Since I launched the “Storytelling Project”, I got this question several times. So I decided to share some background info and something really personal with you.
My new websites The Storytelling Jeweller and The Storytelling Tutorials are precisely two week old, if we count the time from the date I published the first blog post.
And I think that’s a pretty good event to remember as a birthday for a web page, isn’t it? But well, my jewelry making and tutorial writing career aren’t so new as that, even if I was treating them more as a hobby and my full-time job was something different. (You can read about the main reason I decided to take a deep breath and jump into something new here. Please do, if you haven’t seen the article before. I think it is worth reading! And hopefully it may inspire you to take the step, if you are in a similar situation.)
Before launching the Storytelling project,
I was presenting my work under the brand La Pelegrina.
Or La Peregrina? Whatever…
You may clearly see from this, why did I have to come up with something new. Even if I loved the name and miss it still, because it’s from Spanish and it means “The Traveller”. (Deep sigh and a teardrop. Maybe two.) But even I wasn’t able to remember sometimes, what is the correct spelling of the word.
And I used this happy little turquoise bird with a pink umbrella under its wing as a logo. Cute, isn’t it? Well, too cute for the confident freelance jewelry designer and writer I decided to be! (Yes, I think the first step to success IS the decision.)
Another reason to throw away this cutie-pie was the fact, that a lot of people do not see beadweaving and bead emboridery as a form of art, but something second-grade, more like a hobby or something childish. And yes, it bothers me, too. I think, beadwork deserves more attention and to be approached as real value jewelry. It can be representative, artistic and luxurious. (Of course, I am talking only about the pieces created from high quality material, with great care and sufficent technical skills.)
So yes, I want to be taken more seriously using a rabbit as my new logo.
An ass-kicking, determined and strong-willed black rabbit.
Also, as for an aspiring writer, storytelling is really important for me in jewelry-making, too. There are numerous things which kick my muse. Visiting a special place, learning about a historical event or reading about something interesting can also end up as the inspiration for a new bracelet, necklace or other accessory. Sometimes the story comes first, other times I just start to play with my shiny stuff and the thoughts are coming during the process.
Because there is always something more, than the glass, crystals and minerals I use.
I wanted to emphasize the importance of storytelling in my beadwork not only with the name of the brand and the domains, but also with the picture you see on my pages, in my correspondence and on my business card. (And a tempting thought about a tattoo crossed my mind, too.) Using the rabbit recalling Lewis Carrol’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland seemed like a good choice.
The Rabbit (yes, with a big R) balances carefully on the edge between a fairy tale and reality, between history and future, focusing on and enjoying the presence. Sometimes it slips and falls (but never lets to be pushed around), and it always smiles. Even after it sweared like a trooper on a rainy day, stepping accidentaly into a deep, ice-cold pool.
So stick around, I believe we are at the beginning of something exciting together!
And please, tell me in a comment, how do you like the new image! I would be happy to hear.
Also, a little background info for you, because you stick around until the end…
A serious facelift of the tutorials is coming soon, and the copyright will change, too. Currently you can use my tutorials to make jewelry for yourself, but not for sale.
After the facelift you will be allowed to sell the finished jewelry.
(But not to share the tutorials or teach them, unless you have special, written permission.)
And this change will effect the price.
So, if you are making jewelry only for yourself, and do not want to sell it, now is the perfect time to buy! After the facelift the tutorials will never be available for this low price any more.
You can visit my Etsy-shope here or by scrolling down a bit. Looking forward, and do not hesitate to contact me, if you have any questions!
Hugs, Erika
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I love the rabbit! 😉
Glad to hear, thank you 🙂