Insight on File Naming

I have a methodical approach when using the computer. Basically, every file I create has to be properly named. I really dislike stuff like "New Document.txt" or "Copy (2).txt". I always take the time to give meaningful, thoughtful names for them.

Every work-in-progress, every abandoned project, every throwaway file has an apt name. Even Photoshop layers have their own names, according to what is drawn on them.

I was not like this when I was a kid. I used to name them with random keybashes (sometimes I even had to add an extra letter or two because the exact same keybash had been used earlier). It was faster, yes, but also inconsequential and a source for much headache later on.

Now, this is a good, compelling reason to why I take the time to name my files properly. But I would be lying if I said this was the only reason.

The reason I give proper names to my files is to set my mood when drawing, composing, writing. The name will stay in my mind and urge me not to abandon it until I complete it.

This is even more apparent on my music files: one of the first things I do after writing a couple bars is to give it a meaningful track name that suggests the general feel of the piece and will remain throughout the entire creation and publishing process (useful, since music is not a visual art form and any description is extremely helpful during composition).

I believe that names have a strong suggestive power, and that they are almost sacred in nature. To me, to give a good and meaningful name to something is to appreciate, respect and have faith in the thing being named. This, too, is part of art creation, and I take it very seriously, even if ultimately, no one is going to see it.

And considering that I have been making art for more than 15 years now, being able to recall that one file I created way back in 2013 is a testament of how a good name can have everlasting impact on my creative process.

Of course, this is not a criticism on people who name their files "sakldsakhsa.png" or "final_version (1)(2)(3).psd" - I do this from time to time, I'm just a human being after all. But this is simply how I operate normally, and it has been useful to me ever since.