New title for a youth organisation

by Rednas
17 replies
Hello,

I'm posting on this English forum because I couldn't find anything remotely good in my own language, but anyway ; here goes...

I'm the graphic designer for an organisation in Ghent, Belgium that offers workshops to children and young adults between 6 and 30 yrs old. The choice is very broad, from graffiti- and stencil-related stuff to writing poetry, playing music, doing theatre and even cooking.

We've been wrestling for about 2 years now (a very long brainstorm...) with what defines our organisation the most and how we should translate that into a fitting title.

At the moment the title (Graffiti Jeugddienst, which translates into Graffiti Youth Service) obviously focuses too much on one of our many expertises, thereby creating confusion amongst our clients (schools, youth-related organisations, summer camps...).

If you search for graffiti jeugddienst you can visit our website if you're interested - it's in Dutch though

And now for the big question:

Because I was asked recently to do a full restyle (both print- and webrelated), the name-problem suddenly became very urgent. We've asked a great number of people, even did a small survey, but nothing great came up.

I realize this is a long shot because if you people do come up with a great idea, its greatness will be greatly diminished by the fact that I have to translate it to Dutch...

Therefore it's important that, if you do take the time and effort to respond, the title you come up with isn't a very witty, very British or American way of saying something (because the funkiness will be lost in translation), but a general idea, or even just a nice suggestion about the direction we should take with our next -and hopefully final- brainstorm, because right now, we're at a loss.

Thanks in advance, and if you need more info, I'd be more than happy to provide it to you...

Sander Belmans
#graffiti #organisation #title #youth
  • Profile picture of the author Simon Ashari
    Your activities are quite broad. So you may have to reference 'the arts' in some respect.

    Just out of curiosity, do you want to continue with the shorter name (e.g. Graffiti Youth Service) or are you looking for something longer?
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  • Profile picture of the author Rednas
    Thanks for your reply Simon!

    We're looking for a very catchy, very short title actually! Thanks for bringing that up, I forgot to mention what I was expecting.

    What has come out of one of the many brainstorms though, is that we want to be known for the fact that we offer courses/workshops about alternative forms of communication (which is our baseline under the logo). We find that the title Graffiti Jeugddienst, is already too long. Maybe this helps to narrow it down a little?
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  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    Just letting you know, I and many other writers actually charge for services like this. Good titles rarely appear out of thin air without time, research, and insight.

    Considering a great name and slogan could net you great earnings, you might want to invest in a good copywriter or branding person to help you come up with something.
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    Aspiring copywriters: if you need 1:1 advice from an experienced copy chief, head over to my Phone a Friend page.

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  • Profile picture of the author David Maschke
    Sounds like your focusing on the end user too much. That is the student.

    You stated that you work with schools and organizations and summer camps.

    You may have already done this, but you need to interview the leaders of those organizations if they are the true source of your income.

    It's probable that what is important to them is not apparent to the rest of us.

    If I had to guess, education, communication and developing lifelong skills is what's important to those organizations.

    Try not to think of what you do for the kids, but what you do for the organizations.

    Then go for the "I'll do your job for you" approach.

    Also, the skills that you are teaching are also important in marriage.

    Plus, those organizations are dedicated to improving the future of children.

    I'm just doing a little brainstorming here, but hopefully it may spark some ideas of your own.
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    I

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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
    Banned
     
    “Rising Stars: The Creative Youth Of Tomorrow.”

    (Just a quick 3-minute suggestion.) If it's in the “ballpark” maybe I could come up with something similar that you'll like.

    Just let me know. : )
    Signature
    "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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    • Profile picture of the author Rednas
      @Jonathan : thanks man! Rising Stars actually translates into something we say too : 'Rijzende Sterren'. Nice one. We'll think about it. And I see what you're getting at with the second part of the title, but as we want to press the alternative communication-part in the baseline, combined with that second part of yours, this may be a little too much info to give in just a title. That's the dilemma we're facing : how to combine something dull-sounding like alternative forms of communication with the 'youth of tomorrow'-idea, which obviously ticks the right boxes. Maybe a choice between them is the only option? I don't know.

      @ David : great brainstorm! These are some wonderful tips you're giving. Being a graphic designer, I've never even heard of the term 'I'll do your job for you', but it's a great idea. What strikes me the most though, is the fact we've never seen the parallel with marriage! Hilarious!

      @ Angie : You're absolutely right. Sadly, we're on a subsidized budget. If we had a budget for copywriting, I wouldn't be on this forum right now, bothering the pro's . But it's true : working with a copywriter gets you results. The above posts back that up quite nicely.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
    Banned
    Best I could come up with on the spot Sander...

    Kunst Aanvallen

    Best,


    Mark Andrews
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    • Profile picture of the author Rednas
      Thanks Mark! That's a very active way of looking at it. An art-attack
      We'll definitely take that into consideration, thanks again!
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Rednas View Post

        Thanks Mark! That's a very active way of looking at it. An art-attack
        We'll definitely take that into consideration, thanks again!
        You're more than welcome Sander, the pleasure is all mine.

        I just hope it helps you in your quest to find the ideal name for this particular social enterprise.

        If you need further assistance do feel welcome to give me a shout.

        Kindest regards,


        Mark Andrews
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
        Banned
        Welcome Rednas. As a "tag line" how about:

         
        Creating Communicationâ„¢


        (I can add more if you like it. : )
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        "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author nandla
    that should be effective...
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  • Profile picture of the author Rednas
    Nice one Jonathan! Thanx for keeping this thread active! I like the idea

    Problem is that in Dutch it sounds horribly boring when translated literally, so I'll have to think of a more robust way of combining the words, without touching the idea behind it. It oozes coolness in English, but in Dutch it sounds like a schoolteacher
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  • How about it? 'Youths Unplugged' !
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    • Profile picture of the author Rednas
      Originally Posted by whitestonesolicitorsuk View Post

      How about it? 'Youths Unplugged' !
      Nice one too! Unplugged says it all
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    • Profile picture of the author Doceye
      Just found out my gall bladder needs to come out.

      Any board-certified surgeons out there willing to take a crack at my case gratis?

      SFX: pin dropping.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rednas
      Originally Posted by sizzlemediauk View Post

      Youth Arena!
      Wonderful one! Very active, very short and very translatable! Thanks a million!
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