How'd you pick your name?

[ChristopherCoy]

I need a 'bidness name' for my DBA, and I haven't a clue what to pick, or how to pick it. I'm french so I thought of "Le Memoires", but that sounds to cliche and non-original. I thought about "CC Imagery", the 'cc' part being my first two initials, but I think that is boring as well. And I dont want plain ole 'christphercoy' photography.

So I was interested in finding out how some of you picked your names, or what tools/resources you employed?

[HotHolly]

I wish I had a cooler name. I went with Belle's Photography (child's name and its at the beginning of the alphabet).

I'd decide what your target market is and not pick a name until you decide on that. If its swank brides Le Coy Portraits sounds swank. If you want kiddos - Purple Pony Photos or something more fun.

Pick your target demo 1st and then consider your product. They have to mesh. And it needs to be highly recognizable, easy to spell, not too long, and distinct. Mine is not distinct...which bugs me.

[CaroleHayes]

We sat down with a couple of glasses of wine, and brainstormed ideas. We talked about what our business is, and what it might eventually be, and what we wanted the name to convey. We wrote down ALL of the ideas we came up with and spent several days going over them, and asking friends' opinions, and finally just made a decision.

I never WAS sure that what we picked (His and Hers Creative) was my favorite, but once we started designing our website and business cards, it started to feel more right, and now I really like it. : )

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

I'd decide what your target market is and not pick a name until you decide on that.

Thats a hard question to answer at this point... LOL I'd have to say though, that of everything I've ever done, 'people' were always the funnest and most enjoyable for me. I'm assuming that eventually I'll want to build a business in the portait world, but as to whether that means swanky brides or not who knows....

[J Eddington]

I have always signed my art work with J and my last name. Once a business name was required it seemed right to keep it up.

[ChristopherCoy]

my last name gets slaughtered all the time... not an option. LOL People insert letters are random, omit letters at random, and make it sound like everything that its not. I've gotten used to it, but I definitely dont want it on photos.

[J Eddington]

Maybe you could use the CC in the name instead of your name (this is bad but an example) Classic Capture, that way you could use the CC but it would be different but reflect your name. and after you decide hire a graphic designer to make it great!

[HeatherLou]

When I first started, I picked Nix Pix Studios, its fun, has my last name, it was original and I loved it. However.......no one could spell Pix or Nix right LOL I heard Nicks Picks, Nix Picks, Nix Pics, blah blah blah. Then, I found a place called Nix Pix Studio (no S) and didn't want to confuse people. So in January, I change my sales tax id to Heather Nix Photography. Since I do children, family, seniors and the occasional wedding, It seems to work.

[HotHolly]

Chris' Le Sexy Studio. lol! You'll have some interesting clients showing up!

[Tom]

I wanted to do something French since I am from New Orleans, but decided not to because too many people can't spell it in Texas. It isn't worth the headache.

Pick something simple.

[HotHolly]

PS - your name will attract a certain type of client, whether you want it to or not.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

I wanted to do something French since I am from New Orleans, but decided not to because too many people can't spell it in Texas. It isn't worth the headache.

Pick something simple.

Wouldn't happen to be Hebert would it! LOL I always get 'herbert' or 'hee-bert'...ITS 'A-BEAR' YA BIG DUMMY!

ChristopherCoy added 0 Minutes and 52 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Chris' Le Sexy Studio. lol! You'll have some interesting clients showing up!

Girl dont play... they got some good money in 'those' kinds of shoots I'm sure! And I aint talkin bout the 'human form' ones either...

[carrbowl]

Simple is the most important...you would think 6 Carr is easy..but of course they even manage to mess that up...of course I wouldn't think of putting Renae in it...I just brainstormed for several days...(I'm not very patient) and kept looking at them, kept saying them and eventually it came to me. You should have something people can remember easily. If you see them at the park and you tell them your name/website, by the time they get home can they remember it?? To me that is key

[CaptainTom]

Your business name isn't exactly set in stone and never to be modified.
I have a couple of DBA's Tom Thompson Photography, and T3 Studios.
I may change the name again to Tom's Le Sexy and Le Naughty photography if I think it will enhance the revenue stream...

[texkam]

After reading some other threads recently..... Find a Branding and Marketing forum and post this.

I need a 'bidness name' for my DBA, and I haven't a clue what to pick, or how to pick it. What do I need?

Sorry guys, couldn't resist.