I am more than willing to admit that this is my particular dilemma, but I am betting that almost every design studio has some sort of split in their self-promtion message as well. Individuals have multiple facets to their personalities, and many individuals working collectively to create a corporate “identity” can only compound the complexity – creating even more facets for an organization. I know this full well as my job is to help these organizations craft their messages around a distinct corporate personality.

My scenario is far simpler – my studio is intentionally small and is specifically built around MY personality and style. Widgets & Stone is a sort of outgrowth or extension of me. Yet this has often created trouble for me.

In this specific instance I am faced with a choice between ‘aspirational’ or even ‘inspirational’ messaging or humorous, more lighthearted messaging. Both reflect parts of the collective Widgets & Stone identity. Both have merit and marketing value. Both are important to me. Should I have to choose?

The fears I have about both are as follows: 1. With aspirational messaging I worry it becomes too grandiose or off-putting in a didactic sort of way (“lighten up buddy”), or perhaps just too dramatic for a self-promo (“isn’t he just a designer?”). 2. With the humorous messaging it can come across as shallow (“all he can do is make wisecracks?”) or just plain not funny to many people.

Of course any self-promotion tactic involves risk (or at least any worth doing). But I think any true reflection of our inner hearts seems to carry extra weight — what if something I truly value is not valued by someone I share it with? What will they think of me? How will it make me feel about myself and my values? Age old acceptance or rejection. Takes me right back to gym class.

Or can I have my cake and eat it too? Like Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, can both aspiration and humor live in harmony side by side on my self-promotion keyboard?

What do you think?