Forum
Business names
Hi. I thought I'd take this opportunity to introduce myself and ask a niggling question!
I'm planning on breaking into the world of freelance and am at the daunting "naming stage". :ohwell
Although I will be registering as a Sole Trader I plan to use a representative name for website, branding etc.
In your experience do you feel that self titled businesses give an unprofessional or personal touch? Is it really necessary to include "design" or "creative" in the title or are people open to more intelligent ideas. I've been playing around with either using my surname and "designs" or something off the whim which shows a more creative streak...but perhaps less professional sounding and less obvious as to what the business offers?!!
I'm truly intrigued by your opinions on what you believe works in the design industry or simply your personal preferences. I will be initially marketing towards small, local businesses / organisations.
Nice to meet you all :happy
Tamzin
I'm planning on breaking into the world of freelance and am at the daunting "naming stage". :ohwell
Although I will be registering as a Sole Trader I plan to use a representative name for website, branding etc.
In your experience do you feel that self titled businesses give an unprofessional or personal touch? Is it really necessary to include "design" or "creative" in the title or are people open to more intelligent ideas. I've been playing around with either using my surname and "designs" or something off the whim which shows a more creative streak...but perhaps less professional sounding and less obvious as to what the business offers?!!
I'm truly intrigued by your opinions on what you believe works in the design industry or simply your personal preferences. I will be initially marketing towards small, local businesses / organisations.
Nice to meet you all :happy
Tamzin
- Contact in PM
workinprogress
Messages count : 30Likes count : 0Registration : 17 April 2007Hi
I remember having that exact same thought when I started out. I originally had 'Work in progress Design' as I wanted to give the impression that I might be a bigger company able to handle larger jobs and companies. I had that name for over 3 years with a website and all the marketing that goes with it (links etc). All I found was I got a barrage of students asking for placements.
But about a year ago I had a change of heart and renamed it under my own name Richard Baird. This works better for me as when I'm published there's always a consistency regardless of whether the company or designer gets a credit. When I write articles it is my real name that gets published so it ties back nicely to my design work as well.
I'm building me as a brand AND as an individual, they are paying for my passion which is easier to relate too because I'm not hiding behind some meaning less brand name.
Saying all that 'Freelance UK' won't let me change by I.D. here 🙁 - Contact in PM
VictoriaAnn Design
Messages count : 7Likes count : 0Registration : 20 May 2009It's hard isn't it! Even harder to come up with your own logo/branding but that's a different matter.
I was going to choose something sleek, dynamic and edgy (well that's what I had hoped!) and went through a million options before choosing to use my first and middle name - it works very well for me.
Good luck! - Contact in PM
brain
Messages count : 2Likes count : 0Registration : 26 December 2009well it depends on what plans you have for the future. If later on you want to establish a designing company then its better that you give your business a corporate image at the start so that people assume that you are a professional company and not just any free lancer.
On the other hand if you want to carry that on your own then you brand it with your own name so that your people recognize your work by your own name.
(advertising sig removed by FreelanceUK - please see T&Cs, thanks)