Start Young, Think Big and Stick To It

Yes yes, I know. "Afiq ni syok sendiri lah buat company sendiri. Cam poyo jek."

I will giggle myself itchy whenever I stumble upon syok sendiri companies with ridiculously vain names like D'Salina or D'Riaz. Modern but rooted company names like Pucuk Rebung, Singgahsana and Telaga Emas is cool to a certain extent. But yang paling tak tahan are names like Fantasia Corp, Lina International and Che' Karina: London. New York. Sabak Bernam. I call this case of bad taste 'Mat Jenin Syndrom'.

It should be revealed to these people with nausea inducing taste in company naming that names does not matter at all in business. But branding does. Branding makes company names a household linggo. It's common to hear conversation that revolves around brand names like "Minah, ambilkan Shieldtox atas Yamaha (piano), lepastu spraykan dekat Biskut Hup Seng tu" before Minah and Family (another common catering company name) is admitted to a hospital for food poisoning.

Some names are brand elastic, going as far as galaxy tourism to the very domestic cola beverages like Virgin. Some brands are known for offering consumers cheap and low quality services like AirAsia. Having said this, a brand is a reputation or a persona of products and services.

I'm currently being represented by my own brand because I feel that there is a need to showcase my portfolio under a name other than my own. A brand can be stretched beyond the founder's comprehension and still, credits will still go to the founder. That is how powerful branding can be.

But after a few dozens of industrial design projects, I think it is time to make full use of Madba and let Madba takes its own course. Sure I don't have a proper office, a tudung clad secretary with glorious jugs and an awesome leather rotating chair but this IS the 21st century.

*And also, I'm tired of not having to show off my designs or products (online or not) because I operated without a legal company.