Yep, this page is all about me
Very Cool, Calm, Creative Caribbean Brethren
Its the only place where I make it all about me.
I’ve spent over 15 years solving creative problems for some of the largest brands and advertising agencies in the world. I entered advertising back in early 2007 in the production studio at McgarryBowen NY. Back then knowing Quark Express got you in the door and being nice with an x-Acto knife meant you knew how to make things. Pushing pixels was my thing and I was and still am pretty good at it. I eventually impressed enough creatives and senior executives that Warren Ekins made me an Art Director working under him on Verizon Wireless. I was also able to work on Burger King, Reebok and Disney wile at McGarryBowen.
Later my mentor Vann Graves propped the door open for me at McCann. I was able to join his team and successfully lead campaigns for American Airlines, Army, Nikon and Cigna Health. As my creative pursuits expanded I transitioned to freelance where I would have broader exposure to a variety of brands and agencies. I was then able to work on Jameson, Vanguard, Allstate, JBL, Lili, Bristol Myers Squibb, Centrum, Earth’s Best and recently COVID-19.
A few things you should know about me is, I am a trained Graphic Designer with a strong background in production and passion for brand identity, print, digital, 360 design, and traditional television advertising. I am also driven by projects that help people. Through some of my most recent work I was able to make the most impact in people’s lives. This is where I would like to focus the rest of my career.
Lastly and a very important part of who I am and what drives me is my family. I am partner to an awesome creative woman and father to our 2 equally talented boys. I am Caribbean at heat. Born, bread in Guyana South America. I have a love for my Soca music and good curry with Dhal Puri. I am also a Veteran who served honorably as an electrician for 4 years in the US Navy.
That’s me in 4 paragraphs.
Let's talk sometime.
Kind Words from some kind folks
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Executive Director, VCU Brandcenter, Vann was Calvin’s mentor
“Calvin is an amazing creative. Smart, thoughtful and strategic. Any team would be well served to have him.”
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Executive Creative Director at McCann
“It was my great pleasure to have Calvin on my team for a couple of years, primarily on the Cigna and Nikon accounts. He could be counted on to bring impeccable taste and great creative instincts to every assignment. A true professional, he would commit himself fully to each new brief, always bringing the same high level of care and craft to the task at hand. I also remember Calvin as person of great personal integrity. He cared about his partner, and he cared about the success of the group. I would not hesitate for even a second in recommending him wholeheartedly to any Creative Director.”
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Creative Director
“It’s tricky writing just one isolated recommendation of Calvin, as I’ve had the good personal fortune and professional luck to have worked with him in several capacities over the past nearly 9 years.
It is then with some expertise, that I say, Calvin Lyte is the real deal.
If you’re ever in the market for an accomplished and thoughtful designer, conceptually razor sharp art director and all around calm, collected and snappily dressed gentleman, then you can call off the search. You’re done.
Calvin’s all those things and many more besides. It’s been a rare pleasure working with him, on and off across several different companies and as independent colleagues. It’s also reassuring to see in him evidence that talent and success can still be paired with humility and a desire to always improve.
I’d recommend him without a seconds pause and suspect if you have the chance to work with him, you will too.”
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Owner, Waren Eakins Inc
“I worked with Calvin when I was ECD at Mcgarry Bowen. Calvin is a sharp designer, hard worker and all around good guy.”
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Group Creative Director at 360i
“Calvin rocks! He’s one of those designers who can take on a project and run with it solo as well as collaborate when needed. Calm, thoughtful and dependable, he can always be counted on to bring whatever he’s working on to the next level. Would love to have a Calvin at every job I have!”
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Integrated Creative Director-Writer
“I had the pleasure of working with Calvin on Verizon at mcgarrybowen. Calvin is one of those people you can always count on to be one of the first ones in and the last ones out. His tireless effort was only matched by his great attitude, and keen eye for design. Truly a pleasure to work with.”
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Coca-Cola and PayPal Marketer | Entrepreneur | Storyteller
“It was an absolute please to work with Calvin at mcgarrybowen. Calvin and I worked on some tough accounts and crazy pitches together. No matter how hard or what was required, Calvin was always there with an incredible work ethic, a good artistic eye and a great attitude. I sincerely hope we can work together again.”
Awards
2015 Jury
NY Festivals
W3 Silver
2x Shortlist
W3 Gold