Understood. I say have both. You seem pretty okay with people knowing your real name, so I wouldn't worry about safety...unless you think you'll have stalkers when you're famous? pls don't forget me when you're big and all
A lot of people know your real name on this site, so you kinda have a following or group of friends if you continue using that name to a different platform. I would suggest not using your full name or not using it at all is if you want to start over. In that aspect, an artist name would be nice.
No problem!! I totally understand. :) Plus it seems like all the dA famous people have AWESOME usernames that sound hip and cool and such. So it can be hard coming up with something that can be recognizable and catchy. Another problem I've run into is that I really don't feel comfortable using both my first and last name publicly, because online safety and stuff. XD That's where for some people, the initials and such work really well. Another problem is making sure your name stands out enough. For example, if you're name is Mary Beth or John Johnson, there a TON of people named Mary and John. How are you going to stand out from the people with the same name as you? It depends on what part of your real name you emphasize or how you arrange it. That's where the artist name is nice because then it's the identity you created for yourself. It's really hard, because a lot of iconic names just end up working out really well. They're unique and they look good in signature. I mean, how many people named Picasso do you know? It's just not fair how their names just work in their favor naturally. XD
There's also always the option of rearranging the letters in your name to create your artist name, kinda like Dr. Seuss. His real last name is Geisel, but on some of his books they have his pen name Theo LeSieg. Weird things can stick, you just got to be dedicated to it and be confident in using it. I mean check out Starlord from Guardians of the Galaxy, it worked out in his favor eventually. XD
Good point Allie! But I don't want my U/N to represent me, as it just represents my fav/least fav characters from another author's work. So it's not very original. ^^;
Gah, so much thinking!! xD
Wow, thank you so much FUN! Your answer was so detailed and look at the pros and cons to it. You've made me realize some stuff I hadn't thought of. I'm always hesitant of using a fake name just because of that reason! I kinda wanna to recognized, but then I realize some artists are really popular on the DA, but their known mostly by their artist name as well. So now I have to really think of a name I'll commit to, or use my real name instead xD
I always thought our u/n would be our artist name?
I would pick something that's at least easier to memorize (ex. your real name). But you can always have an artist name but go by your real name. Sometimes when you make accounts, your artist name is taken so you'll have your real name and vice versa. I have this u/n since I'm a private person but I have thought about using my real name or similar to it.
NOT THE COMPANY ;D (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/02/15 | Reply
I did a lot of research on art names, and I say, if you can come up with one that you really like and that you feel can reflect your work as an artist, go for it! There's a lot of arguments for and against it, but it really depends on the opinion of the artist. I pondered for a long time about my artist name. I really don't like the idea of using my real name simply because I don't think my signature is aesthetically pleasing XD A lot of artists will write their initials or first initial and last name. To me my name was so disproportionate so I didn't like it. xD There's also the consideration of using your maiden name and whether you decide to replace it with a spouse's name if that ends up happening. After all, your artistic identity is super important and it will be with you a long time. But you have to be careful of using a spouse's last name as well.
I think the main argument against artist names is that wouldn't you want your name (what most people consider your ultimate identity, if that makes sense) to be associated with your work? This is the argument that won me over, because I have had an instance where someone didn't believe that I drew something. They know the art but they don't know the artist.
One thing I do suggest if you decide to go with your real name is that you should still make up your own artistic signature that is regular signature, just to protect your other documents from crazy thieving people y'know. xD
I hope that makes sense! I know my comment is kinda one sided, but I think I always think it's important to look at both sides of things. :) Ultimately it's up to you and what you decide<3
I made an artist name that I'll be using as I get ready for college. I think creating an artist name that reflects you and your artistic personality is a great idea! You kind of have to give it a lot of thought, though, to make sure it's a name you'll want to stick with, at least for a while.
Allie Elric
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/03/15 | Reply
@ItachiSasuke:
Understood. I say have both. You seem pretty okay with people knowing your real name, so I wouldn't worry about safety...unless you think you'll have stalkers when you're famous? pls don't forget me when you're big and all
A lot of people know your real name on this site, so you kinda have a following or group of friends if you continue using that name to a different platform. I would suggest not using your full name or not using it at all is if you want to start over. In that aspect, an artist name would be nice.
