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- Douglas0
Re: I actually think the name, or word "Metagramme", suits the style of design quite well, and I'm sure you'd rarely (if ever) encounter a client who is familiar with either of those other companies to question it, so it probably doesn't make much difference. But since you are toying with the option of renaming, I think the name sharing thing could be included in your list of reasons.
That said, Steelcase has made a strong brand using the "Steel" as well. :)
In the end, sticking w/ Metagramme is probably best.
- gramme0
@ Douglas, the reference to those two names wasn't intentional, but I can see how people might draw the connection. I knew of Pentagram when I came up with the name in '05, but didn't find out about MetaDesign until afterwards. Are you suggesting it's worth changing just because of the proximity to those two names?
- ukit0
M Steele
- Sorry Steelukit
- no no M steeley! sounds good :)Hombre_Lobo
- NOgramme
- hahabigtrick
- ukit0
STL
- Hombre_Lobo0
bummertronic is a cool studio name. you should totally use that.
dont you guys agree??
- dasmeteor0
I like metagramme
- set0
iSteel Designs.
- dbloc0
STUDIO STEAL
- bigtrick0
Metagramme sounds good. I wouldn't change it - Studio Steel is a bit more generic, and definitely harder to own the whole identity for. Right now, "Metagramme" is only Matt Steel's studio, whereas Studio Steel... just imagine someone googling "Steel" trying to find you.
- There's a country musician from Nashville with the same name.gramme
- Hombre_Lobo0
studio steel sounds like a gay nightclub.
metagramme is cool, but reminds me of pentagram and being reminded of a top design firm like that, with crazy good work might be bad, people may sub consciously compare..
nice site dude. btw FLASH IS DEAD!!!!
- gramme0
Meta: denoting change of position or condition, e.g. metamorphosis, metathesis. Conversely, also means something of a higher or secondary order, e.g. metalanguage, metadata.
gram(me): from Greek, "thing written, letter of the alphabet,’ from graphein ‘write.’
- If type design (not what I do) is a micro function, then brand identity (what I do) is macro, or meta.gramme
- i had assumed your name was Gram.Douglas
- Gram? That isn't a name. Graham, Graeme, yes. Gram: unit of measurement, or suffix.gramme
- ah yes, i knew i was spelling it wrong, or that it had different spellings.Douglas
- Continuity0
In that case, that adds a new dimension to your (potential) re-branding, in that you have to take into account the fact that, down the track, when you do add those couple of more people, they need to feel like they're part of that brand.
I know it sounds horribly clichéd, but it's ultimately true.
The thing with 'Metagramme' is the relative neutrality. I say relative to mean that it's not associated with you, the person, especially to those who don't know you personally. Thus, it would be easier for future staff to hook into that brand.
I'm not saying using your name is a bad idea, if you plan to expand. More than anything, I think that using one's name for a proper shop is more a question of how well-known you are in the market in which you operate, more than any other factor.
Also, using one's name for a business seems conservative to me. Consider:
- McCann Erickson
- Leo Burnett
- OgilyOld-school advertising powerhouse that are more like lumbering dinosaurs, now.
identity was spot-on when he suggested you look into your process for inspiration, if you absolutely want to change your name; becuase, in your process, in what you do and how you do it, ultimately lies your brand. From that, a moniker should flow out nicely.
- gramme0
@ Continuity, right now I'm a sole proprietor (LLC) with occasional freelance support. I'm planning to add a maximum of two staff members in the future. It kinda depends on how the business grows.
- identity0
Avenue A Razorfish
Strawberry Frog
Panda Panther
Big Spaceship
Three Legged Legs
koko3
syrup helsinkiexamples that a ridiculous name doesn't mean you will be seen as ridiculous by potential clients. If anything it plays into the "oh, they're creative! they have quirky names and wear graphic t-shirts! So Alt!" mentality that most non-artist/designer clients have toward us.
- gramme0
I've been using Metagramme as the name of my portfolio site since 2005, and the name of my business since March 2009.
- Continuity0
Are you a freelancer, or do you actually have staff? If not, do you plan on expanding the business to have more than just yourself?
- rson0
How long have you been using Metagramme ?
- ukit0
Using your own name obviously has a certain advantage in terms of marketing
- OSFA0
or even better... xcarlx!