I always enjoy asking to hear the story behind why a business name was chosen for any given company. Sometimes they are interesting, sometimes not. Sometimes they act to imbue the business with a clear sense of personality, and sometimes they don’t. Picking out a business name is always an exciting process, and one I’ve been through a few times.
I thought it might be interesting to write a blog post about why the name Graphic Karma Inc was chosen. I still remember the night when I picked it over dinner at a favorite restaurants in Minneapolis (Figlio’s). I like words that have multiple meanings and I wanted something obvious for the industry, yet unique enough not to get lost in the crowd.
The definitions
The word Graphic has various definitions, some of which include:
1) explicit depiction to computer generated image
2) mathematical portrayal of information through graphs
3) an image with clear meaning.
All these definitions of graphic have meaning and use in the design industry for obvious reasons.
The Sanskrit word Karma literally just means: act, action or performance. I also identify with the chain of reactions associated with the performance of a design or website, and I honor the gravity of design and marketing work in assisting other businesses in accurately portraying their identity to the public and how that effects their success.
The positive ripple effect in assisting good businesses is inspiring: I love working with small and medium businesses and non-profits who enhance and serve their local communities with authentic goals.
Meant to be
Literally translated, the name Graphic Karma means: Clear and Meaningful Action to me. But who would name their business: Clear and Meaningful Action Inc. right? So Graphic Karma Inc was born.
Add to the story the synchronicitic event that graphickarma.com was actually available the night I picked it. It seemed meant to be.
I gave some thought to the possible consequence of the assumptions some people might make about me based on my business name. There are certainly much safer choices. But I decided to actively to dismiss the concern. My intention is to only attract businesses that I am the right fit for, and so far it’s been going great.
So that is my story. I would love to hear yours.
