What’s the meaning of "Elbongurk"?

This is a long overdue post. We’ve had dozens if not hundreds of people ask and though I’ve explained it just as many times, I have never found a way to distill the story down to that perfect elevator pitch, which is likely why I’ve never written it out.

I still haven’t found it, but I’ve decided to try and tell the story anyhow.

What began as creative freelance outlet for me, Jillian, back in 2004 to help pay my way through graduate school, and later fuel my creative passions while I was teaching graphic design full time at the University of Wisconsin, became a creative partnership between my now husband, Ryan while we were still dating. Among the many things we had in common: craft beer, biking, our nerdy pursuits, above all was a strong desire to create meaningful things.

So, that being said, Elbongurk is no random assortment of letters.; it’s a playful fusion of our last names—Noble and Krug, cleverly reversed and playfully smashed together. The genesis of this moniker dates back to the early days when people still used AOL messenger… In a strange coincidence, we discovered that both of our screen names were variations of our names spelled backward. And so it began.

What started as a side venture soon burgeoned into a full-fledged design agency. When I left teaching and embraced the world of full-time design, the name Elbongurk endured. Yes, it’s a bit of a mouthful, perhaps a tad challenging to spell, but it’s an inseparable part of our journey—one that brims with memories, laughter, and the spirit of collaboration.

So, as you explore Elbongurk, know that you’re not just engaging with a name; you’re stepping into a narrative crafted with love, dedication, and a touch of whimsy.