FUNimation
NOT THE COMPANY ;D (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/03/15 | Reply
@ItachiSasuke:
No problem!! I totally understand. :) Plus it seems like all the dA famous people have AWESOME usernames that sound hip and cool and such. So it can be hard coming up with something that can be recognizable and catchy. Another problem I've run into is that I really don't feel comfortable using both my first and last name publicly, because online safety and stuff. XD That's where for some people, the initials and such work really well. Another problem is making sure your name stands out enough. For example, if you're name is Mary Beth or John Johnson, there a TON of people named Mary and John. How are you going to stand out from the people with the same name as you? It depends on what part of your real name you emphasize or how you arrange it. That's where the artist name is nice because then it's the identity you created for yourself. It's really hard, because a lot of iconic names just end up working out really well. They're unique and they look good in signature. I mean, how many people named Picasso do you know? It's just not fair how their names just work in their favor naturally. XD
There's also always the option of rearranging the letters in your name to create your artist name, kinda like Dr. Seuss. His real last name is Geisel, but on some of his books they have his pen name Theo LeSieg. Weird things can stick, you just got to be dedicated to it and be confident in using it. I mean check out Starlord from Guardians of the Galaxy, it worked out in his favor eventually. XD
ItachiSasuke
Administrator | Posted 02/03/15 | Reply
@Allie Elric:
Good point Allie! But I don't want my U/N to represent me, as it just represents my fav/least fav characters from another author's work. So it's not very original. ^^;
Gah, so much thinking!! xD
Find a reason to smile
ItachiSasuke
Administrator | Posted 02/03/15 | Reply
@FUNimation:
Wow, thank you so much FUN! Your answer was so detailed and look at the pros and cons to it. You've made me realize some stuff I hadn't thought of. I'm always hesitant of using a fake name just because of that reason! I kinda wanna to recognized, but then I realize some artists are really popular on the DA, but their known mostly by their artist name as well. So now I have to really think of a name I'll commit to, or use my real name instead xD
Find a reason to smile
ItachiSasuke
Administrator | Posted 02/03/15 | Reply
@Zuzu Uchiha:
Yeah same for me! It's kinda tricky to find a name you'll commit to :)
Find a reason to smile
ItachiSasuke
Administrator | Posted 02/03/15 | Reply
@elricbrothersfan:
Thanks Elric, I totally agree, I suppose the hard part is for me to actually think about what represents me xD
Find a reason to smile
Allie Elric
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/03/15 | Reply
I always thought our u/n would be our artist name?
I would pick something that's at least easier to memorize (ex. your real name). But you can always have an artist name but go by your real name. Sometimes when you make accounts, your artist name is taken so you'll have your real name and vice versa. I have this u/n since I'm a private person but I have thought about using my real name or similar to it.
FUNimation
NOT THE COMPANY ;D (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/02/15 | Reply
I did a lot of research on art names, and I say, if you can come up with one that you really like and that you feel can reflect your work as an artist, go for it! There's a lot of arguments for and against it, but it really depends on the opinion of the artist. I pondered for a long time about my artist name. I really don't like the idea of using my real name simply because I don't think my signature is aesthetically pleasing XD A lot of artists will write their initials or first initial and last name. To me my name was so disproportionate so I didn't like it. xD There's also the consideration of using your maiden name and whether you decide to replace it with a spouse's name if that ends up happening. After all, your artistic identity is super important and it will be with you a long time. But you have to be careful of using a spouse's last name as well.
I think the main argument against artist names is that wouldn't you want your name (what most people consider your ultimate identity, if that makes sense) to be associated with your work? This is the argument that won me over, because I have had an instance where someone didn't believe that I drew something. They know the art but they don't know the artist.
One thing I do suggest if you decide to go with your real name is that you should still make up your own artistic signature that is regular signature, just to protect your other documents from crazy thieving people y'know. xD
I hope that makes sense! I know my comment is kinda one sided, but I think I always think it's important to look at both sides of things. :) Ultimately it's up to you and what you decide<3
Zuzu Uchiha
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/01/15 | Reply
good question
I have no clue what mine would be.
I mean since 9th grade I was wondering that question aha Its kind of a on going quest I guess lol
elricbrothersfan
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/01/15 | Reply
I made an artist name that I'll be using as I get ready for college. I think creating an artist name that reflects you and your artistic personality is a great idea! You kind of have to give it a lot of thought, though, to make sure it's a name you'll want to stick with, at least for a while.