why a bird and a cage?

As I pondered what I wanted my new new look to be, I ended up needing to go back and look at where I have come from. I am making a logo that will symbolize my photography work, but I’m also branding myself as the artist of the images I create. I really wanted it to have deep meaning to me. So here’s the story behind my new branding:

Through out my life I have allowed myself to feel trapped by what I thought other people wanted me to be.

The child in me once said, “I want to be an artist.” However, the voice I listened to was the that of the people who said, “Be a teacher.”

When I realized that wasn’t the path I was meant to do, I listened to another voice that said, “Sell this stuff that you’re not passionate about.” Though that path lead me to learn many things and meet so many wonderful people, I still felt very trapped. I was stuck in a cage of what I thought I was supposed to be doing, not what my heart truly wanted to do.

Then I experienced the deepest loss I have ever felt. I lost my husband to cancer. He was full of passion and talent, but as hard as he fought to live, he had to leave all of that behind. From that point on, I knew that I needed to fill the days I have left with what my heart is meant to do.

The times in my life when I felt trapped is where the cage in my logo came from. It’s not a big ugly cage; because that cage, or those experiences where I felt trapped, taught me many things about the world and myself. So it’s not a bad thing at all, considering how much I learned from those experiences.

The bird? Yep, I’m that bird, who is free from the cage and ready to fly.

What else does the cage and the bird mean? Well, I suppose it’s up for anyone’s translation but I also wanted it to portray the idea that my photography is outside of the box. (Too bad “thinking outside of the cage” isn’t a popular phrase…) My clients are that happy little bird and I’m photographing them, not just in front of the confinements of a backdrop, but out in the world, flying free.

Logoblog

Hope you like the new look. There will be more tweaks and changes to come. I LOVE the timing of my new branding coming just a few days before my first shoot and the first day of spring. After a very dark winter, spring is finally here and I’m out of hibernation!

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88 comments
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  • Jen MearsMarch 17, 2009 - 8:38 pm

    Whoohooo! It looks great and I like it a lot – very Betsyish! Love ya girl!

  • bobbiMarch 17, 2009 - 8:38 pm

    i love every single thing about it… EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!

  • BetsyMarch 17, 2009 - 8:43 pm

    Thanks guys! It’s been a long time coming, your support means SOOO much!!!

    LOVE,

    Bets

  • AnnieMarch 17, 2009 - 8:44 pm

    Love it, especially the concept behind it!!! = )

  • MandyMarch 17, 2009 - 8:46 pm

    I adore it! Its so clever, and emotionally attached to you.

  • ClaryMarch 17, 2009 - 8:54 pm

    Gasp!! It is perfect and all your hard work really paid off…and then I read after admiring and now I’m crying.

  • Katie BeverleyMarch 17, 2009 - 8:57 pm

    Betsy! It is perfect! LOVE it all 🙂

  • jessMarch 17, 2009 - 9:11 pm

    so amazing good job!

  • Lynsey TMarch 17, 2009 - 9:12 pm

    I love the meaning, the depth, the heart behind it. It’s beautiful!

  • jessMarch 17, 2009 - 9:13 pm

    You must shoot my brother and I some time, I would love that and shane and I another time. We didn’t get to do any pictures together since we live in NOLA now 🙁 but someday I would like to. <3

  • Maya LaurentMarch 17, 2009 - 9:15 pm

    Oh girl you hit it! This so speaks volumes about you!

  • LindsayMarch 17, 2009 - 9:37 pm

    Oh Bets, its wonderful!!! =)

  • KatieMarch 17, 2009 - 9:49 pm

    Love it! I really enjoy checking out your blog – yep, I’m addicted. Great job on the branding 🙂

  • Captured By JessMarch 17, 2009 - 10:21 pm

    You’re free as a bird Betsy! Dream big! (That little guy kinda reminds me of your french fry print. 😉

  • AmandaMarch 17, 2009 - 10:24 pm

    It is AWESOME and though I don’t know you personally, fits with everything I’ve seen and read on your blog. Upbeat, down to earth, and REAL, just wonderful. =) Congrats Betsy!

