Ten years ago I was in art school at Auburn and working as a staff designer at the alumni magazine. I would have been a sophomore, taking figure drawing (I loved that class) and looking forward to drink specials on Wednesday nights.

Seven years ago, I was working as a youth minister at FUMCA. Man, they’ve redone their website since the last time I checked it out – and using WordPress no less! I’m so proud. I designed all of my lessons and handouts in Microsoft Word, and spent most of my creative energy figuring out how to engage kids while making sure nobody broke the furniture.

Five years ago I was working at CUMC, this time as a receptionist. I was doing design jobs on the side, enjoying half-day-Fridays and being married.

Four years ago I lived in Decatur, Alabama, and worked at an ad agency in Huntsvegas. Work was awesome, but I missed having friends and family close by.

Three years ago I had been laid off and was doing freelance design work out of my bedroom/office in Decatur. I met one of my very favorite clients and learned (slowly) how to run a business and pay estimated taxes.

Two years ago we moved back to Birmingham and I set up my office in our basement.

One year ago this guy showed up and I went from working 50 hours a week to 20.

Version 2 of soulrinse.com

And your point is?

It’s this: Who I am as a person, and as a designer, has evolved and will continue to evolve. I bought soulrinse.com in 2005, because I needed a unique and memorable place to post my portfolio (which at the time included design work and “art”). My logo has gone from a group of circles, to a water droplet, to…well, not much as it stands. I’m constantly having to say on the phone “S as in Sam, O U L, rinse – like you rinse out your hair.” My sales pitch for years has been “I’m cheaper than an ad agency because I have very low overhead!”

So I’m beginning the process of rebranding: myself and my business. My goal is for the new brand to convey my personality and communicate my philosophy. I’d also like to have collateral that actually says something about me, and an elevator pitch that’s better than “I design logos. And brochures. And…stuff like that.” And because I’m doing more collaborating now, I’m looking for something that provides more flexibility than the title of Freelancer.

I’ll keep you updated as I make progress. My 30th birthday will be on July 30 this year, so that will be my official launch date. Can’t wait to get this train rolling!