Someone once told me that I should be satisfied with what I had in life, specifically, a good job that paid the bills. It’s true that in such a tough economic period I should probably be glad to have any old job, let alone one within the field of my choice. But, it wasn’t enough. Not for me anyway. I wanted more. I wanted to allow myself to experience my full potential. I wanted to see how far I could really make it if I pulled out all the stops.
I’ve had this sort of mentality my entire life. It’s something I love and hate about myself. On one hand, I love the fact that I’m always eager to grow and push my limits. On the other hand, I sometimes think it’d be nice to just take a break and stop feeling so ambitious. That’s just not me though. I think that in hindsight, I’d much rather prefer the former. I believe that ambition shapes character and the resulting trials refine you. So with that said, I’ve decided to take yet another leap of faith in order to satisfy what has most recently been on my heart: I’m leaving my current job in an effort to open my own company.
I’m not doing this on my own though. I’m aware of my strengths as well as my shortcomings, so I know it’s imperative to find a like minded, equally ambitious co-pilot to balance me out. I’m fortunate and grateful to say that I’ve found just this person. Jonathan Christopher and I have shared this dream for quite some time now. As of November 1, 2010 it will be official.
Jon is an expert in front end development, programing and anything involving the web. He’s also happens to love good beer, music, his wife and God; all prerequisites in my eyes. While I also love good beer, music, my wife and God, I tend to excel in information architecture and design; the aesthetic side of the web. All of these areas certainly have their overlap, but our hearts have settled in their own respective camps and we’d like to make the most of that.
The Unveiling
Every business needs a name, obviously. We wanted one, however, that would reflect our morals and mission. As I mentioned above we were both interested in creating a partnership, rather than an individual effort. The name needed to recognize this in one way or another. We also wanted to honor God. Not just with the name, but the whole business. So we’re calling our company: Iron to Iron.
The name Iron to Iron has multiple meanings to us; both secular and Scriptural. First, the secular: It sounds strong and represents nose-to-the-grindstone hard work. It’s also repetitive; duplicate words in one phrase. This reiterates that there are two of us – strength in numbers. Is that at all a stretch? Maybe… Doesn’t matter to me though. Here’s the real meaning, the Scriptural meaning: Iron to Iron is a reference of Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Christian or not, this verse is pure truth. This was the exact reason why Jon and I felt compelled to enter this venture together. What better way to live by that then name our livelihood after it? On a complete side note, here’s a fun/uber lame fact regarding some insight on the name: Jon and I were in a paddle boat on a lake in New Hampshire when we settled on it. How cool are we?
Taking our own advice
What’s a web design/development company without a website? Our brand and the overall look of our site was obviously very important to us. It’s something that we toiled over for quite awhile. It was important that we launched this business with a strong backbone – something we could lean on and feel proud of. As a result, we ended up with a brand and site we’re both very pleased with. The design itself contains a lot of intricate details and the finished development supports and enhances each one of them.
We wanted the site to feel confident. Iron to Iron is inherently strong sounding, so we needed to have elements that would compliment this. We also wanted our messaging to be simple and to-the-point. So the site revolves around bold imagery and blunt, but friendly copy.
The look of the site walks a fine line between ‘retro’ and ‘clean’. Both of these adjectives happen to fulfill our personal taste, but also represent the brand well.
As far as content and structure is concerned, we wanted to focus on the meat of what we believe while avoiding the fluff. This resulted in us addressing:
- Why we’re doing this and who we are
- What exactly we are offering as a service
- How we’re going to make it all happen
Everything beyond that, in our opinion, is excess. We’ve also built a separate portfolio site, but we’re keeping it private for the time being. We know there will be potential clientele who will want to see our past work, but at this point it’s not the approach we want to focus on.
See for yourself
So, please, take some time and review this for yourself. I hope you enjoy all the intricate details and find it to be a generally positive user experience. I’m interested to hear feedback and thoughts, so please let me know.
More importantly though, I’d like to acknowledge the significance of the impact this change has left on my life. Beyond all the concern and worry that comes along with a taking a risk such as this, it has overwhelmingly felt liberating. I’m ready to reap what I sow and fully experience the fruits of my labor (whether it’s good or bad). Regardless, this venture has taught me to follow my heart, dream big, take risks and trust God. We only live once, so we might as well make the most of it.
