16 November 2012

what's in a name?




I've been thinking about names a lot lately. (And the photo above is kind of out of place with this post but I hate posting without pictures and its kind of a nifty saying, isn't it?)

When I got home from IQF Houston, I felt an overwhelming sense of clarity. Mostly that a lot of things I've been thinking about changing for the past year need. to. happen.

One of the things that has been kicking around in my head is the name of my business - Fibra Artysta. I thought we'd talk about it because I think as artists we don't talk about business things often enough. If the idea bores you, I'll post art stuff in a day or two. :)

Its constantly misspelled (can't say I'm surprised), frequently mispronounced and really, is it descriptive at all? I've had this nagging worry that people are associating it with the Fashonista trend. And recently I noticed that someone else is using a name that is nearly identical and when I saw that, I knew it was the Universe knocking me over the head and saying "Do it already!!"

So I am.

And for the record? "Fibra Artysta" means Fiber Artist in Polish. When I was first starting out I was an addicted mixed media girl. I still kind of am but my focus has finally settled on printing fabric and hand stitching so the name just doesn't excite me anymore.

After many really bad ideas for a new company name were scrawled in my notebook, I finally settled on one: Smudged Textiles Studio.

Its a little goofy, a little serious, quite friendly and it reflects my focus. I'm a little bit in love with it. :)

I read a lot about from the experts about what to name your business. The overwhelming verdict was to use your name - meaning I should use Lynn Krawczyk. And I thought about it, I really did. But there is a faint idea creeping around the edge of my mind about creating a collective of surface design artists at some point. I don't know what that will mean, how it will be executed or when it will happen but if the idea is there, I'll listen. That meant choosing a more general name that could include several people so that's why I picked Smudged Textiles Studio.

So now the hard work begins. I've resisted the idea of re-branding my business for a long time because wow, its going to be a big pain in my behind. To take the sting out of it, I've decided to hire Holly Knott to design a big girl website for me. I think I hold my own well enough fumbling through websites but I'd like one that is well designed and has things that require code and graphic design and well. That's more then I can do. Add to it the fact that it takes an extraordinary amount of time (do you have any idea how much fabric I can print in the time it takes to build a website??) and it was kind of a no brainer.

The process will take a while. I'm hoping to be completed by late spring next year. It will mean asking you to follow me to wherever I move (not sure yet if the blog will be relocated, decisions decisions) and that makes me a little nervous because I love you all. But I think you'll like the new digs when they're done.

So a new name. Such a small thing to open up the doorway to new beginnings. :)

21 comments:

Jo Vandermey said...

If this has been something that has been nudging you for awhile then it is time to act on it.
All things change over time. The new name may lead to a wider market and less confusion with the name.
People will follow you when you make the leap!

Robbie said...

It's a unique name! Go for it!

Anonymous said...

Go, Lynn! I'm exited for you! It will be amazing. :D

Anonymous said...

Everything she said! ^

Ineke said...

I will continue following you.
http://ineke-rens.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Congratulations!

Lisa Chin said...

This sounds like a wonderful idea with a lot of work! I really like the new name. I look forward to seeing the big girl website and all that you have planned for yourself! Best Wishes!

Kathy said...

Ideas come to fruition in their own time. Sounds like the time for this one has certainly come! Congrats!

mary said...

love the new name!

Mia Bloom Designs said...

Love the new name! I'm excited for you! I just started following your blog and will continue whatever your name and location (blog or website). Bravo!

Jeannie said...

I love the name!!! I liked Fibra Artysta and thought it was Polish. It spoke joyful creating to me. Smudge Textile Studio says fun and that is how I view you.:) I have seen transformations done by Holly and you have made a wise choice. I am so excited for you!

Leann said...

I love the new name!!

Anonymous said...

Yes, major step Lynn, congratulations! Your new name will take some getting used to by all of us, but I like it!

Luna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

sounds great and very exciting, it's a big year for change

Lynda said...

Lynn, I remember when I first started following you and how your blog had a name similar to another.

Even though it's a hassel to change, I think your new name is awesome and your future idea of it.

I've toyed with the idea myself since I do more creating than the other two things listed in my blog name.

Looking forward to seeing what you do in the future.

Lynda

KAM said...

I love your new name! I follow your blog because it is you, not because of the name; this does not mean that I lack understanding of the importance of a name in marketing, I do. But, and this is big for me, listening to what is speaking to you in you, well that is just where all good stuff happens.
Good on you for listening and making the steps to fully make the change with a splash and with great, wonderful web beauty.
I will follow!
Kristin

Unknown said...

I think it is a good idea. I am almost finished with having someone create a website for me. Let me tell you, it turned out to be a lot more time consuming that I had expected as I was involved in all the decisions making, but it will be worth it when I done. Enjoy. Have fun with it. And don't over think all parts.

Unknown said...

That last comment was from gjeneve@gmail.com

SuzanneG in NC said...

I like the new name and look forward to the changes you plan. Yes, I think using the word "textile" says you are a serious artist and "smudged" carries a sense of play. The reasons you mention for choosing "studio" are of most interest to me; I am excited to follow along on your journey.

Sea Air Arts - Deb H said...

i'm a glutton for punishment, I'll follow you anywhere ;o)

Just meaning that some of the things you say act like wake-up calls for me, exciting and painful at the same time, as most wake-up calls are.
Good luck with the transition!