Letter Identity

How does one introduce themselves or identify themselves to others? How is one recorded in the vast files of history records?

By their name.

What is a more simpler way to portray yourself than by the use of a label placed on you since birth that someone else chose. At first glance this thought seems strange. Why do we define ourselves by an identification placed by other people? This concept of embracing a name given to us by a source other than ourselves might change depending on the various cultures of the world or how one possesses different feelings towards inner perspective, but as for me, I was born into a label decided by someone else that I must create an image for every day whether through outward expectations or inner expectations.

I believe there is beauty in this opportunity; there is a chance for me to make my name my own. Because it was a decision made for me and not one that I made myself, I can base my identity not in the name itself but rather how I understand the person behind the name, how I understand myself.

My name is Dayna, but my personality identifies with a vast forest of characteristics that are growing more and more every day.

Below you will see that I created three images that show examples of portraying a name as a person rather than a label. Throughout the images you will see how I wanted to focus on the letter D that begins my name as it is the immediate letter one sees when reading my name or my initials. This letter acts as the first impression when someone reads of my name, therefore I modeled the images to be the first impression I wanted to give of my personality when one approaches me in person or sees the creations I make.

With the first image, I brought attention to the use of letters and labels that identify multiple things other than ourselves. I have the same initials as the popular shoe store DSW. Whenever I see their signs, I feel a personal connection towards the three simple letters seen everywhere, and this shows how one can make unintended meaning behind labels; although others see the letters as common advertisement, I see them as a personal reminder of who I am instead of the actual thoughts they are intended to provoke. This also inspires sadness in me as the witnessing of the signs acts as a reminder of the lack of uniqueness that the commonality of names can influence when one analyzes themselves, but this humbling repetition should not be applied when analyzing one’s personal value.

With the second image, I described my personality with the composition of beautifully arranged flowers subtly showing their frail details yet symbolizing their strong presence to coincide with the quote. The alliteration using the letter D was intended to further the theme of my images, but perfectly align with the analogy of flowers with myself: I may be emotionally delicate, but I will grow wherever I am rooted despite set backs and obstacles. I desired to show my skills in designing and creating complexity out of simplicity, and this idea is further explored within the next image I created as well.

With the third and final image, I wanted to use adjectives that continued the letter theme while also describing how I view and present myself. The chosen adjectives are specific to my personal perspective and personal identification that lies outside my name. I chose a calming background and design as well as shapes that resembled fingerprints to show the true peace in understanding who you are outside of labels and outside opinions and the uniqueness of your true personality.

I took a letter assigned to me at birth and made it my own.

I do not see myself as an arrangement of letters, but as a beautifully created mosaic formed by intricate and distinct shards of characteristics. This is how I wish people to see me and to know me, and I believe that when this concept is used when understanding others, there is a chance to create deeper connections with the people around us. As our human nature defines the actions of us as people, we tend to treat others the way we believe we deserve to be treated, so by viewing and presenting ourselves by the identity we decide and discover for ourselves, we can better understand and welcome how others approach illustrating their character and portraying their identity in actions and aspects rather than labels and letters.