Today, I’m not showcasing one of our amazing Creative Spirits. Instead I need to share something really important with you that impacts our community.
I’m not going to lie: this is a tough post to write.
Through no fault of my own, I am being forced to change the name of my company. This means I can no longer use the phrase “Artist Think” for my company or brand. I can’t go into more detail about it only to say I’m currently dealing with legal issues surrounding this circumstance and event, which are disappointing and unfortunate.
I was initially heartbroken at this news. I felt like a loved one was being taken from me. All of my blood, sweat and tears creating webinars for you, the articles I write, the interviews I conduct, the e-courses I’ve built… I take such pride in this community, as do you. Some of you even describe yourselves as Artist Thinkers, which makes this all that much harder for me.
As I allowed my grief to process I realized this was a special opportunity. Not only can I really sit down and consider the needs and wants of my amazing audience (that’s you), I can try to create a brand that even MORE so resonates with the mission and message I began with Artist Think. Dare I say, this could be the silver lining?
I’m not going anywhere. And neither is my company. But I have no choice except to create a new name and identity for what we do here. It means all kinds of little and large things for me: changing my business address on all the software I use, requesting new business bank and credit cards, going through our 400 blog posts to remove the words Artist Think…etc. It’s going to take hard work, patience, and require self-care on my part to do this well.
I need your help: stick with me as I create this change. Share our content with people who need it. Our special community will continue to grow and learn together. I’m working with someone special to help me create an even more amazing environment for us. But it’s going to take time. For the month of December, I will only send out a few emails and expect no new blog posts for that month. My aim is to launch the new website and company name on January 1st. (Name ideas are also most welcomed!)
In the meantime I will still host two webinars a month, and write through the end of November. Our FB group isn’t going anywhere either. I do have to postpone the launch of our membership community. Don’t worry, it will happen, but now that will come out mid-January in tandem with the new company name and website.
It’s important to me to be as transparent as I can with you all. I got this news last week and it’s taken time to digest and create a plan of action. As I learn more, I will share more. I’m still grieving, too. But now we have a plan. And it’s together that we will grow, learn and fully celebrate the amazing gift of creativity.
I believe in we.
Carrie
Hugs <3 Let me know if I can help in more ways than sharing
Thanks Linda.
Oh no Carrie! Just read this 🙁 That’s really tough. I’m sorry to hear this. I know this is a huge amount of work for you to make the switch to a new name. Let’s Skype soon. We have a lot to catch up on.
Thanks Michaela, and that sounds great.
Sending you love and clear light for the road ahead. Trust that you will travel with goodness and arrive in grace!
Thanks Lidia. 🙂
Aw Carrie *gentle hugs*
Such a disappointment…and so much extra work for you.
I love that you see an opportunity in this. A growth opportunity perhaps will shift the grief from that of loss, to something like grieving a child growing up…
They may be able to take the name away but they can’t take away who you are, or the essence of your work or the community you have so lovingly built.
You will still be here…and so will we. In the larger scheme of things, that is what matters most…
Blissings & Blessings
Oh Janet. Thank you lady. Yes we will!
Hi Carrie,
I always think “Carrie Brummer” rather than Artist Think so although I can appreciate your distress I am minded that you are the company and community that you have created, not the name. It sounds like a lot of administrative hell to change things though and my thoughts are with you on that front. As to the company name … it is you and the great teaching you offer that I am connected to, not the name!
Love Jane
Jane I so appreciate these words. They mean a lot to me. And that is definitely the perspective I need to hold to now moving forward. Big hugs your way lady!
Dear Carrie, *hugs to you first and foremost ~~~ I believe this will only make you and your vision stronger in so many ways! I so admire your perseverance and you are once again inspiring us all through your will and strength to push through a difficult situation, to say the least. Thank you for caring so much! Please take care of you and “be still” when needed ~ another *hug
Thank you Robin!
Carrie, what an amazing opportunity, indeed. Quite frankly, we all evolve and change over time, and apparently you have outgrown ArtistThink: the name. The timing could not be better. A new year, a new look, an expanded group and a new name! I am so grateful for you and your work, and I can’t wait to see what the new chapter will bring. Count me in…whatever is coming- I want to be part of it! Peace and love.
Sunya, thank you. Your words mean a lot to me. Yes, perhaps I have outgrown Artist Think and it’s time to become something new. And I look forward to bringing in the new year full of new ideas, opportunity and inspiration. 🙂
That’s rough and I’m sorry. I only discovered your site a couple of weeks ago but already look forward to each new post. I hope you’ll be able to push through because it’s a really worthwhile project.
Thank you anonymouse! That’s the plan. I’m not going anywhere. We are just going to look a bit different around here come January first! 🙂 obstacles can be opportunities.
Dear Carrie, I’ve never told you this but some of your posts have moved me so deeply that I keep them in my inbox so I can return to them again and again. AS your friends say, the name does not matter, the power of your work does. This is an opportunity though it doesn’t appear to be one right now. Keep the faith. And when you come up for air again, maybe share any advice about how the rest of us can avoid such an issue. My heart goes out to you! Crista x
Crista I can’t tell you how much that means to me. Thank you. I look forward to being through it and sharing any and all wisdom I can about this experience. 🙂
Dear Carrie,
Thank you for the update. I am so sorry this has happened to you and can imagine your frustration and disappointment,but don’t despair as you have started something wonderful and will emerge victorious!!! Keep smiling and creating!!!
Linda thank you for you words of encouragement 🙂 we will 🙂
Carrie, I’m so sorry for all the headaches and administrative work this is causing you. Do take a small amount of time to grieve, but then move on to bigger and better things. I’ve been inspired, encouraged, and made to grow from all the work you put into Artist Think and the community that has grown from that work. The group has grown from a few of us to 500+ now, so I think it is time to grow from Artist Think to the next level. We all have to grow, as painful as it can be at times. You are in my thoughts!!! Sending you lots of hugs to keep you encouraged as you struggle through all that will need done. If I can do anything, please let me know. 🙂
Lynnita thank you. You are right sometimes there are some growing pains. I look forward to seeing where this takes us 🙂 I so appreciate your support.
I’m extremely new. However, if you haven’t come up with a new name, how about “Artists Share”? Or maybe “Artists’ Love”? If it’s about sharing your ideas (haven’t looked ,yet), and spreading the love of whatever it is you all do, then one of those might just b perfect. Now, off to see what your site’s about, because I just haponed upon it on my LinkedIn page, as I was contemplating deleting my account! .
Welcome Jen! I’m glad you’ve found me here. 🙂 Thank you for your ideas I really appreciate it. And I hope you stick around to get to know the amazing people in this community. Best wishes to you!