  • MichelleMarch 17, 2009 - 10:32 pm

    Two thumbs up!! 🙂 Great logo.

  • jodieMarch 17, 2009 - 10:35 pm

    OH I love LOVE it! The color is perfect and I love the design! I can’t believe you did that yourself! AMAZING!

  • Anne WoehnkerMarch 17, 2009 - 10:41 pm

    Hi 3 Kings!:) I have been looking forward to seeing your new look and logo and I LOVE IT! The meaning behind your choosing the bird and cage is so sweet. Everything you do seems to come from the heart with alot of deep thought and personal experience. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and life with us. You are truly an inspiration, as well as an amazing artist!

  • Kristin GoettermanMarch 17, 2009 - 10:46 pm

    This is it. You did it.

  • searahMarch 17, 2009 - 10:52 pm

    I think it is so so so so cute and couldnt be any more creative!

  • BetsyMarch 17, 2009 - 11:12 pm

    I’ve only commented once before as ‘the other Betsy’ but this post makes me want to sing! (Yes, pun intended…as in sing like a bird 🙂 I check your blog frequently and this post spoke to me. I am pursuing photography with wonderment and passion, and loving every moment of what I am learning thus far. Your logo is the BEST! And it’s pretty neat to see such a familiar name in a cool style! Since I am a voracious reader and quote/literature lover, I couldn’t help but think of this quote after reading your story: “Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn’t people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?” -Rose Kennedy, mother to John F. Kennedy. I wish you and yours all the best! -The other Betsy 🙂

  • RichMarch 17, 2009 - 11:31 pm

    I think it’s perfect, even without the explanation…I’m really excited for you!

  • jess@studio3zMarch 17, 2009 - 11:33 pm

    PERFECTO!!! love your story. (we really ARE secret soul sisters) you were so smart to take you time and do it right.

  • ErinMarch 18, 2009 - 12:11 am

    Betsy, I seriously. seriously. LOVE IT! It’s really cute and whimsical- fun and creative!! Love the split screen Metta Audio/BKP too!

  • nikkiMarch 18, 2009 - 12:38 am

    love the bird and cage – seems just perfect

    what I don’t like is the type… hate the font you choose for your name. doesn’t fit your personality at all…

    try different types of typography!

  • RedMarch 18, 2009 - 1:08 am

    it’s perfect!!! I ADORE it!!! it’s simply gorgeous and so perfect. Congratulations!

  • Joe KennedyMarch 18, 2009 - 1:43 am

    Awesome logo, for sure. I’m diggin’ it.

  • bobbiMarch 18, 2009 - 1:51 am

    I jsut came back to adore your logo for the five-millionth time today when I saw Nikki’s comment 🙂 Hi Nikki! Hmmm… “hate the font” That’s pretty extreme! 😉 I’m quite sure it’s actually a hand written drawing… that very much matches her personality 😉 ANNNND, I happen to love it. 🙂 Just my 2¢ 😀

  • Lisette PriceMarch 18, 2009 - 2:08 am

    Cute!!! And I love it even more after reading your reason for why you have a bird and a cage as your branding. 🙂

  • leah staffordMarch 18, 2009 - 2:09 am

    I love it! Very cheerful 🙂

  • Sarah HollandMarch 18, 2009 - 2:14 am

    I’ve been anxiously awaiting your new branding and oh my gosh!! Love love love it! And I love that you have the bird as your separator between posts. Super cute!

  • melMarch 18, 2009 - 2:17 am

    perfect… (everyone else started their comment like that, i didnt want to feel left out!).. though i really liked the caption bubble! :-O but this is really cool. the pattern in the background looks dope with it too! the bird is perfect, esp on the lil ledge! i like the font. we are huge fans of all lowercase. maybe you couldnt tell by how i dont know how to capitalize anymore when writing. hA. congrats. so excited!

