Time to say goodbye...

What's in a name anyway?

Well, quite a lot it would seem. For me at least. You see the name Three Little Birds was never just about trying to build a brand (in fairness it probably wasn’t the best choice for a new brand….try popping those three words into a search engine and see what comes up!)

I have always thought of the story first. Always wanting to convey the meaning behind the work. For us, those three words hold a special place in our hearts. As a toddler, our now almost teenager used to sing the words to that well known Bob Marley song… sometimes changing the words, mispronouncing others…. replacing some with “mmm mmm mmm” if he couldn’t think of them. But the words “every little things gonna be alright” were the ones he always sang so clearly. A fun vivid memory, that the three of us enjoyed so much.

So when the time came to choose a name for our new venture back at the end of 2017, Three Little Birds felt like the perfect choice.

The original logo, which I created using ink. I loved drawing each little individual leaf… no two are exactly the same!

It’s 7 years since that moment. And now it’s time to say goodbye to it, whilst simultaneously thanking it for all that it brought.

Seven years of an adventure, of the highest highs, of fulfilling a dream of working together, of creating a safe space during challenging years. As happens in life, there were lows too, but the name represented not only our job, but our creative outlet. Life had other plans, we faced difficult decisions, and I now find myself in my little studio, just myself. Mr. M is very happy now in his own field… one where he can shine bright, and where his caring nature and skills are serving him so well. I know there are great things in store for him. That of course in turn has brought me peace, and happiness, but our parting of (work) ways, also led to me carving out a new path for myself. In a way, the changes (along with Mr. M’s encouragement, motivation, and many late night chats) have guided me further along the path of writing and illustrating books. Possibly most importantly, they gave me time to figure out what I really want to do. All of life’s experiences so far have brought me to this point.

One of my most popular illustrations… but also one which hangs on my studio wall

Combining my writing, and drawing brings such joy. I’m working on children’s picture books, and my (almost) daily drawings of my two little characters allow me to express my true self. Three Little Birds didn’t seem to represent what I do anymore. It finally felt like it was time to stand over my own name.

And as is the way with me, I mull over decisions until there comes a point where a feeling of a switch going off inside me happens, and then I snap into action, ready to jump in and implement all aspects of the decision straight away… so it has been a whirlwind few days! Everything from my website to stationery, listings content, social media handles, email addresses… all had to be organised. But it’s done, and in my heart of hearts I know it was the right decision. So this is me….

In every ending, there’s a new beginning. This is mine…

As I was changing my social media handles, I popped up a post on Sunday evening. Social media can get a lot of flack sometimes, and I’m all too aware of the negativity that can happen there. But in my tiny little corner of that big space, they’re the kindest people you could meet. I never anticipated the support, encouragement and words of reassurance in response. “Thank you” doesn’t seem enough of a reply to give. The kindness shown means much more to me. Let’s just say, because of the responses, I ended my day with a calm mind and a calm heart, full of excitement about what’s to come. And for that, I am so very grateful.

Till next time,

Take good care,

Deborah x

PS Please feel free to leave a comment below, I’ll be straight back to you :-)