Sometimes, a fresh start requires reimagining everything. Even the personal symbols that represent who you are. For me, this journey began with the decision to embrace a small but meaningful name change: transitioning from Bloknote.nl to Studio Bloknote. This wasn’t just about practicality; it was about stepping into a new era with clarity.
Why the Change?
Over the years, I’ve truly cherished the name Bloknote. It’s a blend of my last name, Blokland, and the Dutch word for notepad, “blocnote.” A nod to quick sketches, doodles, jotting down ideas and the essence of creativity. But as I prepared to rebuild my business after a challenging period, I realized I needed a name that could grow with me. Something consistent and aligned with my future vision.
The term “Studio” felt right. Tied to my dream as a 23-year-old art school graduate: ready to start a career as an independent graphic designer. At the time, the structure of my education shaped a narrow view of what that career could look like: designing corporate identities and laying out brochures. It didn’t inspire me. So I drifted away from that path, finding myself in marketing instead.
Still, my love for design and typography never faded. It’s what drew me to graphic design in the first place. It has remained a consistent passion ever since. While I’m no longer focused on traditional graphic design, Studio Bloknote encompasses so much more: courses for creative makers, digital downloads and print-on-demand designs. It’s a name that feels expansive and perfectly aligned with my creative journey.
The Logo: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
My old logo, a starburst symbol, represented a “spark of inspiration.” It was bold and a reflection of who I was. But as I stepped into this new chapter, I knew my logo needed to evolve, to reflect both continuity and change.
After countless sketches and revisions, I landed on something that felt just right: an expressive, hand-drawn asterisk created with my favorite brush pen.
This new logo isn’t just a design; it’s a symbol packed with meaning:
- Turning Negatives into Positives: The overlapping X and + represent one of my core beliefs: there is always a way to transform challenges into opportunities.
- The Spark of Inspiration: Like my previous logo, this shape embodies that fleeting but powerful moment when creativity ignites.
- A Footnote to Life: An asterisk marks a footnote, a small but significant addition. As artists, our work is often like that: quick notes and marks that clarify, enhance and give meaning to the bigger picture.
Writing Studio Bloknote by Hand
Another essential part of my new branding is the handwritten name, Studio Bloknote. It’s not a polished, computer-generated font but my own handwriting. This decision was intentional. It allows me to pick up my favorite pen and write my own logo by hand.
The simplicity of this act captures the purity I strive for. It means I can apply my own branding anywhere, anytime, with my own hands. This personal touch brings my vision full circle: raw, authentic and rooted in the creative process.
What’s Next?
With this new identity, I’m setting the stage for exciting new projects. From creating tools for rebellious self-expression to designing resources for creative makers, Studio Bloknote is becoming the space I’ve always dreamed of: pure, raw and uniquely mine.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Every line, spark, and footnote brings us closer to something extraordinary.