  • :-P. BrynneMarch 18, 2009 - 2:18 am

    LOVE IT!!!

  • lauren c. - openField.March 18, 2009 - 2:20 am

    YAY for you!! it’s looks great!! so happy for you : )

  • AnnieMarch 18, 2009 - 2:27 am

    I love it! I’ve been DYING to finally see it, and it is wonderful! (And ditto Bobbi on the snarky comment. Whatev, get a life!)

  • Shelly ValentineMarch 18, 2009 - 2:34 am

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look!!! SO MUCH FUN!!! ADORABLE! It makes your amazing pictures look even more amazing!

  • Lohren DeegMarch 18, 2009 - 3:23 am

    Love your new logo, Betsy!! love it!!!!

  • julieleakMarch 18, 2009 - 3:28 am

    LOVE the new logo!!! you don’t know me but i follow your blog and “met” you through cassie beer. seriously…soooooo ca-yute!

  • AbraMarch 18, 2009 - 3:54 am

    I’ll admit that I didn’t get the meaning behind the logo at first, maybe because my head is inordinately full of snot, sorry for the visual, but once I read your post the lightbulb went off over my head and it made MORE than perfect sense. LOVING it. Glad you are finally free of what other people think you should do. Just don’t lose focus and remember it’s up to us what kind of cage we make for ourself…and sometimes it’s nice to come home to a nice cozy one. 😉

  • GailMarch 18, 2009 - 4:29 am

    It’s been so great to see this logo develop Bets. It probably feels like 3 years ago we sat at lunch with Bobbi and talked about what defined you and this definitely is it! Love the concept. BRAVO, BRAVO 🙂

  • AprilMarch 18, 2009 - 10:27 am

    Betsy – Your story and the new imagine are PERFECT! You are a true inspiration to many. Keep rockin’ on!

  • BrookeMarch 18, 2009 - 10:30 am

    Wow, it looks great! Congrats on branding yourself with something that is meaningful to you…you’ll really live and breathe your business b/c it IS you! Anyways, I’m a big fan of your site even though this is my first post (I was a Bobbi bride and found you through her site). Good luck this season…I’m sure your schedule is going to be PACKED!

  • ida in qcMarch 18, 2009 - 12:29 pm

    The logo is beautiful, but with your story it becomes even more perfect! I love the image of you as a little bird… I look forward to seeing photos from the first shooting of the year!

  • saraMarch 18, 2009 - 1:20 pm

    oh man Betsy, I extra big puffy heart love it. The symbolism is incredibly sweet and I love knowing how meaningful it is to you! Your story is touching and something I think a lot of artists have gone through…you clearly are one strong and talented individual. Want to know my favorite part? No? I am going to tell you anyways, the little birdie on the line above every post…swoon. Great job on everything, right down the the font! 😉

  • BetsyMarch 18, 2009 - 2:37 pm

    THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH for alll the amazing emails (even the one who said she hated it. Though I think you hurt my designer’s feelings more than anything!) and support. I am feeling VERY loved as I start the 2009 season!!

    LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!

  • RyanMarch 18, 2009 - 2:56 pm

    I bet your designer has pretty thick skin and understands that you cannot please em all (though 44/45 aint bad). I suppose he is absolutely thrilled that you have something you are proud of.

  • BetsyMarch 18, 2009 - 3:15 pm

    Ha Ryan, I should have added, “Ticked off Bobbi more than anything!!” : )

    It’s all gooooood stuff. 🙂

  • JoanneMarch 18, 2009 - 3:16 pm

    What a really heartwarming story. I think it’s cool you put so much thought into your new logo and branding. You will have much success!

    P.S. I really love reading your blog!

  • Lindsay HanasMarch 18, 2009 - 3:59 pm

    LOVE the new look!!! I completely get it. I’m sure it wasn’t easy finalizing everything but you got it right!

