A new look!

I have recently updated my logo, and have just finished changing all my avatars over. It seems that graphic designers like to tinker with their logos, so I'll give you a bit of background as to why I have changed it.

Firstly, although my business name was originally rose among thorns, it seemed every time I signed up to something online, that was already taken. When I first opened my felt shop, I discovered it was too long for their 12 character limit, so racked my brains trying to think of a way of shortening it. Eventually I came up with roseinthorns, and my felt shop was born. So everytime I signed up for something and roseamongthorns wasn't available, I used roseinthorns instead. Then one day someone suggested I change the name to Rose in Thorns. I mulled over this for quite some time, and when I moved to full-time self-employment, thought it would be a good time to make the change.

Secondly, I had got a few comments that my logo looked more like a tulip than a rose. I was quite convinced it looked more like a rose, but eventually felt it might be best to have a logo that didn't resemble a tulip to anyone. I am quite pleased with how it turned out, and even though I really liked the old one beforehand, I like the new one much better now.

If you are in the market for a new logo, or perhaps another graphic design project, do get in touch, and we can discuss your requirements. I am planning on making a website to go with my new logo, which will have some examples of what I can do for you. In the meantime, enquiries are welcome.

Taking the plunge

After the events of the last few weeks, I think it's time to bring out some cliches and metaphors. I know how much everyone loves them! Anyone who knows me well, will know that the mere thought of jumping into water fills me with a little fear. Which I think makes the title of this post an apt metaphor for my story today.

After being made redundant a few weeks ago, I have kept thinking how this could be the perfect opportunity to work for myself. I often think how if I had more time, I can do more of the things I've been wanting to do for my craft business. However it seemed that the sensible thing to do was apply for a new job, so I did that a couple of times, but my heart wasn't really in it. So I began to think of ways to make self employment work. I could do freelance graphic design work as well as the crafts, and maybe take on temp work while I built something up.

I'd been given the opportunity to meet with a lifecoach, which I took, because I needed someone to give me that final push. You could sum up the whole entire session with two words – 'do it!' She said the best thing to do was to focus all my energy towards it, as that was the best way to get the momentum going, and not worry about applying for jobs or doing temp work. So this week I have begun thinking of myself as self-employed, and looking for opportunities to make it happen. It's a bit scary to not have the security of a salary – though that had already gone, so probably not something to worry about too much. It's also really exciting, as this could go in any direction. As the cliche goes, when one door closes, another opens. I have been busy looking for new ones to open, and have found a few already.

As a footnote, here is another story. When I was a teenager, I went on a rafting trip on the Buller river. After we'd been paddling down the river a while, and negotiated Ariki falls, we stopped next to a small cliff face (2-3 metres above the water). Everyone except for me scrambled up the side of the bank, and jumped into the water. I was encouraged to give it a try, but I was rather scared, as I couldn't swim. It was pointed out to me that I was wearing a wetsuit and lifejacket, so that wasn't a problem. I finally plucked up the courage to climb up the bank and jump off the cliff, and it was awesome, I loved it. I went to go back for another try, but it was time to move on, I'd sat there worrying about it too long.

The moral of the story? You dont know if you don't try. I hope you're feeling inspired, because I most certainly am. I will keep you updated on my progress.