8.14.2013

VoogDesigns Vocation

vo·ca·tion  

/vōˈkāSHən/
Noun
  1. A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation.
  2. A person's employment or main occupation, esp. regarded as particularly worthy and requiring great dedication.
Synonyms
calling - profession - occupation

My "Calling"
I wanted to share with you a series of events that helped solidify for me, that I'm headed in the right direction with my vocation. Ever since the first grade I knew that I wanted to draw. In my late teens I created a name and designed a logo for my future company, which is what you'll see on my Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn pages. But I didn't know the relevance it's meaning until recently.
Voogd + Designs
I felt that there was something special that was happening with my company, so I started researching the meaning of my last name and discovered that "Voogd" (originally Vogt) ultimately derives from the Latin [ad]vocatus) or advocate, meaning to exert guardianship or protection over a territory or area of responsibility.

The second half in my company name is "Designs", which is also a synonym for one who "Creates".


My first name is Michael and for many years I have felt empowered by Saint Michael the Archangel, who in the Bible, was the Defender of God (The Creator).


VoogDesigns
Like a puzzle I began connecting what seemed more than a coincidence, and used these three elements to design a new image to represent my company. "Voogd Designs" in Latin is "Advocatus Creatoris", which translates to "Advocate (or Defender) of the Creator".

The Wings pay tribute to Saint Michael the Archangel, from which my first name was given.
The Sword symbolizes the meaning of my last name- "Voogd" (the Defender/Protector).
The Pencil is the tool through which ideas flow, and is held by the Artist, or Creator.

I knew I was born to draw, to create, and I know there are many youth that feel the same way I did when I was in the first grade. Don't fight the gifts and talents that you were blessed with. Sharpen them. Strengthen them. Use them.

Within the next month I will be launching NinjaToons.com which will be an online school for "creatives" that can sharpen their skills in numerous Arts such as Drawing, Painting, Sculpting, Writing and Acting. Parents, if you see these talents in your children, embrace it and encourage them. And VoogDesigns will be an advocate, or "defender of the creators" in this world.