Dude this is awesome. Congratulations. This is prob a big step of faith but God is always faithful. So excited for you guys.
Kevin and Jonathan, way to go! I’m so proud of both of you for taking this huge, scary, thrilling step. The work both of you produce is top-notch, so I know you will do well.
Can’t wait to see the fruits of your labour!
Again a huge congrats – the site is really beautiful. Nice and intuitive. Beautifully subtle to lead the viewer to the CTA. I’m sure it will help bring the business in!
This is great! I love getting more insight to the name. I assumed it had some Scriptural meaning when I initially saw it, but it’s great to hear about your process – and trust.
I have no doubt you will both be successful. I have followed Jonathan for quite some time now, and absolutely love his passion and desire to make the web and experience a better place.
Peace,
Nate
COngrats! the site is so good. You guys will be the only designers I will ever be recommending.
Grats! Looking forward to working with you and Jonathan on a more in depth level.
Holy smokes bro, that site is seriously amazing. I know you’re going to rock the house with this one. I don’t hope. I KNOW!
And you better be up for some massive collab once we launch http://wearefixel.com in November. :)
Peace!
Thanks so much everyone for the support!
@ Ismael: Thank you for the encouragement. I love hearing your confidence, especially regarding faith in God. I couldn’t agree more!
@ Pat: Thanks so much Pat; you’re too kind!
@ Lia: Thanks! Let’s hope so. haha
@ Nate: I’ve noticed you comments quite a bit on Jon’s blog. So good to see you on my site too! Glad you enjoyed reading about the process of the name and brand!
@ Adam: You’re the best!
@ Scott: Same here man. Super excited about the relationship!
@Vin: Of course we’re up for it! Totally! What exactly is Fixel though? I recognize a few of those eyeballs and smiles on there but I’m not 100% of exactly what’s going? haha What are you guys up to? I’m super curious now!
Wow, really awesome writeup. Quite inspiring. Would love to work with you guys if you ever need some illustration stuff done. Cheers!
Although I read the whole post (great one), it’s that first paragraph that keeps swirling in my mind. Your points about wanting to experience your full potential resonate deeply with me.
Very well put, Kev.
Simply put, this is huge. Take a mental note of where things are at right now as one year will pass by and you’ll be amazed. You’re headed out to the open ocean in a little boat with your foundation of faith. The cool thing about mustard seeds? They grow!
Strive for Christ first and all the rest falls into place.
- Jonathan
Very exciting! Lauren and relate to the passion and need for challenge. Your design is amazing, and I do like the courage of your new company’s name. Very powerful. We’ll start referring you right away-
Great to take a leap of faith like this! I’m thinking many of the same thoughts you guys had in your process to getting here and am watching in excitement for you both! I also really like the name you’ve come up with as well as the icon.
Great site, I love the tangible feel to everything.
Cool site and congrats on the new adventure!
Congrats. I love the name and you site design. Very inspiring stuff!! Just what I needed for today. I’ll put you guys in the digital rolodex for potential future projects!
Hey Kevin, my wife is an avid reader of Jen’s blog – and told me about the awesome step of faith you guys are taking on with launching your new business. I’m so excited for you – and the new identity/site look incredible!
I’m a designer as well and my wife and I are in the process of launching my freelance work into a full-time gig. It sounds like we are right where you guys were just a few months ago – all the late nights working and client calls, saving every penny possible and praying that God would continue to bless our steps in this direction.
You guys are an inspiration to us, and I wish you all the best with the undertaking!
Congrats to you guys. Your faith alone is a major inspiration, but then you go the extra mile with some top notch design. Also, I love that scripture in Proverbs that you named your new company after. It’s a perfect fit. God bless you guys in your new adventures.
Hmm, this message will be from a fan. Well indeed, i am. For sure, this site will reap so many huge design awards. Very subtly made. And oh, thanks for the Proverbs scripture you’ve include on this article. It was really inspiring.
God will always provide if you believe in Him…
Best regards