:
February 4th, 2008, 4:00 am
Hello Everyone!
Here’s what I came up with for the contest…
Trainee Trader Says:
February 4th, 2008, 8:07 am
I can’t wait to see the final submissions I am sure they will be great.
Micheal B Says:
February 4th, 2008, 14:52 pm
Ah, my comcast hosting isn’t doing so great, so here is a flickr link:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2222/2241822435_d83f3d3e84_o.jpg
Ken Says:
February 5th, 2008, 0:58 am
I hope I got my idea in on time
Christian Bach Says:
February 6th, 2008, 10:44 am
Hey.
Here is my submission to the contest. Inspired by the sand rings in zengardens. Hope you like it.
White background:
Black background:
Have a nice day!:-)
mlitty Says:
February 7th, 2008, 0:33 am
How’s the judging coming? I can’t wait to see the finalists. Some of the entires that have been posted to the web look pretty good.
Ken Says:
February 7th, 2008, 9:57 am
Hi all, I think I might be lost! I sent my entry to zenhabits@gmail.com. Is that right or left? If anyone could let me know, that would be great.
Thanks
Micheal B Says:
February 8th, 2008, 11:17 am
Any word on the progress of this contest?
Tanner Christensen Says:
February 8th, 2008, 19:38 pm
I think that’s the right address Ken.
Hopefully we’ll all hear something soon on this.
Ken Says:
February 8th, 2008, 19:42 pm
Right on Tanner, Thanks
mlitty Says:
February 10th, 2008, 2:43 am
What if we all post our submissions to flickr and tag them with “zenhabits” Then we could serch and see all of the submissions? Just make sure you preserve the copyright so that you can pass it along if you’re chosen as the winner. Does anyone see any problems with that that I may be overlooking?
mlitty Says:
February 10th, 2008, 20:25 pm
Looks like there’s a lot of zenhabits tagged stuff on flickr. How about we tag the logos for the contest as “zenhabitslogo” ?
That should narrow the search to bring up just the images for the contest.
Any takers?
mlitty Says:
February 12th, 2008, 0:04 am
I’ve seen two posts (including mine) to flickr.com Search “zenhabitslogo”
Make sure you change the default rights to reserve all rights so that they can be passed on in the event that yours is the chosen winner.
Leo Says:
February 12th, 2008, 4:39 am
Hi guys … sorry for the delay!
I’ve gotten so many submissions that I’m a bit overloaded at the moment. If you don’t mind being patient, I will go over them, have my panelists pick the top 10-15, and then come out with it within the next week.
I apologize for taking so long! Thanks for your patience my friends!
Anonymous Says:
February 21st, 2008, 1:09 am
How’s the judging coming along?
agonymouse Says:
February 21st, 2008, 21:18 pm
I hate to sound impatient, but it’s almost the end of the week, 9 days since the last word. Any progress?
Some dude Says:
February 23rd, 2008, 12:58 pm
Now I think I’m convinced that this simply isn’t going to happen.
RR Says:
February 23rd, 2008, 17:49 pm
A little patience would be good folks. Not trying to pick on anyone but lets try to remember that real life happens and often over rides, and should be IMO more important than, an on line contest. Perhaps you could use the time to meditate, take a walk, spend the time with people in your own real life that may be missing you or have a zen moment of your choosing. I’m looking forward to seeing how my own submission does but really I’m content to be patient and let it happen in it’s own time and if it doesn’t happen maybe that’s the way it should go. Sorry, just my 2¢ worth.
agonymouse Says:
February 24th, 2008, 14:27 pm
10 days without any contact? I’d say that’s asking for more than “a little patience”.
And if there’s been a life crisis that’s impeding the competition, a simple explanation would go a long way toward extending patience.
It’s not as if we’re asking for a final decision, just the top 10.
Frustration is only compounded by the lack of information/communication.
RR Says:
February 24th, 2008, 18:47 pm
Frustration is your own inability to calm yourself down. I’m just saying if it was me I’d stay beside a loved on that needed me before worrying about updating people about a online contest. People deserve more value than a competition, especially the people we care about. If you were the one in trouble wouldn’t you want someone to stand by you or would you rather they go figure out who is top 10 in some contest. Say what you like but but when the chips hit the fan I think you would want them to put your relationship higher than something so trivial. Take a deep breath and go do something productive. Then you wont notice the time going by.
agonymouse Says:
February 24th, 2008, 21:54 pm
I feel like I’m missing something. Is everyone else aware of something going on that I’m not? Perhaps I’ve missed something by not reading the rest of the site?
Indeed, if there were some pressing matter on the home front, that SHOULD take precedent over any online connections. And if that is the case, then my humblest apologies.
And, to be accurate, frustration is not an inability to calm oneself down. Frustration is a reaction to circumstances in which one is trapped in a situation in which reality falls short of expectations. It would be accurate to assert that, having no control over the reality, I would be better served by reassessing my expectations.
I’ll let go an move on. And, if indeed some misfortune has befallen our patron, then I wish him well.
Leo Says:
February 25th, 2008, 14:23 pm
Again, my apologies. I’ve been overwhelmed these last few weeks. It’s still near the top of my to-do list but I just haven’t been able to get to this. It will happen!
Another Voice Says:
February 27th, 2008, 1:15 am
Leo maybe you should practice what you preach on this site. So much for “Zen to Done” huh?
mlitty Says:
February 27th, 2008, 2:38 am
Maybe we should all practice more and preach less, and leave Leo to cope as best he can, just as we all do.
Some dude Says:
February 27th, 2008, 11:05 am
I don’t think him coping with anything was front page news - if so, then I missed it, so I can understand why people would think it’s simply very late.
So if someone else doesn’t understand the situation, I would think it would be better to inform them - rather than make them look like they are insensitive to any loss or problems Leo may have.
Janet Says:
March 1st, 2008, 20:28 pm
Is this where we are supposed to vote? …I got the email and the link leads here.
Congratulations to the finalists… there are all excellent ideas. However, I cast my vote for Logo #3.
Look forward to reading the results!
Jodi Says:
March 3rd, 2008, 14:05 pm
#4 all the way!
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