  • CassieMarch 18, 2009 - 4:15 pm

    I know you have gotten tons of comments already, but I LOVE it. It is so perfect and so you in a hundred ways. Love, love, love it!

  • Kelly (Daphne Photo Studio)March 18, 2009 - 4:26 pm

    I LOVE it!!

  • Janelle RobertsMarch 18, 2009 - 4:49 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! So nice to have another little birdie out there in the world. 🙂

  • LeandraMarch 18, 2009 - 5:03 pm

    Wow, I love it! Seriously, very creative, and from what I can tell from the blog, very YOU! It must feel so good to finally have this part of your business identity settled!

  • LeandraMarch 18, 2009 - 5:06 pm

    Ahhh! And i just realized you have a little favicon of the bird. Cute!

  • MOMMarch 18, 2009 - 5:46 pm

    You ROCK my world. A great big happy face to ya…I am so very proud, when you express your talents in so many ways. I love you.

  • AlyssaMarch 18, 2009 - 6:52 pm

    I love it!! its adorable! &&& I love the font…

  • BarbMarch 18, 2009 - 8:28 pm

    I always knew you could fly. Your gift is helping others to do the same.

  • nikkiMarch 19, 2009 - 2:35 am

    wow – jump down my throat!!!

    that was not at all meant to be a snarky comment but more like the truth. gosh – i didn’t think the font (and if it’s her handwriting then more power to her) matched the personality I get from her company/blog. I’ve never met her in person nor have I ever seen her handwriting – but from knowing her, her story, her family, etc… from the informaton given on this blog – this font did not match that!

    holy crap – down girls, down…

  • bobbiMarch 19, 2009 - 2:49 am

    it’s not what we say… it’s how we say it 🙂

  • ElijahMarch 19, 2009 - 3:58 am

    Great look Betsy!! You’ve always got the edge on things =) Its fresh and inspiring!

  • Melody CarpenterMarch 19, 2009 - 5:03 am

    The new look is amazing and I love how you incorporated your life into it! Makes me love it all the more…yay for you!

  • jess@studio3zMarch 19, 2009 - 12:38 pm

    hey Bets! I know I already told you I love the new look, but I wanted to tell you that personally, I LOVE your font (a lot actually!!) and knowing you I think it fits your personality perfectly. Seems this is the place for opinions, so I thought I would share mine.

  • RachaelMarch 19, 2009 - 1:05 pm

    I absolutely Love it! I have been struggling for a while to brand myself as well! I finally found something too that I feel like it screams me! I really think this is soooo you and an expression of your work as a photographer!!! Love it!

  • SarahMarch 19, 2009 - 3:18 pm

    Betsy, I feel like it’s been forever coming! I visit your blog almost daily to see what you’re up to and see if your logo had been released… and I like it! I like the hint of yellow, the symbolism and true to you meaning behind it, the perch the bird is on, the uniqueness of it. Congrats!! Can’t wait to see how your journey unfolds.

  • Michael WachniakMarch 19, 2009 - 9:52 pm

    I love it! 🙂

  • Amy from CaliMarch 20, 2009 - 6:16 pm

    Betsy~ I LOVE it! All of it!. I have always felt there was an inner-artist in me. But I have yet to find my outlet. Hopefully one day….. Congrats on the branding. Still wishing you were here in Cali so my sis and I could hire you to shoot our families. It’s a wonderful place to visit in the 3 season out of the year (winters can be a little drab in northern cal). if you ever plan a vacation out here, please don’t forget to call me!

  • BrandiMarch 21, 2009 - 6:50 am

    I love it Betsy and your story is an inspiration. <3 You are beautiful!!

  • EmmaMarch 21, 2009 - 3:58 pm

    Thank you for sharing something so personal. I think its important for our work to reflect who we are. Logo’s should reflect that. Will everyone understand… no… should we let that get us down or change our minds no.

    I think your logo is perfect!

