How I got the nickname Smarti

Illustration Holding my nickname Smarti @smartigraphicdesign

My nickname is Smarti. It’s actually just a moniker made up of my first initial and last name. S. Marti became Smarti. But it makes me feel like magic. I like how it snaps, practically jumping into the air, especially if you emphases the “ti.” And it rhymes with party. What's not to like?

It’s special and it stands out from the crowd. And as a child, I was often jealous of people with special names, exotic names, that helped them do just that. I guess this is because I was a bit of a showboat as a kid. I thought it would be so wonderful to be remembered, to feel unique. Now I understand that it comes with its own complications. ::shrug:: But there really are far too many Sara(h)s in the world, and as a kid, I resented sharing my first name.

Illustration Sharing my name made me grumpy as a kid @smartigraphicdesign

Despite it being quite obvious, I only earned this nickname in college. I had a job where we had multiple Sara(h)s on staff. (See what I said about too many Sara(h)s?) So my name tag could only include my first initial with my last name. S.Marti. It clicked nicely. Someone spotted it. Called it out. And my moniker took off. It was an easy association too since I was in the honors college and was a bit of a nerd in my studies.

Illustration Nametag Smarti in College @smartigraphicdesign

Now that I’m much older, some people find it obnoxious when I introduce myself because they assume I’m bragging or calling myself a genius. Ha! It’s only when they see it written down that it becomes apparent it's just my first initial and last name. SMarti. Nothing special. Just a lucky coincidence. But if I’m really honest, I probably get a kick out of the allusion sticking. I mean, who doesn’t want to be considered clever?

The great thing about nicknames is that it feels like a safe, friendly space too. Close enough to know someone, close enough to be willing to joke. Close enough to feel like you belong. So consider yourself welcome. We can be old friends fast. And I’m happy you are here. There’s more stories and illustrations to come.