What's in a Name?

By A.A. Lopez

    So I did not keep my promise on keeping updates on a daily basis already, which shows how poorly this might keep up, heh. Yet, I think I'll keep trying to update every now and again, just to get it out of the way. I'll probably also add a quick devlog or just description of one of the projects I'm working on, give a two-fer for today to make up for yesterday. But right now, let's focus on why "Anytime & Always Studios," and why did I choose such a cumbersome name.

    Anytime & Always comes from what I can only really call a catchphrase from my job. It stems from my own dislike of saying, "You're Welcome." I absolutely hate that phrase, because it feels like you're only saying it because, "Yes, I did the task you asked of me and that's all," there's nothing there. Way back when I used to say, "Of course," instead, but my partner at the time hated when I said it. She thought that the task that was being thanked for wasn't an, "Of course," because, "Who else would do that?" So that always stuck in my head.

    When I started to onboard, train, and supervise new hires they would always, always come to me for help, and would say thanks. And with that little earworm from my ex, I wanted a phrase that felt like it was not an inconvenience (cause you know how some folks are, thinking asking a senior member on the team for help is looked down on) and that they could reach out whenever. What a better way to say that than, "Anytime."

    It became such a known thing that I was gifted a cake with the saying in icing as a welcome back gift once I returned to L.A.. And as time went on I became more friendly with some members of my team and they started to get a specialized version, "Anytime & Always." A way to say that I will help out whenever and no matter. It just fits as what I want to do as well.

    So when it came time to put together a place where I could my projects somewhere, why not use the phrase that a few, but true friends know. A promise that I will help out, but also a quick promise to myself that, I will be creative, "Anytime & Always."