  • GloriaMarch 22, 2009 - 6:19 pm

    Great site … Love the logo!

  • AmyMarch 22, 2009 - 8:00 pm

    I love it even more now that I heard the story. Such a delightful and refreshing look at creating a logo.

  • April Cochran-SmithMarch 22, 2009 - 9:16 pm

    I absolutely LOVE it! It’s perfect 🙂 How exciting that I’m the 70th commenter, by the way? Go you!

  • Tira JMarch 23, 2009 - 3:42 am

    Hello Betsy! I found your blog through OSP. How beautiful the story is behind your new branding, just as beautiful as you. I know that each and every client that is in front of your camera is going to be immensely touched by you and your story. Thank you for sharing a part of you and your family with the world.

  • Pamela TelgenhoffMarch 23, 2009 - 11:40 am

    Great logo…great story…great pictures!!! I will check back often. Congrats on finding “you”!

  • VeliaMarch 23, 2009 - 2:34 pm

    You managed to make me cry, I absolutely love your logo. I think the meaning behind it is what makes it extra special.

  • ohana photographers - david & kimiMarch 25, 2009 - 3:11 pm

    what an incredible story behind it. love it!

  • Airika PopeMarch 25, 2009 - 7:33 pm

    It fits you and your journey perfectly!

  • Nudrat SMarch 30, 2009 - 10:10 pm

    Awweeee….so sweet! You go girl!

  • Amy CuppApril 1, 2009 - 3:25 am

    I absolutely love it… Brought tears to my eyes

  • KellyApril 8, 2009 - 3:18 am

    Wow. I’m speechless. Amazing story. Super amazing.

  • Faye HootApril 19, 2009 - 6:55 pm

    Wow! Extremely beautiful design! Fabulous Fantastic Font! Luv it!!! 😉

  • AbbyMay 1, 2009 - 6:51 pm

    Incredible story. I’m glad that you sought after what you love. Lovely logo.

  • MaribethAugust 7, 2009 - 11:37 am

    We have similar stories…like you, I lost my first husband to cancer at a young age. Changes your perspective about everything. Like you, I am pursuing my photography dream. I am so grateful that I can help my children remember their Dad through photography. Catch the moments, hold on to them forever. Best of luck to you!

  • KimNovember 17, 2009 - 12:24 pm

    Wow! Your story and meaning behind your brand is so awesome!! I realize you posted this forever ago, but I just found your website and blog, and I’m so impressed.

  • TammyNovember 22, 2009 - 2:22 pm

    Your story brought tears to my eyes. Your words, “… feel trapped by what I thought other people wanted me to be” really resonated with me! Being an artist, you are sometimes lucky if you have 2 pennies to rub together & it’s so easy to be swayed to jump into the pond & get a ‘secure’ job. But at the end of the day, life is about finding your passion and living your life’s path. It’s so great to hear such an inspirational story and portraying that in your ‘identity’.

  • Amber FoxDecember 16, 2009 - 11:56 pm

    You brought tears to my eyes girl. I am in the process of branding actually, so this post caught my eye. But your story is heart breaking and beautiful. Praise God that he has brought you through this and you feel free as a bird. Wow.

  • jennyJanuary 11, 2010 - 1:50 pm

    I love your design and it’s really cool that you have a real meaning behind it..that makes it even better!

    your work is great!

  • Leigh KinneFebruary 5, 2010 - 11:08 am

    it’s perfect. Did you design it yourself? If not, who did you use? As always, thank you for sharing yourself with us. We love it. 🙂 Leigh Kinne.

  • Liz BedwellMay 9, 2011 - 10:13 am

    Betsy, I found your site thru a comment you posted to Jessica Strickalnd’s blog recently. I love that you shared the story behind your branding. I’m hoping to start my own business someday soon and I’ve been asking myself a lot lately, “How did he or she come up with their logo/brand? What’s the meaning behind all that?” Your story is such a touching and inspirational story and I see a lot of myself in it. Thanks. 🙂