I've decided to change my name! (Polishing my newsletter + poll with name ideas)

I've decided to change my publication's name. I have some Ideas and you can vote for the one you like using the poll I've included in this post.

Hello there! 

Harshini here.

5 months have passed since I started this newsletter. By the time I write this post, the name of this publication is “Harshini Writes”. Today, we have more than 50 people subscribed and joined us on the journey of art and self-exploration. (Thank you so much for noticing and joining me).

I'm really glad that I started writing and publishing my articles. I'm really enjoying seeing our community grow steadily. And this is where this journey gets a boost! (It's time to tidy up- or renovate? the path).

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Have you heard of people “Rebranding” their Substack publication? 

It’s when a newsletter writer (or blogger) changes their publication’s name along with several other things like changing the description / bio or banner or logo.

I’ve been putting it off for a while now (I should’ve done this sooner), Since I'm changing the name, I would have to change it in the articles I've posted so far. (I’ve used the publication name on the subscribe buttons of my posts). But, now I have time to rebrand my newsletter. 

Hm? Why do I change my newsletter’s name, you ask?

When I first started using Substack, I was so excited to write for my future readers- the current you reading this from your inbox.

I didn't think much about what to name my newsletter and typed in some words that popped into my mind to find the one that was not taken.

I ended my search with “Harshini writes” while considering the possibility that I might change it one day. (I'm not a big fan of using my name and it's actually pronounced as her-shi-ni rather than harsh-i-ni which might confuse a lot of people).

So much for saying that I’m not a big fan of using my name 😅

I was testing the waters first. Now I'm ready to do a cannonball and immerse myself in the newsletter community. (I’m comfortable being here).

I'm not going to completely transform my newsletter. Instead, I will make small tweaks whenever I can.

A few fun features I’ve been planning to add to my newsletter after the name change are:

• A “Hero“ post or “Start here“ post. This post will be pinned at the top so that new readers can learn about me and this newsletter. It’ll be a helpful article for readers to decide whether they want to join (subscribe) or not.

• A new section containing all the encouraging and thoughtful words from readers. (This idea is inspired by this note by

  Marie Vandoorne
  ). A lot of you have left nice comments and notes letting me know how my articles have helped you. And I get motivated whenever I read them! It’d be nice to have a place dedicated to the kind words. ✨

And that’s my to-do list for now. I’ll let you guys know in the subscriber chat If I make more noticeable changes.

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Let's start by choosing a name! I've heard that a self-explanatory name that clearly conveys the purpose of the newsletter helps find new readers.

A unique or cool-sounding name that portrays the primary topics would be a bit hard to find, but that would be ideal.

If you're new here, I usually write about two topics.

One is my journey as a self-taught artist who admires and loves Japanese artists and their creations. I write illustration process articles showing each step of my drawing process in a newsletter series called “Art Journal”.

And my other topic which is a favorite among many of my readers, is about self-exploration, self-improvement, mindfulness, philosophy, and similar thoughts. (Judging from the fact that these posts get more likes and thoughtful comments than usual).

I will share a few names that I thought of. You can vote for the one you like using the poll I included in this post.

Let's see…

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Choosing a name:

• Within a paper plane: If a paper plane lands in your room through the window. What would be inside it? A drawing? Or writing? An artwork drawn with passion? The newly explored thoughts of a person? 

  I'm the one who launched it.

  Sorry if it bumped on your forehead.

• Thoughts and arts: A simple and self-explanatory name that conveys what my posts are about.

• Stylus on a journey: (This name conveys just the art-based posts). Digital artists use a digital pen- a stylus to create a lot of artwork. I believe the stylus would remember all our drawings if it were a living being.

• Chaos on canvas: We can draw whatever the heck we want on a blank canvas. And I love that kind of freedom as an artist.

• Kokoro of an artist: The word “Kokoro” directly translates to “heart” but it’s often used to imply “Mind” as well. Japanese artists are my role models as they inspire me a lot. Thus, using a Japanese term. 

  The “mind” part shows that the topics I write about also include an inside look into our brains and we seek to explore ourselves and our mind.

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Now, It’s time for the poll!

Which one do you like? Pick a name from this poll or suggest a name in the comments! I’m looking forward to seeing the results and your thoughts on this. 

In a week or two, I will change this newsletter’s name. If you’ve been here for a while, It might take a while for you (and me) but, we’ll get used to the new name as time goes by.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and helping me out. I hope you have a great weekend!

Come again next week on Friday for a ✨new post✨

- Harshini

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