Thursday, August 28, 2008

So Where'd the Name Come From?



Since I've started the transition from "Art by Bennie Waddell" (boring) to SoulShine Studio (yes, two capital S's and a more catchy name) I keep getting the question of the day. So ladies and gents I give you the above Allman Brothers video - the song and source of said studio title.

I ask you to listen to it in its entirety (c'mon - five minutes is plenty of time to waste whilst sipping another cup of coffee or better, adult beverage). Not only are the lyrics appropriate but you get to see (and hear) Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes trade some incredible guitar licks. Plus Greg Allman isn't too bad of a singer.

Seriously I struggled for a good two years trying to find the perfect name for my studio. My studio isn't much but just about every customer (or potential one) wants to know about the creative process and where it takes place. It takes place for the most part in our bonus room over the garage. But all the successful artists (read: all my artist friends except me) have cool names for their places of work. I was thinking I need one of those.

Now most artists would hate the next part: I share it with the rest of my family. Joan and Jessie have their computers set up on the other side of the room. Ben usually sits in his beanbag chair watching Sponge Bob. Distraction? Heck no! I love it! They are my muses...er...amuses? They make me laugh. They critique my work. They are my studio soul-mates.

So what was I looking for in a name? Color. Southern. New South. With some old South. People of color. All colors included. Smiles. Laughter. Laid back. Hip. Some blues. Feet in the sand. A cold beer. Happiness. Love. More love. Even more love. And smiles. I found it.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Actually Bennie, that sounds like a pretty sweet workspace to me. Those kinds of distractions are way cooler than listening to Wally clip his nails in the next cubicle. Although the critiquing bit could get a little brutal...

Creative-Type Dad said...

That is a cool name.
Sounds like the kind of studio where you were sunglasses and a black beret all day.

Kyla said...

Very cool name!

we_be_toys said...

Nice new name - you forgot to mention it's alliterative appeal! I'm going to forego the Allman Brothers though - they bring me out in a rash! (Bea and I have what we call ABS - Allman Brothers Syndrome, which is when a band doesn't know when to end a song. That said, I did hear some of their newer stuff and it was much improved. I know, I'm a traitor!

Chanda (aka Bea) said...

Great new name, I like it! It is true, Im not a big ABB fan, but there are a few songs of theirs I love. Besides, there is no denying they are the quintessential southern rock band. But obviously, this isn't really about the band, it's about what their music inspires for you, and the image you want for your studio. All of which is spot on.

Your studio sounds like a lovely place to work.

ps.. LOVED the Gillian Welch video. She and her partner in crime are IT in my book! :)

Ben and Bennie said...

I have to agree about ABB's reputation but since there are fewer mushrooms being consumed by the band the songs are more in the 5 minute range rather than....38 minutes.

we_be_toys said...

LOL @ Bennie - I feel so much now, since you said that!

we_be_toys said...

crap! I meant to say "I feel so much BETTER now"
-geez!

carmilevy said...

You've learned the lessons of branding well. The name is amazing: it sticks in my mind instantly.

Ben and Bennie said...

Not that any of the others' opinions are any less appreciated, but coming from a professional writer that means a GREAT deal to me! Thanks Carmi!