Should I use my name for my shop name?

[Former_Member]

I am wanting to create a new shop (and maybe close down my old one) that will feature my paintings and other fine art. My old shop Woja had design pieces in it. I want to use my name for my shop title. My hesitation is that my last name is long and complex (for many people). It might not be easy for people to find me. Should I use my name or come up with an alternative name or last name?

[Former_Member]

Ya... I think I would not use your whole last name it would be hard to remember and you want people to remember you and your brand. There's nothing wrong with long names as long as there easy to remember. Perhaps you can find a short way of saying your last name instead? just a thought.

[Former_Member]

Ok darn. I really want to use my real whole last name, but I'm willing to shorten it or use another name if need be. Thank you for your response!

[maydaylabels]

Your last name is difficult in particular because of the Il in the middle (which I assume is capitalized letter I [eye] and lowercase l [ell]), but could be two ells or something.

[TwoTreesWorld]

The "eye" and "ell" problem make you last name even more difficult. Although I think using your full name is professional. You could go for KristensArt or something, but that comes across less serious to me.

But than again, I wonder how many people search by shopname on etsy. Will they not have a card or other reference with your name on it?

My shop was once called TwoTreesBelgium, TwoTrees was not available when I opened my shop.I had to change it when I moved country, so be careful including such references in your name.

[KiltedWoman]

I don't keep cards and when I want to find my favorite shops I rely on memory or going back to my purchase history or favorites. What's wrong with Woja? I think it is distinctive and easy to spell. I would remember it. I would never remember how to spell your last name and even your first name I would remember as Kristy or Kirsten. I am horrible with names.

[Former_Member]

Could you write your name more phonetically? I agree with the above statements - unless you make a remarkable impression on the public/internet, I don't see people automatically going for that spelling or the internet automatically linking unsuccessful attempts back to your shop.

Another option might be to find an easy abbreviation of your name for your "shop name" but use your real name as well. i.e. etsy.com/shops/KMart (lol, don't do that) but then have your full name Kristen McIlhargey Art or whatever on your banner. I don't know if that would be any better for getting you found by name, but it's something to consider.

[TwistedKnickersInc]

I don't find your last name hard at all to remember. Shop name may not matter if you are selling art with a distinct style that people will find easy to search for. When you market your shop you can choose a better font that will make it easier for people to remember your name. For a fine artist, I think using your name is the most "professional".

[Craftegui]

I agree with Marie Robinson about the second option, it's easier for people to find you

[Former_Member]

I agree with Arlene: if you do go for your full name, pick a nice clean font, preferably with distinct "i's" and "l's" (perhaps a serif font?).

[NicholeLillianRyan]

My business name was ratkiss when I first started selling in 2005, (i still have pet rats, which why I picked that name then) but I know rats give some people the heebie jeebies and my art have changed since then.

I wanted to come across more professionally as an artist and have a name that will always be relevant to me and my work whether my art evolves or out grows the name like the first time around, so I using my name, and it's spelled unusually with an H, but I'm happy about it and people will, and still find me. All the best to you and your decision!

[NicholeLillianRyan]

Although I have been thinking of shortening mine....If I could find something that I like and that still incorporates my name, and doesn't get me lost in the world of Nicole/Nichole's of art ;) It's all up to you in the end, maybe use the name you have in you facebook page would work? kmcilhargey

[ImLaughingMyGlassOff]

Do you have a middle initial you could use? KAMart is a little better than without the A.

[Former_Member]

I don't think your last name is too long. I say go for it! I used my first and middle name for my business.

[ImLaughingMyGlassOff]

I asked my daughters. I said I think it should have the word glass in it. My 9 year old said - it needs to be sassy. And there it was.