what's in a name..

[crimsondesigner]

When I first started creating for the web, I did so under the name 'Crimson Shadow Design'. I'm not sure about keeping that name. It seems somewhat unprofessional so I decided to post this in hopes that I could get a little advice.

My husband has been trying to get me to adopt the name of 'The Gilded Pickle' but I'm still a bit unsure.

Do you think I shoud keep the name of 'Crimson Shadow Design' or the more colorful name devised by my husband, 'The Gilded Pickle'.

Any help would be much appreciated.
:help:

Erika

[coxy]

I dont know why, but the name 'The Gilded Pickle' just makes me laugh. :lol2:

And with a name like that, I'd expect to see a site like the flash version of http://www.sugarcreative.com/
I personally think that its a good way to go... but some companies (clientel) would be looking for a more professional and serious approach. But.... I think it shows that you have the testicular fortitude to show who you are, and that you are capable of good work - rather than go the professional and, dare I say it, more 'boring' approach.

I suppose it depends on your personal limitations. I mean, you cant create a site like sugarcreative.com if you dont know how to use flash, right? :)

[Palmer]

I agree that the Gilded Pickle is a little silly but on the other hand, it is memorable :)

[Victoria]

*chuckles* I think gilded pickle wouldn't be taken as seriously as crimson shadow design. :tup:

[ejlain]

Gilded Pickle huh? hmmm, I'm thinking...got my hand on my chin again. I don't know, it's memorable but too many connotations. I like Crimson Design better. Just my opinion.


(P.S. - did she say husband? drats! foiled again) :cry: j/k

[ElKootcho]

The thing to keep in mind is that you're not choosing a company name for you, you're choosing it for your clients. Who are you trying to target? How will they react?

[imageconstrux]

IMHO, as Kootch said, you want something that'll impress the people who will spend money on you. People like me. :)

With that, Crimson Shadow Design sounds like some kind of underworld comic book hero. It does not convey the identity of someone who has years of experience, which is what someone like me likes to see. Even if you don't years of exp, it doesn't mean you have to look like it.

But for that matter, anything with the word 'pickle' in it does not excite me either.

I think the name you choose should be like the logos you see designed here: clean, concise, clear.

Shadow Design has a ring to it. Doesn't even have to be an actual word - did you know that Kodak was a totally made up word? There is no Mr. Kodak. The founder of Kodak just made up something that he thought sounded cool. There was an article in Inc magazine recently about how people choose company names - names spelled backwards, eyes-closed-finger-in-a-dictionary, all kinds of weird stuff.

Encapsulate good ideas, longevity, creativity and professionalism and you'll have a winner. Piece-o-cake, right?

Jeff

[Raja]

it does not matter what your name is, your work will speak volumes, from that, whatever name you have will just sound/look right. Ingenuity in a name only becomes appearant after the product proves likewise

some people just get by on an IP address

:)

[Mike]

Some people should turn on the computer that is powering that IP address ;)

[crimsondesigner]

thanks for the advice. i have found it hard to come up with something that is unique and appropriate. it isn't right to rush into it since so much will invested.

i'll probably go with something other than the two names previously mentioned.
thanks again

Erika

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by naramation@Jun 26 2003, 12:43 AM
Some people should turn on the computer that is powering that IP address ;)
:lol:

[coxy]

Originally posted by naramation@Jun 26 2003, 09:43 AM
Some people should turn on the computer that is powering that IP address ;)
LMAO :lol:

Rox, you got told matey! :P B)

[Raja]

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:angry:

[ElKootcho]

:stupid: :drink:

[Victoria]

:off: Saying off topic, is off topic. Oh the irony. :ph34r:

[imageconstrux]

Y'know, as I think about it, ODR has a point, too. Look at our logo (the Stonehenge logo prior the recent re-design). Looks like low-class Flintstones. Yet it hasn't slowed us down a bit. People have gotten to know our work and the work has then spoken for itself.

So you may not have to contort your brain into funny shapes for weeks to come up with a solid name. Just something clean and simple.

[DenRomano]

I would say it would depend on how you plan to use it. The name would not be important if the client was refered or knows you BUT lets say someone like myself was looking through here looking to hire someone. Names and picture avatars say something about the person.

I even read the little tag lines designers have and would impact my thought process of whom to approach.

Dennis

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by imageconstrux@Jun 26 2003, 06:29 PM
Y'know, as I think about it, ODR has a point, too. Look at our logo (the Stonehenge logo prior the recent re-design). Looks like low-class Flintstones. Yet it hasn't slowed us down a bit. People have gotten to know our work and the work has then spoken for itself.
But who knows how many clients may have passed you by, unbeknownst to you?

[imageconstrux]

Maybe - but seeing as I have to limit my advertising because I already have more work than guys to do the work, I'd say it's working pretty well. But now that I have a cool logo, I may have to turn away even more people!! :)

[Zoe]

when thinking of a name - especially for the web there are a few things to consider...

Is it easy to say over the phone / radio?
Does it have keywords in it for search engines to pick up?
Once hearing the name is it easy to spell?

Sometimes londer domain names can be a lot easier to say and understand than short weird names.

With names like Kodak for instance - it was the marketing that has made that name recognisable.

When you are unknown - you MUST think simplicity - easy to say AND easy to spell. Generally best to stick with American spelling of words as UK and Australia often use both forms of spelling.

My business name is hopeless. It looks good on paper but to say it is very difficult. I always have to spell it out. But it was my partners business name that I just started to use as well.

Most people think I am saying Demix rather than Demex.

What I usually do when looking for a name is think about what service I am offering, who I am trying to attract and jot down some keywords that describe my service.

Then see if you can tie any of them together for a two or three word phrase. Then to get more options start looking up the keywords in a thesaraus and get a list of other words meaning similar things. You would be surprised at how many good names you can come up with.

Also the other great thing you can do is come up with a name for your business/site and then buy other domain names that are keyword rich (hyphens are best to use for these). Set up an entry page with these 'extra' domain names and link through to your site. Search engines will LOVE these pages with keyword rich domains and should (fingers crossed) jump you up the line.

Well I think I have given a few tips away today... :)