HOW TO COME UP WITH YOUR BRAND NAME
When it comes to building a brand, one of the biggest challenges we face as creatives is figuring out… OUR NAME! It's not just about what sounds good—it’s about who we want to be known as, whether it’s available on social media, and if we can snag the domain name. This process can be even trickier if you decide not to use your own name or if you're merging two brands together.
I’ve been there, and I thought it might be fun to share how I came up with my own brand name, “The Creative Motif.” It might just spark some ideas for you as you navigate your own branding journey.
Years before I even knew surface design existed, I locked down the name “The Creative Motif.” Back then, I was focused solely on graphic design, and I knew I wanted to create website resources to help others launch their businesses or hobbies with a professional-looking site, without breaking the bank. But there was another part of me that wanted to lean into my artistic side. So, I needed a name that could grow with me, no matter which direction I decided to take.
I took to the thesaurus, knowing that “Creative” had to be part of the name. I wanted something that also touched on the artsy side—just in case—and stumbled upon the word “motif.” Candidly, I wasn’t entirely sure what it meant at the time, but something in me said to go with it, so I did. And just like that, “The Creative Motif” was born.
noun
a decorative design or pattern.
a distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition.
Fast forward a few years, I found myself at a crossroads, wanting to switch things up but unsure of the direction. That’s when I discovered Bonnie Christine while searching for a planner for 2022. After diving into her Surface Design Immersion course, I realized there was a whole world in the design industry that I had yet to explore.
At first, I tried to keep my surface design work separate, working under the name Darnay Suzanne. But it quickly became too much to juggle, so I decided to consolidate everything under one name. That’s when I realized how perfect “The Creative Motif” was—not only did it encompass all my design work, but I also learned that “motif” is a commonly used term in surface design. It was a little God wink, a cherry on top, that assured me I was on the right path.
Here are some tips and steps from my own journey that may be able to help as you navigate picking a brand name:
1. Consider Future Flexibility
Tip: Choose a name that can grow with you and isn’t limited to a specific niche or service.
Story Connection: I picked "The Creative Motif" because it could encompass both my graphic design work and any future artistic endeavors.
2. Use a Thesaurus for Inspiration
Tip: If you’re stuck, a thesaurus can be a great tool to find words that resonate with your brand’s vision and values.
Story Connection: I found the word "motif" through a thesaurus, which turned out to be the perfect fit for my evolving brand.
3. Make Sure It's Available
Tip: Before settling on a name, check its availability on social media platforms and as a domain name.
Story Connection: These were things that I considered before I locked down "The Creative Motif."
4. Reflect on Your Brand's Purpose
Tip: Think about what you want your brand to represent and how it aligns with your long-term goals.
Story Connection: I knew from the start that you wanted your brand to help others create and showcase their work, which influenced y choice in naming it.
